Smart meter installation timeframes 

Find out more about New Connections and meter exchange timeframes. Whether you’re a property owner, renter, builder, or electrician, we can help. 

Timeframes and responsibility 

Understand who is responsible for your meter and how long a new connection and meter exchange takes. 

 

ACT, NSW, QLD, SA 

What you need to know 

Across ACT, NSW, QLD and SA, your energy retailer is responsible for your electricity meter this includes installing a new meter. The timeframes are set by industry rules, unless we’ve agreed on something different with you. It usually takes:  

  • 11 working days from the site being ready for New Connections 
  • 20 working days from the site being ready for any meter exchange (including solar), but Origin will aim to complete it within 15 working days 
  • Meter fault timeframes
    For small customers, the meter will be replaced within 15 business days of the fault being reported.  
    For large customers, the meter will be replaced within 2 business days. 
    In some cases, if the issue is part of a larger meter fault, repairs or replacement may take up to 70 business days
  • If there are defects at your property, these will need to be fixed before we can replace the meter. If there’s a shared fuse, the installation may take longer
VIC

 

Timeframes by situation

We’ve broken down the most common scenarios. So you know what to do and what could happen. 

You’re getting an older meter replaced with a smart meter in ACT, NSW, QLD or  SA 

The timeframes are set by industry rules, unless we’ve agreed on something different with you. It usually takes: 

  • 11 working days from the site being ready  for New Connections 
  • 20 working days from the site being ready for any meter exchange, but Origin will aim to complete it within 15 working days 
  • Meter fault timeframes  
    For small customers, the meter will be replaced within 15 business days of the fault being reported
    For large customers, the meter will be replaced within 2 business days
    In some cases, if the issue is part of a larger meter fault, repairs or replacement may take up to 70 business days
  • If there are defects at your property, these will need to be fixed before we can replace the meter. If there’s a shared fuse, the installation may take longer

 

You’re getting an older meter replaced with a smart meter in VIC 

20 working days is the regulated timeframe for any meter exchange by your distributor.

You’re building a new property 

This is called a ‘new connection’. 

Timeframe

We’ll arrange to install your meter either: 

  • on a date that we agree on – just give us a call on 1300 137 932 so we can chat through this with you, or 
  • within 11 working days from the date we’re informed that the connection service is complete

This timeframe won’t apply if:

  • you haven’t provided the correct paperwork for the meter to be installed, or the paperwork is incomplete 
  • the meter provider can’t safely access your site or meter box, or they’re prevented from entering the property  
  • the site isn’t ready, and all work required at the premises isn’t yet complete 
  • you’ve entered into an aggregated agreement with us that says the timeframes don’t apply 

If your property shares a fuse with other properties, switching off the power to install your meter will also affect their electricity supply. Installation and timing will depend on scheduling with the distributor and metering providers.  This will be done within the timeframes set by industry rules.

Timeframes will begin when the above has been corrected and you’ve let us know. 

You’re making simple changes at your existing property, like installing a pool or a solar PV system 

This is called an ‘addition’ or ‘alteration’. 

Timeframe

We’ll arrange to install your meter either: 

  • by a date that we agree on – just give us a call on 13 24 61 so we can chat through this with you, or 
  • within 20 working days from the date we receive the completed application from you

This timeframe won’t apply if: 

  • you haven’t provided the correct paperwork, or the paperwork is incomplete  
  • the meter provider can’t safely access your site, meter box and main switchboard, or they’re prevented from entering the property 
  • there are safety concerns like site defects, these can include things like not being able to isolate the power supply, not enough space on the meter board, damaged wiring or asbestos
  • the site isn’t ready, and all work required at the premises isn’t yet complete 
  • If your property shares a fuse with other properties, switching off the power to install your meter will also affect their electricity supply. Installation and timing will depend on scheduling with the distributor and metering providers. This will be done within the timeframes set by industry rules  
  • you’ve entered into an aggregated agreement with us that says the timeframes don’t apply 
  • the request is for a new connection or a planned rollout of smart meters

Timeframes will begin when the above has been corrected and you’ve let us know. 

You’re making complex changes at your existing property that require larger metering works

his is also called an ‘addition or alteration’ but involves more than just replacing the electricity meter. 

Timeframe

We’ll need to work with your local network distributor to coordinate the works and we’ll arrange to install your meter either: 

  • by a date that we agree on with you and your distributor, or  
  • within 20 working days after we’ve received the completed application from you

This timeframe won’t apply if: 

  • you haven’t provided the correct paperwork, or the paperwork is incomplete 
  • the meter provider can’t safely access your site, meter box and main switchboard, or they’re prevented from entering the property 
  • there are safety concerns like site defects, these can include things like not being able to isolate the power supply, not enough space on the meter board, damaged wiring or asbestos
  • the site isn’t ready, and all work required at the premises isn’t yet complete 
  • turning off the power at your site will impact the electricity supply of other properties 
  • you’ve entered into an aggregated agreement with us that says the timeframes don’t apply 
  • pre-work needs to be done before the meter is installed like installing a large meter board or increasing the capacity to transmit or distribute electricity 
  • the request is for a new connection or a planned rollout of smart meters

Timeframes will begin when the above has been corrected and you’ve let us know. 

Want to know more about smart meters? 

There’s a shift happening across the energy industry. Older meters are being replaced with smart meters. Smart meters are a part of the future of modern energy. The majority of VIC homes and businesses already have smart meters and by 2030, smart meters will be rolled out across NSW, QLD, SA and the ACT. Find out more by visiting our Accelerated Smart Meter Deployment page.