A smart meter is a digital meter that records a home’s energy use in at least 30-minute intervals. The data is then sent to the relevant electricity retailer, usually daily. Here we explore the potential of smart meters to help you cut down on electricity usage and save on energy bills.
Do I need to install a smart meter?
As of December 2017, all new and replacement meters in Australia must be smart meters. You may already have one in your home. The Australian Energy Market Commission has recommended a 100 per cent uptake of smart meters by 2030.
Unlike older accumulation meters that only display the total amount of electricity used, a smart meter works as a digital two-way communication system that measures how much electricity you use and when. Households can then use this meter data information to help save energy or better manage energy costs.
If you’ve got solar panels, a smart meter can also record the amount of electricity you export back to the grid. Smart meters measure consumption more accurately than other meters, so having one can help you switch to a cheaper deal. We show you how.
But my old electricity meter is working fine
No problem. You can continue to use your current electricity meter for meter readings of your electricity use carried out by an authorised meter reader. However, having a technician come to your home to read your electricity meter is increasingly becoming a thing of the past, thanks to the rollout of smart meters. By using a smart meter, your retailer can bill you for exact use in real time with no more estimated bills. You also have the option for smartphone or in-home display of electricity usage. This will equip you with the information needed to find the best available energy deal.
Benefits of smart meters
There are several benefits to replacing your current meter with a new smart meter. Let’s recap some significant advantages:
- Smart meters reveal more detailed energy consumption and solar panel export data, which can help you find ways to be more energy efficient.
- Smart meters let your energy provider connect or disconnect your power remotely, meaning fewer delays when you relocate or swap electricity retailers.
- Smart meters allow your energy distributor to better monitor the quality of your electricity supply.
- Smart meter readings can be accessed on your mobile phone.
- Smart meters provide data that you can use to find cheaper electricity deals or more flexible pricing plans.
Saving money with a smart meter
Electricity pricing plans reflect the costs of managing the electricity network, with electricity prices higher in periods of heavy demand, and lower in times where there is less strain on the grid. Typical flexible time-of-use tariff pricing plans operate across three time periods – peak, off-peak and shoulder. Plans vary in both pricing and times, depending on your energy provider and the state you live in. A smart meter won’t automatically lower your power bill, but the smart meter data can show you ways to cut costs, thanks to the real-time energy use information.
Time for a new energy retailer plan?
Australian households and businesses now have the necessary information to find a better energy deal. That’s where GoSwitch, Australia’s favourite energy price comparison service comes into the picture, but first it’s worth asking yourself a few questions.
- Do you want flexible electricity tariffs to take advantage of off-peak times?
- Do you require a flat rate electricity charge 24/7?
- Do you want a renewable energy carbon neutral plan?
- Do you want a service provider that allows you to sell solar energy back to the grid?
- Do you require smart meter installation?
Comparing Australian Energy Plans
Energy retailers have room to negotiate the best deals for residential and small business customers in our deregulated energy market. The amazing GoSwitch energy price comparison search engine is the easiest and fastest way to compare attractive deals from energy retailers in NSW, Qld, Vic, SA, the ACT, and Tasmania. The GoSwitch service is 100% free and you can explore:
- Flexible plans (fixed price, off-peak, controlled load, time-of-use electricity, and more)
- Bundle-deals for gas and electricity consumption
- Sign-up incentives, discounts, rebates, and special offers
- No lock-in contracts; No exit fees
- Smart Meter reading for fine-tuning household energy usage.
- Carbon offsets, lower emissions, and solar feed-in tariffs
- Direct debit credit card and other monthly billing options
- Business tariffs for small business customers and electric vehicle owners.
Find better electricity retailer deals with GoSwitch
GoSwitch compares great deals from Australia’s leading electricity and gas retailers. The GoSwitch energy retailer price comparison search engine does the math for you, and you can switch energy retailers in a few simple steps:
- Get started – Create an energy usage profile using your postcode.
- Compare energy deals – Use the GoSwitch energy retailer price comparison search tool.
- Set up and save – Your GoSwitch energy expert can help you make the switch, stress-free.
If you want to lower electricity bills with a better deal, or are relocating locally or interstate, now is the perfect time to make the switch and save money with GoSwitch!
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