AER-Approved Program
Smart Meters Are Being Rolled Out Across Australia
We’re upgrading older electricity meters to Type 4 and Type4A smart meters as part of a national rollout running through 2030. We (or our metering provider on our behalf) will contact you before your meter is scheduled to be exchanged.
Why:
To support Australia’s growing energy needs and improve the reliability of the energy network by replacing old meters with smart meters.
When:
Progressively between now and 2030 (you’ll be notified before your site is scheduled)
Power outage:
Typically around 1 hour during installation
What you need to do:
Use the Smart Meter Consent Form to choose / confirm date
Why your meter is being upgraded
Smart meters are being installed to support Australia’s shift to renewable energy and improve how the electricity network operates. They provide faster access to usage data, help networks detect and respond to faults more quickly, and support newer energy technologies like household solar, batteries and electric vehicles. The upgrade also replaces ageing meters that are nearing end-of-life, improving billing accuracy and reducing the need for manual meter reads.
Rollout timeline
NOW-2030
Meter exchanges will occur progressively nationwide
Before your exchange
(If you have not booked an installation date)
You'll receive a notice with a 5-business-day range for when the work will occur
By 30 Nov 2030
The rollout aims to have smart meters installed for all NEM customers in participating states
Benefits of a Smart Meter
Once installed, your smart meter can help to:
- Greater accuracy and timely bills based on your actual electricity usage
- Avoid estimated bills – no need for manual reads
- Track your electricity use more easily, helping you understand when and how you use energy
- Access flexible pricing plans (where available), such as time of use options that may better suit your lifestyle
- Support future energy services, like solar, batteries and electric vehicles
Your Rights
- Access to a safe and reliable installation, with minimal disruption
- The choice to decline a Type 4 meter and instead receive a Type 4A meter
- Ability to request remote access be disabled after installation
- The option to request a meter accuracy test or raise concerns through our Customer Care team
- To decline site defect remediation (the exchange will be delayed until the site is safe)
A Virtual Power Plant (VPP) links your home battery (or rooftop solar + battery) to a network. Together, they behave like a single power station to support the grid when needed.
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Aenean non facilisis odio. Donec pellentesque ligula urna, sed efficitur nibh consectetur ac. Morbi pharetra sapien et pretium congue. Nullam facilisis, lacus non accumsan sollicitudin.
Aenean non facilisis odio. Donec pellentesque ligula urna, sed efficitur nibh consectetur ac. Morbi pharetra sapien et pretium congue. Nullam facilisis, lacus non accumsan sollicitudin.
Your Rights
- Access to a safe and reliable installation, with minimal disruption
- The choice to decline a Type 4 meter and instead receive a Type 4A meter
- Ability to request remote access be disabled after installation
- The option to request a meter accuracy test or raise concerns through our Customer Care team
- To decline site defect remediation (the exchange will be delayed until the site is safe)
A Virtual Power Plant (VPP) links your home battery (or rooftop solar + battery) to a network. Together, they behave like a single power station to support the grid when needed.
Aenean non facilisis odio. Donec pellentesque ligula urna, sed efficitur nibh consectetur ac. Morbi pharetra sapien et pretium congue. Nullam facilisis, lacus non accumsan sollicitudin.
Aenean non facilisis odio. Donec pellentesque ligula urna, sed efficitur nibh consectetur ac. Morbi pharetra sapien et pretium congue. Nullam facilisis, lacus non accumsan sollicitudin.
Aenean non facilisis odio. Donec pellentesque ligula urna, sed efficitur nibh consectetur ac. Morbi pharetra sapien et pretium congue. Nullam facilisis, lacus non accumsan sollicitudin.
What to expect during a smart meter exchange
On the scheduled date:
- The meter installer will introduce themselves, show their ID, and check the meter area is safe and easy to reach.
- Power is temporarily switched off so the exchange can be completed safely.
- Final readings are taken from your existing meter, then it is removed and the new smart meter is installed.
- Once the installation is complete, the technician will turn your power back on and make sure everything is working properly.
Your Responsibilities
- Provide safe access to meter location
- Secure any pets during installation
- Notify us of access restrictions
- Remediate site defects
What to expect during a smart meter exchange
On the scheduled date:
- The meter installer will introduce themselves, show their ID, and check the meter area is safe and easy to reach.
- Power is temporarily switched off so the exchange can be completed safely.
- Final readings are taken from your existing meter, then it is removed and the new smart meter is installed.
- Once the installation is complete, the technician will turn your power back on and make sure everything is working properly.
Change to Tariff, Pricing, and Contract
A smart meter upgrade may make new tariff options available and change the way your electricity usage is measured. To keep things simple, we won’t change your plan for at least two years after installation unless you give us your explicit consent. If any new options or plans become available during this period, we’ll notify you and explain them clearly so you can choose what works best for you.
We may adjust your retail tariff structure two years after the installation date, but we will provide advance notice before any changes take effect.
Site defects
If a site defect is found during the meter exchange, the installer will explain the issue and why it must be fixed before the smart meter can be safely installed. We will also send you a letter confirming the defect and the steps to have it rectified. In most cases, a Level 2 electrician will be required to inspect and repair the issue. Until it’s resolved, your smart meter installation may be delayed and you may continue to receive estimated bills or require manual meter reads.
Smart Meter - Accelerated Smart Meter Deployment
If your meter is safely accessible, you may not need to be home. If access is restricted (locked gate/meter room), someone 18 years or older may need to be available to provide access.
Yes. Your electricity supply will be temporarily interrupted during installation. In most cases, the outage is around 30 minutes, but it can take up to 2 hours depending on the site and installation requirements.
No, you can not opt out of installing a smart meter. However, you can choose between a communicating smart meter (Type 4) or a non-communicating smart meter (Type 4A).
If you don’t nominate a preferred date, an appointment will be scheduled for you and you will receive at least 5 business days’ notice in advance.
If safe access cannot be provided, the appointment may need to be rescheduled and a new date will be arranged.
There is no upfront cost for the smart meter exchange when it is scheduled as part of the rollout.
A site defect is an issue near the meter that makes it unsafe or not possible to complete the installation. This can include things like damaged wiring, an unsuitable meter board or enclosure, or unsafe materials near the meter area such as asbestos.
The installer will explain any site defect found during the visit. We will also send you a notice outlining the defect and the steps required to fix it. In most cases, you will need to arrange a Level 2 electrician (qualified to work on the electricity network) to inspect and rectify the issue before the smart meter can be installed.
You will be able to access and track your usage via CovaU MyAccount. Alternatively, you may call us on 1300 689 866, or email support@covau.com.au to request your usage. A digital or hard copy of your usage can be provided free of charge upon request.
Your Protection
Regulatory Framework
The ASMD program is governed by the Australian Energy Regulator (AER)
Under the National Electricity Rules, eligible customers are entitled to receive a compliant smart meter installation at no additional cost. The meter upgrade is part of a national initiative to modernise energy infrastructure and improve grid reliability.
Supplementary Information
Additional resources and documentation
AER Smart Meter Guidelines
Official regulatory framework and consumer protections
Privacy & Data Policy
How your energy data is collected and protected
Smart Meter FAQ
Comprehensive answers to common questions
Customer Enquiries and Complaints
Contact our team for further information and support