Rule Change: Open
Overview
On 11 September 2025, the Australian Energy Market Commission (AEMC) published a draft determination proposing a framework to enable access to real-time data from smart meters.
We consider that all consumers should have access to real-time data as part of their electricity service. We have proposed a draft rule that would see the fleet of meters progressively upgraded to enable access to real-time data at no charge.
Our draft determination is to:
- enable all consumers to request access to real-time data from smart meters from 1 January 2028
- enable representatives appointed by customers and accredited by the Australian Energy Market Operator (AEMO) to also access the data, subject to the relevant customer's consent
- change the meter minimum service specifications (min specs) so that all new meters installed from 1 January 2028 would be capable of communicating real-time data
introduce an enabling framework to define the service and associated roles and responsibilities including:
- a definition of real-time data in the National Electricity Rules (NER)
- AEMO-specified real-time data procedures
- a requirement on retailers to facilitate access to real-time data
- a requirement on metering coordinators (MCs) to facilitate access to real-time data in accordance with a retailer's request and any requirements specified in AEMO's real-time data procedures.
Our draft rule proposal reflects the outcomes of stakeholder consultation undertaken to date and the findings of an independent cost-benefit analysis.
We consider that our draft rule is a low-cost way of providing the option to access real-time data to the greatest number of consumers.
The cost of changing the min spec is approximately 66 cents per customer per year. We would expect these costs would be indiscernible in a final bill to consumers even if a retailer chooses to pass these costs through. We also consider that these costs would reduce over time, and continued competition in the retail and metering services markets would counteract any impact of this draft rule.
We acknowledge that not all customers would have access to real-time data at no charge until all meters installed before 2028 have been replaced. If these customers want access to real-time data from smart meters, they may choose to pay their retailer a charge to retrofit or replace the meters to access real-time data from the smart meter, or install other devices to access real-time data, consistent with current practice.
We are seeking stakeholder feedback on our draft determination by 23 October 2025.
We are also holding an online forum on October 2 for stakeholders to ask questions and provide further feedback in response to the draft determination. You can find further information and register your attendance on the event page.
Context
Real-time data from smart meters can help consumers lower their bills, unlock rewards for using their energy flexibly and help deliver the energy transition.
Our draft rule would directly benefit consumers and complements our broader CER reform agenda, including supporting the integration of CER.
As part of the Australian Energy Market Commission's (AEMC) vision of our shared energy future, we considered that improving data flows is essential for the transformation of our energy system into one that is smarter, more flexible and responsive to consumer needs, and more affordable. Innovative technologies and market developments are creating new opportunities for consumers. We consider that all consumers should have the opportunity to benefit from these developments, and we have a range of initiatives recently completed or in train that seek to deliver on this ambition.
Our Metering Review found that providing access to real-time data would benefit consumers. Providing consumers and their appointed representatives with low-cost and efficient access to real time data represents the next step in the reform agenda established in the Metering Review, and ensures that all consumers can access the opportunities that new metering technologies offer.
Our draft determination follows several rounds of stakeholder engagement.
On 10 October 2024, the Commission published a notice advising of the initiation of the rule making process and consultation in respect of the rule change request.This notice was published under section 95 of the NEL and 251 of the NERL. A consultation paper identifying specific issues for consultation was also published. Submissions closed on 7 November 2024. The Commission received 39 submissions as part of the first round of consultation.
We published a directions paper on 30 January 2024, and submissions closed on 20 February 2025. The Commission received 41 submissions as part of the second round of consultation.
The Commission considered all issues raised by stakeholders in submissions. Following responses to the directions paper, the draft determination was extended to 11 September to accommodate an independent CBA. The findings of the independent CBA and the stakeholder responses to the directions paper are discussed and responded to throughout this draft rule determination.