Australia’s Smart Meter Rollout: An Urgent Priority
Australia’s Smart Meter Rollout: An Urgent Priority
As Australia accelerates its smart energy transition, qualified electricians are in high demand to install and commission smart meters. But not all training is created equal.
If you’re looking to enter or expand your role in this growing field, it’s essential to complete all required units — not just a single course — to meet full compliance requirements for metering providers.
From December 2025, the Australian Energy Market Commission (AEMC) will mandate the replacement of all legacy meters with smart meters by 2030 across the National Electricity Market (NEM). This shift aims to create a more flexible, consumer-focused energy system, powered by real-time data and smarter load management. (Source: Energy.gov.au, AEMC announcement click here)
With over 5 million smart meters to be installed, the industry faces a critical skills shortage — particularly among electricians who hold all the required nationally recognised competencies.
What’s Required? More Than Just UEEEL0078
While many training providers offer UEEEL0078 – Install and commission whole current electricity meters, this unit alone is not enough to work for recognised meter providers listed on the NSW Fair Trading site, such as IntelliHub, Plus ES, and Vector Metering.
Pipeline’s Smart Metering Course
At Pipeline Training Australia, we deliver a comprehensive, nationally accredited 3-day metering training program, designed to meet current compliance and industry needs.
Included Units:
- UEEEL0078 – Install and commission whole current electricity meters
- UETDRMP007 – Perform rescue from a live low voltage (LV) panel
- UETDRMP010 – Provide first aid in an ESI environment
- HLTAID009 – Provide cardiopulmonary resuscitation
The course combines critical theoretical knowledge with practical, hands-on experience. Participants gain the skills required to safely install and commission meters, while meeting safety and regulatory expectations for working on or near the distribution network.
By enrolling with Pipeline, you avoid the hassle of sourcing separate providers for additional units. Some organisations only deliver UEEEL0078, meaning electricians must pursue extra training at extra cost to meet compliance for meter providers and safety schemes. Pipeline delivers it all—together, fast, and fully compliant.
Upcoming Courses
3-Day Course – Delivered Monthly
Location: Pipeline Training Centre
Tuesday (Theory):
- UEEEL0078 – Install and commission whole current electricity meters
Wednesday (Practical):
- UEEEL0078 – Install and commission whole current electricity meters
Available Dates:
- 29–30 July
- 19–20 August
- 16–17 September
- 21–22 October
Friday (Safety Units):
- HLTAID009 – Provide cardiopulmonary resuscitation
- UETDRRF004 – Perform rescue from a live LV panel
- UETDRRF007 – Provide first aid in an ESI environment
Available Dates:
- 1 August
- 22 August
- 19 September
All training is delivered by experienced, industry-qualified trainers.
Places are limited — early bookings are essential.
View Course Details and Book Now
Give us a call (02 9679 0066) or email [email protected] —we’re here to help
Pipeline Training Australia is a Registered Training Organisation (RTO No. 91431).
Further Information
Meter installation is typically authorised under Class 2C, and must also comply with metering provider requirements: UEEEL0078 and additional safety units.
Our training aligns with:
- NSW Service and Installation Rules (PDF) here
- National Meter Installation Authorisation Schemes, here
- WHS/OHS legislation and Safe Work Method Statements (SWMS), here
- AS/NZS3000 wiring compliance and safety protocols, here
We go beyond classroom theory—students learn in hands-on workshops that mirror real job conditions. We also address emerging safety risks including confined space protocols and asbestos awareness, ensuring our graduates are site-ready from day one.
Where the Industry is Headed
As renewables like solar, battery systems, and electric vehicles grow, smart meters will be pivotal in load balancing and energy trading. Electricians with the right qualifications are vital to supporting this infrastructure.
The National Electrical and Communications Association (NECA) has also raised alarms about the growing labour gap, urging electricians to upskill now. (NECA policy site)
Industry bodies and metering providers demand full qualifications, including CPR and ESI-specific rescue and first aid. Pipeline is one of the few providers that delivers this complete compliance in a bundled, time-efficient course.
References:
- Smart Meter Rollout: Government of Australia, here
- Smart Meter Providers – NSW Fair Trading, here
- AEMC Smart Meter Reform, here
- NSW Service and Installation Rules (PDF), here
- Code for Safe Installation of Smart Meters – NSW Department of Industry (PDF), here
- NECA – National Electrical and Communications Association, here
Recognised Meter Providers in NSW
To work as a compliant meter installer in NSW, electricians must be authorised to install meters for approved providers. Pipeline Training Australia's accredited smart metering course prepares electricians for roles with providers such as:
- Activestream
- Acumen Metering
- BSA
- IntelliHub
- Metropolis Metering Services
- Plus ES
- Powermetric Metering
- Select Solutions Group
- Spotless Advanced Metering
- Vector Advanced Metering Services
- Yurika Metering
Appendix: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
General Smart Metering FAQs
1. What is a smart meter?
A smart meter is a digital device that records your electricity usage in real-time and automatically sends this data to your energy supplier, eliminating the need for manual meter readings.
NOTE: Electricians and those who work in electrical trades, may prefer to use, "Meter Installation" or "Electricity Meter Installation, "whole current electricity meters", "Metering work", "Metering installs", "Service metering", "Whole current metering"
2. How do smart meters work?
Smart meters measure the amount of electricity you use and securely share this information with your energy supplier at regular intervals. This data helps in providing accurate bills and better energy management.
3. What are the benefits of smart meters?
Smart meters provide accurate billing, help you monitor your energy usage in real-time, and can assist in identifying ways to reduce energy consumption and costs.
4. Are smart meters safe?
Yes, smart meters are safe. They are subject to strict safety standards and regulations to ensure they do not pose any health risks.
5. Will a smart meter work without Wi-Fi?
Yes, smart meters do not use your home WI-FI connection. Smart Meters use a secure network to communicate with your energy supplier.
Smart Metering Training Course FAQs
6. What qualifications do I need to install smart meters?
To install smart meters, you typically need to be a licensed electrician and complete specific training units:
- UEEEL0078 – Install and commission whole current electricity meters
- UETDRMP007 – Perform rescue from a live LV panel
- UETDRMP010 – Provide first aid in an ESI environment
- HLTAID009 – Provide cardiopulmonary resuscitation
7. What does the UEEEL0078 unit cover?
The UEEEL0078 unit involves the skills and knowledge required to install, configure, and commission whole current electricity meters, including working safely and complying with relevant standards.
8. Are there additional units required for smart meter installation?
Yes, in addition to UEEEL0078, other units such as HLTAID009 (Provide cardiopulmonary resuscitation), UETDRMP007 (Perform rescue from a live low voltage panel), and UETDRMP010 (Provide first aid in an ESI environment) are often required.
9. How long does the smart metering course take?
The duration varies by provider, but courses are typically 3 days. This is needed to cover all theoretical and practical components and not short cut the requirements..
10. Is the smart metering course accredited?
Yes, reputable training providers offer nationally accredited courses that meet industry standards and requirements.
