Smart meters vs basic meters: how to tell the difference and why it matters

Not all electricity meters are the same and knowing which one you have can make a big difference to how you manage your energy. 

As Australia’s electricity system becomes smarter and more renewable, smart meters are playing a key role in helping households take control of their energy use, save on costs, and access more renewable power. 

Here’s how to tell if your meter is smart, how it compares to a basic meter, and why upgrading could benefit your home. 

How to tell if you have a smart meter

A smart meter is a digital device that automatically records your electricity usage in near real time and sends it to your retailer remotely. 

In contrast, a basic meter (also called an analogue or accumulation meter) measures your total electricity use over time, but not when that electricity is used. It usually needs to be read manually by a meter reader. 

You can tell what type of meter you have by checking: 

1. The display

• Smart meters have a digital screen showing your usage in kilowatt hours (kWh). 
• Basic meters use rotating dials or mechanical counters. 

2. How your bills are read

• If your bills show estimated readings or a meter reader visits your property, you likely have a basic meter. 

• If your bills are always based on actual readings, and you rarely (or never) have estimates, you may already have a smart meter. 

3. The label or model number

Most smart meters include model names such as ‘AMI’, ‘Type 4’ or ‘Interval Meter’. You can also check with your retailer or distribution network if you’re unsure. 

For more detail, read our guide: How to read your meter. 

Why smart meters matter 

Smart meters are an essential part of Australia’s transition to renewable energy. They provide accurate, real-time information about how and when your household uses power, and when you export electricity from solar panels back to the grid. 

This data allows you to: 

• Access flexible pricing plans like Flow Home that reward you for using energy when it’s cheaper and more renewable. 

• Track your energy use through the Flow Power app in real time. 

• Export solar at high-value times, maximising the value of your rooftop system. 

• Receive more accurate bills, with fewer estimates or delays. 

Smart meters also help electricity networks detect faults faster, manage grid safety, and integrate renewables and batteries more effectively.  

How smart meters work with Flow Home

Smart meters are the foundation of Flow Home’s wholesale-linked electricity plan, which gives customers access to cheaper, cleaner energy when renewables are abundant. 

Because a smart meter records when energy is used, Flow Home customers can take advantage of low-cost, renewable periods and make informed decisions about when to run major appliances, charge batteries or export solar. 

Upgrading to a smart meter improves visibility of your home’s usage, while helping to build a more renewable, flexible and affordable electricity system for everyone. 

Flow Home is now available in Victoria, New South Wales, South Australia and Queensland.