Time to change the meter
What to expect when it is time to change the meter
When the meter installation at your premises is coming up, you
will receive a letter from us approximately 40 days out from the
scheduled meter exchange. A second letter will then be sent to you,
outlining a 10-day period during which the meter will be exchanged
and the old meter removed.
We ask that you make sure
the qualified installer has safe and clear access to the meter box
at your home or business during those 10 days. Please contact our
meter installer on 03 9937 6777 in advance if the installer will
need to make special arrangements to gain access to the meter box
on your property.
Installing the meter
When the installer comes to your property, they will wear a
branded uniform and carry an identification card. If you are home,
they will inform you when they start and when they have finished
the meter exchange.
Importantly, the installer will complete a safety check at your
premises, including checking the meter enclosure, board and
connector box, and will tell you if their check highlights any
safety issues. If it is not safe to install the new meter, they
will let you know how to manage any issues.
Your electricity will be off for about 30-60 minutes while the
meter is exchanged. Please take any advance precautions necessary
before the power is switched off (such as with your computer or
alarm system). You can call 03 9937 6777 to check if you have any
further questions about how to prepare.
Upon completion of the installation
When the installer has finished installing the new meter, they
will complete an Energy Safe Victoria approved safety card and
leave it at your premises along with printed instructions on how
you can read the meter.
After your smart meter is installed, you may be offered a
voluntary Time-Of-Use (TOU) tariff from your electricity retailer.
A TOU tariff is a pricing structure that changes depending on the
time of the day you are consuming power. In high demand periods
(peak), charges will be higher than during lower demand periods
(off-peak). Retailers may have different products or TOU tariffs,
which will become available over time giving you an opportunity to
find the one that best suits you.
Reading the new smart meter
The smart meter will look the same as or similar to the picture
below. The total usage register is accessed by using the “scroll”
button to select register ‘3’ on the meter’s LCD display.
It is important to note that we, together with all other
Victorian electricity distribution businesses, have rigorous
systems to ensure that smart meters and associated communication
networks are equipped with security features to prevent
unauthorised access. Data access will be in accordance with the
Privacy Act and National Privacy Principles.
For more information on how you can read your energy consumption
online at Energy Easy, our new web portal, or via an
in-home display, please click
here