Smart Meter Frequently Asked Questions

Smart Meter FAQ's

Q What is a smart meter?

A A Smart Meter is an advanced type of meter (usually electrical) that identifies consumption in more detail than a conventional meter (typically half hourly consumption data) and may communicate that information back to the local utility for monitoring and billing purposes.

Q How can I read the smart meter?

A You will receive a How to read your smart meter  (397KB) instruction booklet at the time when your smart meter is installed.

Q Can I see my solar panel generation on the smart meter?

A Yes, you are able to see your solar generation on the smart meter. Depending on the type of meter not all fields on the display of the smart meter may be available. If your meter is set up for solar generation you can view the generation from the solar for the current and previous calendar month. Please read the “How to read your smart meter” document provided above.

Q What happens with the standard manually read electricity meter?

A The standard manually read electricity meter will be removed and replaced by the smart meter.

Q Can the old electricity meter be re-installed again?

A The same old electricity meter will not be re-installed again. If you want to change electricity retailers from Origin to another retailer, the other retailer may not be able to provide you a service and they may choose to replace the meter with another one.

Q Somebody came out to read the meter, why?

A If someone came out to read your meter, this may be a misunderstanding. The smart meter does not need to be read manually anymore as all the electricity consumption data is electronically transferred back to the local utility for monitoring and billing purposes. The meter reader may not have been updated by the network distribution company about the meter change at your property.

Q My bill does not match up to the smart meter information online or with the meter information, why?

A That is correct. The bill will never exactly match up with what the information recorded online or on your meter. The two key reasons why the information does not entirely match up are firstly because the bill data is aggregated and may not take into account exactly the same period as per the online usage or smart meter information. Secondly, the data appearing on your bill has been validated for possible errors or inaccuracies which may mean there is not an exact match with the online usage or smart meter data.