This Guidance covers energy retailers’ obligations and responsibilities to customers when deploying or replacing smart meters under the National Energy Retail Rules and National Electricity Rules and sets out the AER’s compliance expectations.
The information in this publication is for general guidance only. Compliance with this document will not provide a guarantee against enforcement action by the AER. Definitive legal interpretation of relevant legislation is reserved for the Courts. Retailers should seek independent legal advice on compliance related matters. The AER will approach each potential compliance and enforcement matter on a case-by-case basis, consider all relevant circumstances, and apply the factors set out in the AER’s Compliance and Enforcement Policy.
This Guidance is part of a broader AER work program related to the accelerated smart meter rollout. We are working on publishing separate guidance on the obligations relating to Legacy Meter Replacement Plans, as well as the Explicit Informed Consent and Site Defect obligations in due course.
Background
In November 2024 the Australian Energy Market Commission published a final determination and final rules for the Accelerating smart meter deployment rule change project which commence progressively between 5 December 2024 and 1 July 2026.
Amendments to the National Energy Retail Rules to enhance customer communications, provide comprehensive information and better facilitate customer-initiated smart meter replacements, commence on 1 June 2025.