DIGITAL SMART METER INSTALL

[SHAOLIN]

I've just contacted your digital metering team to request the install of a digital smart meter at the rental property I've just moved into.  I was told that, while the installation of the meter would be free of charge, I'd have to get an electrician to do some work prior to the install and this would be at my own expense.  Why are AGL putting hurdles in the way of smart meter installations when it's proven the world over that they reduce costs and carbon footprints?  Surely as an energy company you should be conscious of these factors and be actively promoting their use.  I've been a loyal customer of yours for many years.  Perhaps it's time for a rethink!

[Ellen1 · Accepted solution]

Hi Shaolin! 

Welcome to AGL Community! 

We absolutely want to encourage everyone to have smart meters, this is the way the world is heading which is why we absorb the cost of the meter installation itself however if the existing power board is not up to standard or is possibly too small then that needs to be resolved before we can install the meter. 

Thank you 

Ellen

[SHAOLIN · Accepted solution]

Thanks for your reply, Ellen.  I'm not totally satisfied with it though.  How do you know anything about my existing powerboard if no one has been to look at it?  Can you tell its size and condition over the phone? It sounds to me like I'm just being fobbed off.  That's way I've decided to contact EWON to get some straight answers.

[-Steve-]

Hi Shaolin, without looking at the account, I could not advise why you have been told this. I would recommend getting in touch via messenger in the AGL App or via My Account and we can review further. 

[Bondi_Boy]

Good morning. I have received a letter saying my electricity meter is being replaced with a smart meter. Is there any way I can decline this? I'm happy with my current meter.

[Lester]

@Bondi_Boy in the past I declined several meter upgrades, up until when we got solar in late 2023, then you have to get the digital smart meter for the 2 way comms.

However . . . I just googled > can you decline a smart meter install agl

The AI answer > No, you generally can no longer refuse a smart digital meter from AGL or other energy retailers in the National Electricity Market. Under national rule changes implemented by the Australian Energy Market Commission, the legal right to opt out of a smart meter rollout officially ended. [1, 2]

Further, this is no doubt due to the mandate for the transition to phase smart meters into all households across participating states by 30 November 2030.

This may only apply to NEM states, which I guess you might be living in NSW from your username.

You SHOULD be able to stay on a single rate tariff though, not go to a possibly riskier, and unfamiliar TOU plan.
Single rate plan SHOULD be same as existing analogue meter tariffs, so . . .

Check this out beforehand, along with tariffs for various options, you may of may be better off on either option when considering your household usage.

If you are forced onto a TOU plan, no option to stay single rate, then you will have to check if any other retailers will offer single rate in your region, or just try and adapt to TOU tariffs for when you can use power more economically (I know that can be awkward !).

Good luck with the change.