Is there a cost for installing a smart meter?

Hugh McKenzie

Updated February 25, 2024 11:25

Amber covers the cost of the smart meter installation in the majority of cases (read here about the situations where we may not).

Once installed, the ongoing cost of owning a smart meter is about $75 a year. We've already included the cost of this in the total Daily Supply Charge, which you can see in your free energy quote (when you get a quote by entering your postcode on our homepage).

We attempt to install a smart meter for every Amber customer who doesn't already have one. Around 90% of the time we're able to successfully install a smart meter at no additional cost. We can do this in any situation where the meter is safe to upgrade as is.

However, around 10% of the time, smart meter installs require additional electrical work to make your existing meter safe to upgrade. Depending on the type of work required, you will need to either pay the isolation fee or find a registered electrician to complete the work before we can raise another request to install the smart meter. Because our margin is only our monthly subscription fee, we typically can't cover the cost of any additional work.

You won't be obligated to proceed with or pay for, any additional work if they're required. We'll still be able to pass through wholesale prices if you choose to remain on a basic or interval meter - you can read a bit more about this here.

Here are some common factors that can make your smart meter install more complex, and increase the likelihood that additional work will be required. If you think any of these factors may apply in your case, please give us a heads-up when we schedule your smart meter install.

No switch to isolate the meter. This is most commonly needed for older blocks of units, apartments, or townhouses, where multiple electricity meters sometimes share the same power supply. An optional isolation procedure (at additional cost) may be required for the electrician to safely install the new meter without cutting power to other homes.
Not enough space to fit the smart meter in the meter box (they're a bit bigger than basic and interval meters).
Exposed or unsafe wiring.
Asbestos in or around the meter box.

We'll send a meter installer to your property to attempt to install a smart meter. If the attempt fails (usually for one of the above reasons), we'll let you know as soon as we can.

We'll explain any additional work that is required and whether you will need to find a registered electrician to complete the work. If an isolation is required then we can help organise this with your go-ahead and we'll pass through the cost with no markup. You'll always have the option not to proceed and to remain on a basic meter or interval meter if you choose, and will continue to receive Amber's typical wholesale rates.

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