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ASKED QUESTIONS

Smart Meters

Here’s what you need to know about smart meters, the upgrade process and everything in between.

About smart meters

Do I need a smart meter to make the most of the Flow Home electricity plan?

While you can use Flow Home while you’re on a basic meter, we don’t recommend it. You won’t have full functionality of the product without a smart meter, and won’t be able to influence your rate.

A smart meter enables live data access to your app, ensuring you know when the best times to use electricity are.

If you don’t have a smart meter currently, we will help arrange an upgrade for you, once you’ve successfully signed up for Flow Home.

Why do I need a smart meter to use Flow Home?

A smart meter unlocks many of the features of the Flow Home plan. If you have one, you’ll be able to view and shape your live data usage through the Flow Power app.

A smart meter will also accurately report when you used electricity, which will influence your Price Efficiency Adjustment.

How will I know if I need a metering upgrade?

If you live in NSW, SA or QLD, you’ll need a meter upgrade. We’ll organise this for you at no additional cost, in partnership with Green Metering.

What will my current meter type mean for using Flow Home?
Smart meter with live data (a ‘Zigbee’ meter)                          If your smart meter has live data enabled, you can take full advantage of your electricity plan and tools.

You’ll be able to view and shape your live energy usage, to influence your Price Efficiency Adjustment (PEA).

 

Smart meter without live data   If you have a smart meter that doesn’t have live data enabled, you’ll be able to take advantage of some features but won’t experience the full functionality of your electricity plan.  

You’ll be able to review your energy consumption data from the day before and will receive regular advice on how you can shape your usage, which will help you shape your Price Efficiency Adjustment.  

However, you won’t be able to see your live usage and may not be able to see some data graphs.  

 

Basic meter   If you’re on a basic meter, you won’t have access to information and advice on your live energy use. However, we’ll help you take advantage of general information about the energy price while you wait for your smart meter upgrade. 

Our in-app Energy Forecast will help you find price efficient times to use energy, over the course of a day or a week. You can use this feature to shape your Price Efficiency Adjustment.  

Once your smart meter upgrade is completed, you’ll be able to experience the full functionality of the Flow Home app, including your live data. 

The smart meter installation process

How much does a smart meter upgrade cost?

Flow Power typically doesn’t charge for smart meter installation, but in some rare cases (e.g. when we need to change where your meter is housed) additional costs may arise.

We’ll always inform you and get your consent for any potential charges from us or third parties (like meter providers or distributors) before starting any work.

Additional charges may include fixing any wiring issues, safety hazards, asbestos or accessing the meter. If specialised metering equipment or weak mobile signals are needed, this could also result in additional costs.

How long will it take to get my smart meter installed?

Please note that it can take around 60 days for your smart meter upgrade to be completed once you’ve signed up.

What does the upgrade process involve?

If your home doesn’t have a live data enabled smart meter, we will arrange a metering upgrade. Here’s what the meter upgrade process will involve:

1: First, your home will need to be successfully transferred to Flow Power. (This can take around 7 days).  

2: We request a meter exchange for your house with the national metering database. (This can take around 7 days).  

3: Once the change request is accepted, we’ll ask our metering provider to arrange a date for the meter upgrade with you. (This can take around 21 days). 

4: The final step will vary dependent on your location. For customers based in Victoria, we will request for your distributor to pair your Flow Hub to your meter. For customers in New South Wales, Queensland and South Australia, once connnected, your smart meter will communicate directly with your Flow Power app.  

The metering upgrade process can take some time, but we’ll be here to support you through the upgrade journey. To avoid delays, please update us with your meter position and access requirements. 

What happens to my smart meter if I cancel my Flow Power electricity plan?

The smart meter will remain on the property it was installed at (regardless of whether you’re renting or own your property) and can be used with any new electricity provider.

Preparing for your smart meter upgrade

What should I do to prepare for my smart meter upgrade?

There are a few steps you can take to make sure the upgrade goes smoothly: 

  • Ensure the installer can easily access your electricity meter (clear any objects blocking the meter box). 
  • Secure pets, especially dogs, away from the work area. 
  • Unlock any gates or provide access instructions. 
  • Let us know if there are any safety concerns (e.g. asbestos meter panels, building work nearby). 
What if my meter is inside?

If your meter is inside your property (e.g. garage, laundry, basement), you’ll need to be home to let the installer in.

Will there be a power outage?

Yes, there will be a short interruption to your power supply (usually less than 30 minutes). The installer will let you know before switching the power off.

Who will carry out the installation?

We work with accredited metering provider, Green Metering, who will contact you directly to schedule the upgrade. 

What if I can’t make the scheduled appointment?

Please contact your Green Metering installer as soon as possible to reschedule. Missed appointments may delay your access to live data.

Have more questions? we’re here to help

If you have any questions, please contact our friendly team.