On 26 May 2009, the AER released its final decision on smart meter reassignment requirements that will apply to Victorian electricity distributors before they can shift customers to time of use tariffs.

The AER's decision implements requirements in the ESC's Electricity Distribution Price Determination 2006-10, that makes provision for tariff reassignment to occur where a smart meter is installed at a customer's premises.

Smart meters, which are being installed under a Victorian Government requirement between 2009 and 2013, will expose customers to new time of use tariffs, delivering real time pricing. This will enable customers to better track their energy use and potentially shift some of their consumption to off-peak times and obtain cheaper tariffs in return.

The AER's final decision takes into account submissions from stakeholders and distributors, following release of the draft decision in March 2009.