The Australian Energy Market Commission (AEMC) considers that all consumers should have access to real-time data as part of their electricity service.

On 18 December 2025, the AEMC published a final determination and final rules to enable all consumers and their appointed representatives to access real-time data from the smart meter.  

Under our final rule, from 30 November 2028:

• all customers and their appointed representatives can request access to real-time data from smart meters
• the meter minimum services specification will be changed, so all new meters installed will be able to communicate real-time data wirelessly
• customers with these new meters will have access to real-time data free of charge
• customers who want access but do not have these meters can pay a reasonable charge to either replace the meter, retrofit the existing meter, or another low-cost solution if available
• customer-appointed representatives can access real-time data after first obtaining their customer's consent and, if they are not registered participants, becoming accredited by AEMO
• metering coordinators (MCs) will be required to facilitate access to real-time data according to AEMO's real-time data procedures. AEMO must publish real-time data procedures by 30 November 2026 that further specify relevant standards, protocols and technical requirements to communicate real-time data.
• MCs will be required to implement appropriate protections to protect data from unauthorised access.

Over time, all consumers will have access to real-time data free of charge. Until that time, those customers who want to access to real-time data can request it for a reasonable charge, and those that do not wish to pay a charge will still benefit from better CER integration.

Our final rule will benefit all consumers by enabling a more efficient, lower-cost, and lower-emissions energy system
As part of the Commission’s vision of our shared energy future, we consider 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.

The new framework created by our final rule increases the amount of information available to consumers about their energy use, allows consumers to better understand and manage their bills, and opens up access to new and better retail service options. More broadly, it will benefit all consumers by enabling a more efficient, lower-cost, and lower-emissions energy system.

Providing consumers and their appointed representatives with access to real-time data represents the next step in the reform agenda established in the Metering Review, and enables all consumers to access the opportunities that new metering technologies offer. 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.

Access to real-time data is a key enabler of the efficient integration of consumer energy resources (CER). This can provide significant benefit to all consumers, including lower system costs through better access to more low-cost, low-emissions energy from CER and demand response.

Context

The final determination followed recommendations from the Metering Review 
Our Metering Review found that providing access to real-time data would benefit consumers. We considered that access would enable consumers to maximise the benefits of smart meters by using data from the meter to inform better energy management practices. The Metering Review recommended a set of reforms, including accelerating the rollout of, and accessing real-time data from, smart meters.

Providing consumers and their appointed representatives access to real-time data represents the next step in the reform agenda established in the Metering Review.

The final determination was shaped by stakeholder input
The final rule was informed by stakeholder input on our consultation and directions papers, our draft determination, and an independent cost-benefit analysis (CBA) published alongside our final determination.

On 10 October 2024, the Commission published 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.

To publish a directions paper, we extended the timeframes. The directions paper was published 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.

Based on stakeholder feedback, the Commission engaged Oakley Greenwood to undertake a CBA. We extended the publication of the draft determination to consider the CBA.

The Commission published a draft determination, draft rule and draft CBA report on 11 September 2025. The draft determination represented a shift from the directions paper proposal based on stakeholder feedback and findings of the draft CBA.

On 2 October 2025, we held an online forum where stakeholders had the opportunity to ask questions about the draft determination before providing formal submissions to the draft determination.

Submissions to the draft determination closed on 23 October 2025. The Commission received 32 submissions as part of the third round of consultation, and these have been considered in developing the final determination and final rules.

During the rule change, we also held bilateral discussions with stakeholders to discuss technical and other issues related to the rule change.