Consumers will soon have access to real-time data about their electricity usage, paving the way for more advanced, consumer-friendly electricity services, following changes announced by the Australian Energy Market Commission (AEMC) today.

In a final rule from the AEMC, all new smart meters installed from 30 November 2028 will have the capability to wirelessly communicate real-time data.  

As part of the changes, customers with these meters will have the right to access their real-time data, free of charge. Over time, as all meters are replaced, all consumers will have access to real-time data free of charge.

Customers whose meters are not due for replacement until after November 2028 have different options. They can choose to pay their retailer a reasonable charge to upgrade their meter, or install an alternative device, consistent with current practice.

The regulatory updates are directed at giving customers greater choice, to access more information about their energy use, through better quality data, at low cost.

AEMC Chair Anna Collyer said the changes will mean all consumers can benefit from a real-time data stream to better manage their consumer energy resources (CER) such as solar, battery and electric vehicles, or gain a better understanding of the way they use electricity to save on bills.  

“Australia’s energy system is evolving - we are world leaders in the uptake of solar and this is being outpaced by the adoption of residential batteries as consumers continue to embrace the range of options now available to them,” Ms Collyer said.

“These innovative technologies are creating a system rich in data, and supporting the flow of this information is essential for the transformation to an energy system that is smarter, more flexible, responsive and critically, affordable for consumers.  

“Future-proofing household smart meters with real-time communications functionality will set a stake in the ground, a signal to innovators about the kinds of technologies and services they should design.”

Ms Collyer said the AEMC’s rule change will enhance interoperability between energy platforms and technologies and support market competition, so that consumers are not locked into, or limited by, proprietary technologies and software.

“This is similar to Europe’s recent market regulations that mean Apple products, like charger cables, now have to work with third-party products,” Ms Collyer said.

“With strict consumer consent, third-party service providers will be able to use the data to provide other services – a greater range of options – that would deliver value for consumers now, and into the future.

“This could include services that make a person’s life easier by managing devices in their home or business to save on bills without having to lift a finger, or, support integration of CER into the grid to eventually lower costs for all consumers.

“We encourage retailers and innovators to make consumers aware of the benefits of real-time data services in the coming years, and, invite consumers to be on the look out for the services that will work best for them.”

The AEMC’s changes also include a number of consumer and cybersecurity protections, such as accreditations for third-parties and requirements not to disclose real-time data without the consent of customers.  

As part of its final decision, the AEMC conducted an analysis of the costs and benefits associated with accessing real-time data directly from the meter in the long-term and was satisfied the cost of facilitating this change was small relative to the potential benefits.  

These costs will form part of a regular electricity bill, similar to how consumers are already charged for other metering services.  

The rule change follows recommendations made by the AEMC in 2023 and responds to a rule change request from Energy Consumers Australia (ECA). 

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Media: Jessica Rich, 0459 918 964, media@aemc.gov.au