Smart Meter Upgrades Are Coming (Non – VIC)
Here’s what it means for Dodo Power & Gas customers
On 28 November 2024 , the Australian Energy Market Commission (AEMC) finalised new rules to speed up smart meter upgrades across the country.
These rules aim to get all households and businesses using smart meters by 2030, making energy use smarter, easier and more affordable for everyone.
These meters help you track your energy use, get more accurate bills, and access smarter energy services.
It’s all part of a national push to modernise Australia’s electricity grid – and you’re an important part of it.
We’ll keep you in the loop every step of the way.
For further information on the accelerated smart meter rollout, visit aemc.gov.au/rule-changes/accelerating-smart-meter-deployment
Why’s your meter being upgraded?
It may be replaced if:
- We received a fault notification from the distributor
- You’re installing or upgrading a solar system
- Your meter has been selected as part of a retailer led new meter deployment or as part of a Legacy Meter Replacement Plan (LMRP)
How we notify you about your meter upgrade:
There are two ways your meter upgrade may be arranged:
Our Notice-Based Process
We’ll send you a written notice before anything happens. It’ll include:
- Why your meter’s being upgraded
- When it’s likely to happen (a five-business day window)
- If there are any upfront charges
- Any tariff changes
- The benefits of a smart meter
- Your rights – including switching off remote access
- How to contact us or get interpreter support
Our Explicit Informed Consent (EIC) Process
In some cases, we’ll need your Explicit Informed Consent (EIC) before we can install your smart meter.
What’s EIC?
- Why the upgrade’s happening
- When it’ll happen (a five-business day window)
- Any costs or changes
- Your right to disable remote features
Scenario | You’ll get notice | You’ll need to give EIC |
|---|---|---|
Faulty, unsafe or non-compliant meter | Yes | No |
You’ve asked for the upgrade | Yes | Yes |
Part of an area-wide rollout | Yes | Usually* |
*It depends on whether the upgrade is mandatory based on the meter’s condition | ||
After the installation, we’ll send you a written notice to confirm the work has been completed.
When Will It Happen?
We’ll install your new meter within 15 business days of getting your consent (if needed) and we’ll confirm the exact timing in advance.
Why smart meters are a smart move
- No more estimated bills
- Track energy use in near real time
- Access flexible pricing like time-of-use tariffs
- Faster outage detection
Safety comes first
If our metering coordinator spots a defect – like damaged wiring or asbestos – we’ll pause the job and let you know what needs fixing.
It’s up to the property owner to get this sorted before we can continue and we’ll let you now if there’s any cost applicable and you rights to refuse to remediate site defects.
Got questions or need a hand?
- Call us on 13 36 36
- Need a translator? Call 131 450 (TIS National) and ask them to contact Dodo Power & Gas
Frequently Asked Questions
Smart Meter Upgrades with Dodo Power & Gas – Accelerated Smart Meter Deployment
From 1 June 2025, energy rules are changing. If your meter is faulty, unsafe, out-of-date or you’ve asked for something like solar, it might need to be upgraded.
We’re also rolling out upgrades in some areas as part of a national push.
- Tracks your energy use in near real time
- Sends data remotely (no more manual reads)
- Supports flexible pricing like time-of-use
- Works with solar and smart home tech
Yes, and we’ll let you know:
- Why it’s happening
- When it’s likely to take place (within a 5-business-day window)
- Any upfront charges
- Tariff changes
- How to get in touch
- Your rights – including remote access options
Sometimes. you’ll need to give Explicit Informed Consent (EIC) if:
- You requested the upgrade
- The meter isn’t faulty or legally required to be changed
We’ll explain what’s involved and ask for a clear “yes” from you – either over the phone or in writing.
We’ll let you know upfront if any charges apply.
In many cases, especially if your meter’s faulty – there’s no cost to you.
Possibly. Smart meters don’t use more power, but they do give more accurate readings.
You might notice a change if:
- You move to a different pricing plan
- if you frequently received estimated bills
Keep an eye on your usage and reach out if something doesn’t look right.
- Your power might go off for around 30-60 minutes
- Our metering coordinator will check everything is safe
- You’ll get confirmation once it’s done
Smart meters rely on mobile networks to send data. If there’s poor coverage at your property, we may need to issue estimated bills until the issue is resolved.
If this is the case, we’ll let you know if an antenna will be suitable in improving remote capabilities and we’ll let you know if there’s any charges.
- Yes. They meet strict Australian safety standards and use very low levels of radiofrequency (RF) – well below public health limits.
For more information, visit the Australian Radiation Protection and Nuclear Safety Agency (ARPANSA) at arpansa.gov.au/understanding-radiation/radiation-sources/more-radiation-sources/smart-meters.
Yes. Your usage data is protected by privacy and cybersecurity laws.
Only authorised organisations – like us, your distributor or AEMO can access it and only for approved reasons.
For more details, view our Privacy Policy at dodo.com/terms-policies/privacy-policy.