Our meter readers access residential properties once every three months. They access commercial properties, monthly to read the meters.
You are responsible for ensuring that we can safely access the meter. If we can’t access the meter, we’ll leave a card asking you to submit the meter reading to us within 48 hours so we can provide you with an accurate bill.
If we don't receive the reading from you we will estimate it and the read type on your bill will display as 'estimated'. Learn more about estimated reads.
Types of power meters and how to read them
Electronic interval meters
Electronic meters are used in both residential and large commercial premises. Depending on the electrical requirements at your home or business, you will have either a single phase or a three phase meter installed.
Standard mechanical meter
These meters have been used for many years and perform extremely well under adverse environmental conditions.
Prepayment meter
Power is paid for as used with a prepaid metre. No connection fees, no bill surprises, and use as much or as little electricity as needed.
Locating the power meter
You can arrange installation of meters to suit your tariff requirements through your power retailer.
Urban and rural properties
The power meter is usually located in a metal box on the front or side of your house.
If you live in a unit, you may have to ask your body corporate where to find the meter. Rural consumers will usually find the power meter in a metal box on a pole at the front of their property.
Commercial properties
The power meter is usually located in a common area or near the entrance.
Some neighbouring commercial customers cluster the meters together in an easily accessible common area.
Remote properties
The power meter is in a metal box on the front or side of your house or a pole at the front of your property.
If you have queries about the meter, contact us as we are your power retailer as well as the network provider.
Frequently asked questions about power meters
You can arrange installation of meters to suit your tariff requirements through your power retailer.
How will the meter be read if I have a solar PV system?
If you have a solar PV system, the power you generate feeds into the local network via the power meter.
The meter records how much power your solar PV system produces. We download this information and provide it to your power retailer to offset your bill.
Learn more about solar PV power systemsWhat happens if I have locked gates?
If you keep your gates locked, we encourage you to purchase a Power and Water padlock (with a fully-refundable deposit) so we can access your property to read the meter.
To purchase a Power and Water padlock contact us.
If it's not safe to enter the property, for example an unrestrained dog, or we can't gain access, the meter reading may be estimated.
Learn about estimated meter readsMy bill is higher than usual, is the power meter faulty?
Power meters are precision instruments, subject to rigorous inspection and testing before installation. However, sometimes customers with high power bills believe the meter may be faulty and request a meter check.
Although meters are rarely the cause of increased accounts, you can contact your retailer to request a meter check. There is a charge for this service which is refundable if the meter is found to be faulty.
Do you test power meters?
We have an ongoing program to test power meters to ensure they continue to operate correctly and measure your electricity use accurately. The older mechanical meters may slow as they age and as the internal parts wear may not record your usage accurately. We test meters in accordance with the National Electricity Rules (Northern Territory) .
When do you replace power meters?
We aim to replace power meters when they are almost at the end of their operational life expectancy, before they fail and while they are still measuring your electricity use accurately. We install smart meters (electronic interval meters) for all meter replacements and all new connections. We replace meters in accordance with the National Electricity Rules (Northern Territory) .
Why are you using smart meters?
Smart meters have become the industry standard and offer a variety of benefits including:
- Better billing accuracy: Providing more accurate billing and reducing the need for estimated reads
- Reduced need to enter property: They can be read remotely, so there's less need for us to enter your property
- Compatibility: They're compatible with home solar PV installations and home batteries, making it easier to integrate renewable energy sources
- Engineering data: The data allows us to analyse and support increased solar PV connections
- Improved safety: The data helps us to monitor and respond to faults in the power network
- Cost savings: They help to reduce costs of routine and special meter reads.
