Smart meters get a bad rap for being unsafe and unsecure, neither of which is true.
They are key enablers in the transition to net zero because they support the future technologies, services, and innovations of a modern and renewable energy system.
So, we thought we’d bust some myths around smart meters, and give you a few good reasons to get one.
Smart meters will not give you radiation poisoning.
A smart meter emits about as much radio frequency (RF) as your cellphone or other WiFi device, like your Google Nest. In fact, RF exposure from smart meters is well below recommended safety levels – you would need to stand next to a smart meter for 375 years to get the same exposure that you get from using your cellphone for 15 minutes a day for a year.
Smart meters send your energy usage data about every four to six hours. They transmit for under a minute daily in many short, low-power bursts. For perspective, your phone connects to the network, even if you’re not actively using it. Plus, the World Health Organization has cleared smart meters as safe.
Smart meters cannot spy on you.
Smart meters are not that smart. They only record how you use energy and send the encrypted data to your energy retailer. They cannot record what’s going on in your house, especially since they’re outside, locked in your meter box.
Smart meters also have multiple layers of security, including encryption and secure data transmission protocols. And from 1 November 2023, all energy retailers with more than 10,000 customers must comply with the federal government’s Consumer Data Right (CDR) legislation. The CDR gives you more control over your energy data and lets you decide who to share it with.
Smart meters will not increase your electricity bill.
On the contrary, smart meters can help reduce your energy bills because they provide more accurate readings than traditional meters. The detailed data can help you better understand energy usage patterns and help you reduce your bills by adjusting your consumption habits. Unlike traditional meters that only support flat tariff plans, smart meters support dynamic pricing models that can save you money during off-peak hours.
Your energy retailer cannot control your electricity through your smart meter.
While smart meters can be disconnected remotely, your energy retailer will not routinely control, throttle, or manipulate your energy supply without your knowledge. Smart meter capabilities are governed by strict regulations and consumer protection laws, so retailers are limited in what they can do.
For example, you would have received multiple reminders and warnings if you have not paid your account, so having your electricity cut off in that instance should not come as a surprise. And if you volunteered to be part of a demand response programme, you have given your retailer permission to reduce your consumption during peak periods, so that should come as no surprise, either.
Smart meters are not fire hazards.
Smart meters are as safe as traditional meters. They only become fire hazards if they’re not installed properly or if there were pre-existing electrical issues.
Good reasons to upgrade to a smart meter:
- No more bill estimates. You’re only billed for the energy you use.
- Real-time data. Allows you to monitor your usage patterns and make informed decisions about your energy habits.
- Cost savings. Identify energy-intensive habits or appliances and make changes, or switch to time-of-use pricing.
- Integration with smart home systems. Allows for automated energy-saving measures.
- Support for renewable energy. Measure energy consumption and generation and sell excess energy back into the grid.
How to get a smart meter:
You will need to contact your energy retailer to upgrade your electricity meter. Usually, they’ll do this at no cost, but some may charge installation or admin fees, so be sure to ask about those.
Some retailers will switch you to a time-of-use tariff when you install a smart meter.
We recommend that you explicitly ask to stay on your current plan when you request a smart meter. Once you’ve signed up for EnergyFlex and we start collecting your data, you’ll have a better understanding of how you use energy and, therefore, a better idea of which plan is best for you.
Remember, you can change your plan and retailer as often as you like.
Here are the meter request webpages for the largest retailers:
Remember, a smart meter is just a different way to collect your energy data so you can get more accurate bills and insights to reduce them. When connected to your EnergyFlex account, you can make energy-smart decisions that will reduce your energy bills and emissions, making you an active participant in the journey to becoming Renewables Ready.
