Climate Change Minister Chris Bowen stated that “Smart meters are a key first step to putting solar panels on your roof and a battery at the back door.”
The Australian federal government has allocated $50 million (US$33.8 million) to assist in the deployment of smart meters for electric vehicle chargers and solar panels by an Australian company.
The government believes that these smart meters will empower Australians to manage their energy consumption effectively and reduce utility bills.
The smart meters will be provided to households through a loan from Clean Energy Finance Corporation to smart-meter provider Intellihub.
According to the government, these smart meters will help families optimize the use of solar panels, EV chargers, air conditioning, and hot water systems, offering added convenience.
The government explained that smart meters enable households to consume less energy, take advantage of flexible pricing, identify faults and outages quickly, and avoid estimated bills.
The government highlighted that improved coordination of consumer energy could contribute to 66 percent of the National Electricity Market’s energy storage by 2050.
Climate Change and Energy Minister Chris Bowen emphasized that smart meters play a crucial role in integrating solar panels and batteries into households, ultimately reducing energy bills and unlocking savings for Australian households.
Assistant Minister for Climate Change and Energy Jenny McAllister pointed out that smart meters provide increased visibility, choice, and control for small businesses and households.
She added, “Australian homes and businesses are increasingly opting for renewables due to cost-effectiveness, and the government is supporting them with user-friendly technology.”
Concerns Over ‘All Renewables’ Approach: Coalition
Discussing the reliance on renewables, Nationals Leader David Littleproud expressed concerns about the government’s significant subsidies for manufacturing and emphasized the importance of baseload power to address energy needs.
Littleproud raised concerns about the government’s exclusive focus on renewables, highlighting the need for a diversified energy mix to mitigate risks.
The coalition proposed constructing seven nuclear reactors to ensure reliable baseload power in the future.
CEFC Emphasizes Importance of Smart Meters
The Clean Energy Finance Corporation (CEFC) underscored the significance of smart meters and behind-the-meter (BTM) devices in Australia’s energy landscape.
The CEFC’s funding will enable Intellihub to accelerate the deployment of smart meters and enhance investments in BTM devices.
Monique Miller, CEFC’s chief information officer on renewables and sustainable finance, highlighted the role of smart meters in enabling consumers to monitor and optimize their energy usage effectively.
Intellihub CEO Wes Ballantine expressed confidence in the positive impact of coordinating consumer energy resources on grid stability, with support from the CEFC.
Additionally, ARENA and the Australian Energy Market Operator are collaborating on a national consumer energy resource data exchange to facilitate the integration of rooftop solar and home batteries into the electricity grid.
