Stop Smart Meters Australia 18july2025.
The Australian Energy Regulator (AER) clearly states in its Guidance to retailers that consumers have the right to a Type 4A non-communicating smart meter when deploying or replacing smart meters under the National Energy Retail Rules and National Electricity Rules. However, it seems that many retailers are ignoring this and advising customers they have no choice but to accept a smart meter with an active communications card that emits electromagnetic radiation 24/7.
The following extract is from the AER’s Guidance to retailers:
Right to refuse type 4 meters and right to request remote access capabilities be disabled after installation
Customers retain the right to refuse a smart meter with remote access capabilities and functions enabled (type 4 meter) and instead receive a smart meter with remote access disabled (type 4A meter). Customers who have a type 4 meter installed also retain the right to request remote access capabilities and functions be disabled at any time following the smart meter installation.
As part of informing customers of these rights in the Notice, the AER encourages retailers to explain how customers can exercise these rights. (Page 11)
WA’s Western Power, although not part of the national electricity market, also clearly specifies in its FAQ webpage that customers can request to have the communications device removed (with certain exceptions) from their meter at any time.
Unfortunately, in Victoria, where smart meters were mandated via Victorian Government Orders in Council, consumers do not have the same rights as other Australians. Once a smart meter is installed, they rarely are able to have the communications card removed and have meters read manually.
Source – Stop Smart Meters Australia – You have a right to a non-communicating smart meter…
