Australia’s electricity market is undergoing a major upgrade, with a goal of replacing all legacy electricity meters with smart meters by 2030. This transformation is being driven by the Australian Energy Market Commission’s (AEMC) Accelerating Smart Meter Deployment (ASMD) reforms. These changes are designed to modernise the National Electricity Market (NEM), improve energy efficiency, and provide consumers with greater access to energy usage data.

What Is a Smart Meter?

Smart meters are digital devices that automatically record your electricity usage at frequent intervals and communicate this data directly to your energy provider. They replace older accumulation or interval meters and allow two-way communication between your property and the electricity grid.

Key Features:

• Access to detailed interval usage data
• No more manual meter reads
• Faster fault detection and remote troubleshooting
• Greater access to flexible energy plans and solar optimization

Who Is Affected?

The smart meter rollout applies to:

• Residential customers
• Small to medium businesses
• Properties located in NSW, ACT, QLD, and SA (excludes Victoria, where a separate rollout has already occurred)

Customers with older meters will be contacted as part of the scheduled upgrade process. If you already have a smart meter, no action is required.

Rollout Timeline Under the LMRP

The Legacy Meter Replacement Program (LMRP) sets out milestones for national smart meter deployment:

Installation: What To Expect

• Advance Notification: CovaU (or our metering provider) will contact you before the installation.
• Scheduling: An appointment will be proposed, typically within a few weeks
• Brief Power Interruption: Installation may take 30 minutes to 2 hours, during which power will be temporarily shut off.
• Post-Installation: Your new smart meter will begin recording data automatically—no action needed on your part.

Cost and Fees

There are no upfront costs if your meter is being replaced as part of the national ASMD rollout.

Fees may apply if you request a meter upgrade outside of the scheduled rollout or require additional electrical work (e.g. switchboard upgrades, asbestos removal).

See Meter Exchange – Fees and Charges for more information.

Preparing for Your Smart Meter

Check your current meter: If it’s a basic meter that’s read manually, you’ll likely be included in the rollout.

Plan for short downtime: Notify household members or staff ahead of the scheduled installation.

Explore new plan options: After your upgrade, you may become eligible for flexible or time-of-use tariffs that better suit your energy usage habits.

More Information:

AEMC: Accelerating Smart Meter Deployment

AEMO: LMRP and Metering Services Reform

The post AERs Smart Meter Roll Out: What you Need to Know appeared first on CovaU Energy.

Record Levels of Renewable Energy Generation

Australia’s renewable electricity generation has reached record levels, now accounting for over one-third of all electricity produced in the country. The increased investments in solar, wind, and hydro projects has driven this significant milestone. The Australian Energy Update in 2025 highlights that renewable energy sources are playing a crucial role in reducing carbon emissions and transitioning towards a more sustainable energy future.

Cybersecurity in the Energy Sector

Australia’s cybersecurity efforts in the energy sector are more critical than ever. The Australian Energy Sector Cyber Security Framework (AESCSF) continues to play a pivotal role in assessing and enhancing the cybersecurity resilience of energy organisations. The Australian Energy Market Operator (AEMO) developed this framework in collaboration with the government and industry groups. This ensures that energy systems are protected against evolving cyber threats. Key initiatives include:

Offshore Gas Decommissioning Roadmap

The Federal Government has launched a roadmap to decommission offshore gas facilities. This initiative aims to address the environmental impacts of aging infrastructure and ensure safe and efficient decommissioning processes. The roadmap outlines the steps needed to manage the transition and repurpose or dismantle offshore gas platforms.

Net Zero Targets for Renewables

New Offshore Wind Regulations

New regulations for offshore wind energy have come into effect, paving the way for the development of offshore wind farms. These regulations are designed to streamline the approval process. It will also encourage investment in offshore wind projects, which are expected to significantly boost Australia’s renewable energy capacity.

The Australian energy market in 2025 is undergoing significant transformations, with a strong emphasis on renewable energy and sustainability. At CovaU Energy, we are dedicated to providing you with the latest updates and insights to help you make informed decisions about your energy consumption. Stay tuned for more updates as we continue to navigate the evolving energy landscape together.

About CovaU Energy

CovaU Energy is a 100% Australian-owned company providing electricity and gas to homes and businesses across Australia. We offer competitive energy plans, top-rated 24/7 customer service, no lock-in contracts. We also have incredible rewards for our new and existing clients. For more information about our electricity and gas plans, call 1300 111 688 to talk to our energy specialists. You can also request a quote for the rates in your area. You may also compare plans and directly sign up here.

Sources: cyberdaily.au | UpGuard | AEMO | Energy | energy.gov.au

The post The Australian Energy Market in 2025: The Latest Updates in the Sector appeared first on CovaU Energy.