Considering a smart meter for your business?

A smart meter is an advanced digital version of a manually-read energy meter. It records your use of electricity in 15-30 minute intervals and we use the data to calculate your bill. Use of smart meters varies across Australia—in Victoria, they have already been introduced. In other states, if your current manually-read meter is aging, it will be replaced with a new smart meter. However, there are plenty of benefits to upgrading now.

The benefits of smart meters

Because smart meters remotely transmit your usage data directly to us, there is no need for a meter reader to visit your property. This will remove any access issues your business may face due to operating hours or a locked premises. With a smart meter, due to the consistency of actual usage data, you know you’re paying precisely for the energy you’ve used.

If you’re a Blue NRG customer, you can view your electricity usage data in near real-time through your Blue NRG My Account portal. You can access data in half hourly increments as well as over longer periods, like seasons. This gives you both a broad, bigger picture as well as pinpoint into specific times of day.

Knowledge is power

Real time data provides the opportunity to take action if you experience a spike in energy usage. With a manually-read meter, if your energy peaks it could take weeks or even months for you to realise and respond (perhaps a faulty appliance is responsible). With a smart meter, you’ll know within 24 hours and be able to take action and avoid incurring higher costs. You can also set alerts in My Account so that if usage goes above a particular value, you’ll be notified. Solar PV customers also receive their rebate monthly, rather than quarterly.

Get started with a smart meter

NSW businesses can upgrade to smart meters for no cost. Simply contact us and we’ll arrange for an appointment at your convenience to install the smart meter. After that, it takes up to 15 business days (three weeks) to finalise the transition from the previous meter. For most small businesses a small daily charge applies.

More information about smart meters

Check out the Australian Government resource, energy.gov.au for more information about smart meters and how they help ensure accurate energy bills.

Those benefits again

• Your invoices will be based on actual reads each month – say goodbye to estimates, adjustments and the hassle of meter access issues
• Real time energy data
• More accurate readings
• Set up alerts for energy peaks – and respond faster
• Take control of your energy usage with My Account