Smart meters enable a more connected, modern, and efficient energy system that supports future technologies, services and innovation. Key to realising the benefits that smart meters can provide to consumers individually and as a group is a faster and more efficient deployment.
In 2015, significant reforms were introduced providing a competitive framework for metering services to facilitate a market deployment of advanced metering technology. This review is considering whether these changes have met expectations, as well as whether changes are required to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of the regulatory framework for metering services.
Consultation paper
On 3 December 2020, the AEMC commenced consultation on the review of the regulatory frameworks for metering services and invited stakeholders to provide submissions to the consultation paper. The AER provided a submission to the AEMC on this consultation paper on 11 February 2021.
AER submission - Metering framework review - AEMC consultation paper - 11 February 2021
Directions paper
On 16 September 2021, the AEMC published a directions paper consulting on a package of potential measures that aim to accelerate the deployment of smart meters. The review was subsequently paused and then recommenced in April 2022. The AER provided a submission to the AEMC on the directions paper on 27 July 2022.
AER submission - AEMC metering framework review directions paper - 27 July 2022
Draft report
On 3 December 2022, AEMC released its draft smart meter review report. The report set out a number of recommendations and options to accelerate the deployment of smart meters for consultation, including:
- A proposed target of 100% smart meter coverage by 2030
- Options for legacy meters to be retired and replaced by smart meters
- Measures to improve transparency and customer support.
The AER made a submission to the review, highlighting a variety of issues for the AEMC’s consideration, including the importance of building consumer support for the meter roll out and potential interaction with network regulation.
AER submission - AEMC review of smart metering - 7 February 2023