Types of electricity meter
| Meter | What it records | How it is read |
|---|---|---|
| Basic accumulationDials, a spinning disc or a simple digital counter | A running total of kWh. Cannot tell when you used power. | On site, usually every quarter |
| IntervalManually read interval meter | Usage in 15 or 30-minute blocks | On site, with a hand-held device |
| SmartRemotely read interval meter | Usage in 30-minute or shorter blocks, plus exports | Remotely, over a mobile or radio network |
A home with rooftop solar needs a meter that records exports as well as imports. When you install solar, your retailer arranges a meter change if one is needed, usually to a smart meter. Our smart meter guide covers the national rollout.
Who owns and manages your meter
Since December 2017, retailers in the National Electricity Market have been responsible for arranging meters for their customers. They appoint a metering coordinator, which provides, installs and maintains the meter and manages the data. Older meters are often still owned by the local network. Either way, the meter is not yours, and only an authorised person may work on it.
In Western Australia the network businesses, Western Power and Horizon Power, provide meters. In the Northern Territory, Power and Water does.
Your NMI and meter number
Every connection point has a National Metering Identifier, or NMI, of 10 or 11 characters. It is printed on your bill and stays with the property, not with you. Your meter also has its own serial number. You need the NMI when you switch retailer, connect at a new home or make a complaint. Western Australia uses NMIs as well.
If you think your meter is faulty
Rule out the usual causes
Compare your daily usage with the same time last year and check for an estimated read. A new appliance, a faulty hot water system or a pool pump timer explain most high bills.
Read the meter yourself
Note the reading, switch everything off at the main switch except the meter, and check whether the reading keeps moving.
Ask your retailer for a meter test
Your retailer arranges a test through the metering coordinator. If the meter is accurate you may be charged a fee. If it is faulty, the test should be free and your bills corrected.
Escalate if needed
If you cannot resolve it, contact your state energy ombudsman. See complaints and ombudsmen.
Never touch the meter or seals
Tampering with a meter is illegal and dangerous. If you see damage, scorching or a burning smell, keep clear and call your network's faults line, which is printed on your bill.
Questions about electricity meters
Not you. In the National Electricity Market your retailer arranges your meter through a metering coordinator, which owns or manages it. Older meters may still belong to the local network. In WA and the NT, the network business provides the meter.
Your National Metering Identifier is a 10 or 11 character code that identifies your connection to the grid. It is printed on your bill, stays with the property and is needed when switching retailers, moving in or lodging a complaint.
Check your bill or ask your retailer. A meter with dials or a spinning disc is a basic accumulation meter. A digital meter may be an interval or a smart meter. If your bills always show actual reads and no one visits to read the meter, it is probably a smart meter.
Yes. Ask your retailer to arrange a test. If the meter is found to be accurate you may be charged a fee, so ask about the cost first. If it is faulty, your bills should be corrected.
Usually yes, unless you already have a smart or interval meter that can record exports. Your retailer arranges the meter change after your installer submits the paperwork, and you may not be paid for exports until it is done.
Sources
Every rate on this page comes from the regulator or the regulated retailer. Last checked October 2026. Prices include GST unless we say otherwise.