Level 2 ASP | Metering | Defect Rectification | Board Upgrades
What we do
At Tekwave, we are a team of accredited Level 2 ASP electricians specialising in the safe, efficient, and compliant rollout of smart meters across New South Wales. Working in partnership with a Tier 1 field service provider and leading metering providers, we deliver a complete suite of services for homeowners, property managers, and strata communities. From navigating the latest legislative requirements to managing switchboard upgrades, asbestos risks, and defect rectifications, we ensure every installation is carried out to the highest standards of safety and compliance. More than just installers, we act as trusted advisors—helping clients understand regulatory changes, avoid costly delays, and unlock the benefits of advanced metering technology, including real-time energy insights, accurate billing, and access to emerging energy programs. With Tekwave, you gain a knowledgeable partner committed to making the transition to smart metering seamless, transparent, and future-ready.
Smart meters help build a better energy system by using digital technology to make it more connected and efficient
However; navigating the landscape in Australia for your home and for strata buildings with recent and impending legislation changes adds a new layer of complexity to what is meant to make life easier.
We are focused on demystifying the complexities around smart meters for Sydney homeowners and strata managers.
Keeping up with all the changes can be time consuming and risky:
1. Bottlenecks & Scheduling Delays
- As the deadline approaches, installers will be in high demand.
- Waiting until the last year or two could mean long wait times, limited appointment slots, and less flexibility to choose when the work happens.
- In strata buildings, late action can cause major coordination headaches if multiple units need upgrades at once.
2. Forced Changeover on Short Notice
- If your old meter fails before you’ve upgraded, you’ll be switched to a smart meter immediately — often with little notice.
- This can leave you scrambling to prepare your switchboard or arrange asbestos removal, potentially at higher “urgent job” costs.
3. Higher Upgrade Costs
- If your property needs compliance work (e.g., rewiring, asbestos panel replacement), doing it under time pressure can be more expensive.
- Early upgrades give you time to shop around for electricians and spread costs.
4. Missed Savings & Energy Insights
- Smart meters give you access to real‑time usage data, solar export tracking, and more flexible tariff options.
- Delaying means you miss out on years of potential bill savings and better energy management.
5. Limited Access to New Energy Programs
- Many emerging offers — like virtual power plants, demand response rebates, and dynamic solar feed‑in tariffs — require a smart meter.
- Waiting could mean missing early‑adopter incentives or trial programs in the Sydney.
6. Tariff Changes on the Retailer’s Terms
- If you wait until the last minute, you may have less choice in how and when your tariff changes.
- Upgrading earlier lets you compare plans and switch on your own terms.
What’s happening in the industry?
What is the National Electricity Amendment (Accelerating Smart Meter Deployment) Rule?
The National Electricity Amendment (Accelerating Smart Meter Deployment) Rule, finalised by the Australian Energy Market Commission (AEMC) on 28 November 2024, sets out a plan to ensure all customers in the National Electricity Market have smart meters by 2030. The rule aims to modernise Australia’s metering framework under the National Electricity Rules and National Energy Retail Rules, enabling consumers to access more detailed energy usage data, better manage bills, and benefit from innovative retail services. It also supports a more efficient, lower-cost, and lower-emissions electricity system by replacing outdated type 5 and 6 meters with advanced digital meters.
To achieve this, the rule introduces two core reforms supported by four additional measures. Distribution Network Service Providers (DNSPs) must create Legacy Meter Replacement Plans to schedule the systematic replacement of old meters, while Financially Responsible Market Participants (FRMPs) engage Metering Coordinators (MCs) to carry out installations. The opt-out option for customers is removed, ensuring universal rollout, and new processes are introduced for managing site defects, shared fusing points, and industry coordination. Retailers must notify customers ahead of installations, and MCs must provide DNSPs with basic power quality data, with the Australian Energy Market Operator (AEMO) setting technical specifications.
The rule also strengthens consumer safeguards following stakeholder feedback during consultation. These include measures to address concerns about tariff changes after smart meter installation and enhanced protections for customers during the transition. Key milestones include DNSPs publishing their replacement plans by November 2025, commencement of accelerated rollout processes in December 2025, and full completion by 30 November 2030. Overall, the reforms are designed to deliver a coordinated, transparent, and equitable transition to a fully digital metering environment across Australia.
At Tekwave, we provide Smart Metering Solutions in Sydney, New South Wales, and we’re more than just installers — we’re your trusted local experts in navigating the future of energy. Based in the heart of Sydney’s Northern Beaches, we specialise in the safe, efficient, and compliant installation of smart meters for homes, strata properties, and businesses.
Our founder brings extensive knowledge of Australia’s evolving smart meter legislation and a deep understanding of how these changes impact homeowners, strata managers, and body corporates. From the latest Australian Energy Market Commission rules to the practical realities of meter upgrades, we ensure every installation meets current government expectations — and is ready for the future.
We also know that meter upgrades often involve more than just swapping devices. That’s why we’re experienced in managing asbestos risks, coordinating safe removal where required, and upgrading electrical boards to meet modern safety and compliance standards. Whether you’re a homeowner wanting to take control of your energy use, or a strata committee managing multiple properties, we deliver a smooth, transparent process from start to finish — with safety, compliance, and customer care at the heart of everything we do.
What’s the impact on you as a strata manager, property manager or homeowner?
Universal Smart Meter Rollout by 2030
Every household and strata property in New South Wales will have their old electricity meters replaced with smart meters by the end of 2030. This means no opt-out option — even if your current meter is working fine, it will be upgraded. For residents, this will unlock real-time energy usage data, more accurate billing (no more estimated reads), and access to new retail plans such as time-of-use tariffs. Over time, this could help households better manage energy costs, especially if they adapt usage to cheaper periods.
Installation Works & Compliance Upgrades
The rollout will be coordinated by your electricity retailer and their appointed metering providers, but Distribution Network Service Providers will publish replacement schedules. For some homes in Sydney — especially older properties and strata complexes — meter changeovers may require switchboard upgrades or asbestos removal if old meter panels contain legacy materials. These works can add cost and coordination effort, particularly for strata committees managing multiple units. The new rules also require better handling of site defects and shared fusing points, which should reduce delays but may still mean temporary power outages during installation.
Consumer Protections & Tariff Changes
The AEMC has built in extra safeguards after community feedback, including protections around tariff changes after installation. However, residents should still expect that moving to a smart meter may eventually shift them to different pricing structures — for example, time-of-use rates instead of flat rates. While this can be an opportunity to save money by shifting usage, it may also require changes in household habits. On the positive side, Sydney’s strong uptake of rooftop solar means smart meters will make it easier to monitor exports, optimise battery use, and participate in emerging energy programs like virtual power plants.
Are you a Strata Manager? Get a complimentary consultation.
Upgrade your building’s energy future with confidence. Our complimentary smart meter consultation is designed specifically for strata managers who want a smooth, compliant, and cost‑effective rollout across every unit. We’ll assess your site, identify any switchboard or asbestos risks, explain the latest legislative changes, and map out a tailored installation plan that minimises disruption for residents. With our deep understanding of both the technical requirements and the unique challenges of strata properties, we’ll help you stay ahead of government deadlines, avoid costly last‑minute works, and unlock the benefits of real‑time energy data for your owners and tenants.
