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@AlanElliot1
Rentals for smart meters, yes from previous comment, as long as the electricity bill is in your name.
Usually free of charge if just an upgrade without a specific need.
Why are people asking for smart meters though ?
Ok, it's mandated all homes will have them by 2030 (I think it is), but many people will avoid them like the plague, due to comments from those already forced onto them . . . almost all say their bills are higher after smart meter installation.
If you get solar you must get the smart meter, which allows 2 way communications usage and feed in, and allows shut off or throttling in a grid emergency.
Otherwise, it seems people get told they will be upgraded, and for now you can refuse (I did that 3 times before getting solar later 2023).
The main thing here is that many are put onto TOU (time of use) tariff, and that can be a heavy blow depending on what state / region you are in, your DNSP (electricity provider) tariffs and hours for the various times of use during the day.
It's ALWAYS more costly for power when MOST people need power, early in the morning while preparing for work, and especially late pm / evenings for when working families are home and going through the evening heavy power usage routine.
Eg, here in SA, our peak tariffs apply 13 hours a day !!
For me at least on a special plan . . . 0600-1000, and the worst one 1500 to midnight, and that peak tariff now from yesterday is 57.409c / kwh.
If you are home during the day, you can use more power when cheaper, especially with SSO's (Solar Share Offers), 3 hours free power middle of each day coming online, but watch the much higher daily supply charges and higher peak time of day rates.
While you can usually request to stay on a single (fixed) tariff with a smart meter, to get a SSO you must be on a TOU plan.
While some can benefit from a smart meter, be aware of the traps you can fall into with a smart meter, mainly if you are a working family home with a TOU plan.
