Digital Gas Meter Program Victoria
What is a digital gas meter?
A digital gas meter measures your gas usage and securely sends readings to us remotely.
What are the benefits of a digital gas meter?
Remote meter readings
Your digital meter securely sends readings to us remotely.
Fewer access requests
Technicians won’t need to visit your property as often.
More accurate bills
Bills based on actual meter readings instead of estimates.
Reliable gas supply
Helps support the reliable gas supply customers receive.
Supporting safety
Provides additional insights that help maintain the high safety standards of the gas network.
Is this the same as my electricity smart meter?
Electricity smart meters can provide near real-time usage data and customer apps.
The digital gas meters used in this trial currently do not provide real-time usage data, apps, alerts or appliance monitoring.
Your gas usage, pricing, retailer and appliances remain the same.
Why are gas meters being upgraded?
AGN is conducting a production trial of digital gas meters to better understand how this technology could work in the Australian gas network.
The trial aims to:
- reduce reliance on estimated meter reads
- reduce access issues at hard-to-reach properties
- test remote meter reading capability in real-world conditions
- build operational experience with digital metering technology
Some properties are difficult or unsafe to access due to locked gates, dogs, restricted entry or awkward meter locations. In some cases, this has resulted in estimated bills for extended periods. Digital meters help address these issues.
How can I get a digital gas meter?
Digital gas meters are currently being installed as part of a limited production trial.
The trial includes a small number of selected properties so we can better understand how the technology performs across different types of installations.
This includes:
- properties that are hard to access and may have experienced long-term estimated meter reads
- routine meter replacements where an existing meter has reached the end of its life
- new meters installed in new housing estates
If you have not been identified to receive a digital meter but are interested in receiving one, please contact us:
Call: 1300 001 001
Email: community.engagement@agig.com.au
Our team can review your situation and let you know whether participation may be possible, or record your details for future opportunities.
Are digital gas meters compulsory?
No. Participation in the digital gas meter trial is not compulsory.
In some cases, where a gas meter needed to be replaced as part of routine maintenance or because it had reached the end of its service life, a digital meter may have been installed as part of the trial.
If a digital meter has been installed at your property and you would prefer not to participate, please contact us on 1300 001 001.
I received a letter saying I’m eligible - how do I book in?
If you’ve received a letter inviting you to participate in the Digital Gas Meter Production Trial, you can book your installation at a time that suits you.
To book your installation:
Please email us.
Prefer to speak to someone?
Call us on 1300 001 001
Monday to Friday, 8:00am – 5:00pm
If you have any questions before booking, our team is happy to help.
Why didn’t I get notice before installation?
In some situations, such as new connections or time-expired meter replacements, meters may be replaced with a digital meter as part of standard operational activity.
Where advance notice is not practical, AGIG provides information after installation explaining the change, what it means, and how to access further information or opt out.
Frequently Asked Questions
Gas Meter
A digital gas meter is about half the size of your current meter, and will have:
- A digital display instead of a mechanical dial
- An in-built communications module and SIM to communicate information to us without using or impacting your home Wi-Fi
- A sealed battery unit
The sealed battery is designed to last for the expected service life of the meter (typically around 10-15 years) and does not require maintenance or replacement by customers.
Your gas pipes and supply connection remain the same.
Below is an example of what a digital gas meter may look like
The gas meter display will appear as though it is off. To display the current index reading press and hold the “OK” button for 5 seconds. The meter display will light up showing your gas meter index as below:
If a digital gas meter stops working or requires maintenance, AGIG will arrange inspection or replacement as needed. The meter will continue recording usage and manual meter reads can be performed if required.
We are experts in operating gas infrastructure safely and reliably. Our commitment to safety underpins everything we do.
The digital gas meters we are installing have international safety certifications and have been tested to ensure they meet the Australian accuracy standards.
Digital meters are currently being used in many countries around the world including America, England, France, and New Zealand.
Installation
To help us complete your digital meter installation safely and in one visit, please check:
- Your gas meter is accessible and not behind a locked gate
- Any pets are secured away from the meter area
- The meter is not covered by plants, shrubs or stored items
- The meter box is visible and not buried or obstructed
- There is clear space around the meter (approximately 25mm clearance from surrounding surfaces)
If access isn’t available on the day, we may need to leave a card and rebook the installation.
In most cases, no.
You only need to be home if we cannot safely access the meter. For example if:
- the meter is located behind a locked gate
- pets need to be secured before the technician can enter
- the meter is located inside the property or building
- there are other access restrictions that require your assistance
If you can provide safe access (for example by unlocking a gate or securing pets), you may not need to be home.
Gas may be turned off briefly during installation for safety checks.
This is usually short and your gas will be restored once the work is complete.
If your gas needs to be turned off briefly, our technician will relight your appliances if you are home. If you are not home, instructions will be left to help you relight them, or you can contact us for assistance.
In most cases, readings can be collected remotely so we won’t need to access your property to read the meter. As this is a trial, we are testing how the technology performs in different locations, so there may still be occasions where we need to visit your property to complete a meter read. We may also need to access the meter for maintenance, safety checks or when a meter reaches the end of its service life.
As the gas meter is our asset, your rental provider’s permission isn’t needed for the exchange.
If you move house, the digital meter remains with the property. Your gas retailer will finalise your account as usual based on the meter reading at the time you move.
Billing
No.
There is no cost to customers for the installation of a digital meter as part of this trial.
If your first actual read is higher than previous estimated bills, this usually reflects more accurate measurement rather than a change in how you use gas.
AGIG works closely with retailers to review any concerns raised following the first digital read. If a bill looks unexpectedly high, customers are encouraged to contact their retailer, who can request a review.
Customer service teams are equipped to explain changes transparently and escalate cases where further investigation is required.
If you or someone in your household may need additional support, you may be eligible for AGN’s Priority Services Program (PSP).
The PSP supports customers experiencing vulnerable circumstances or disadvantage. Eligible households can access a dedicated customer care team and may receive additional assistance such as gas appliance safety checks, heater servicing, support for customers with health conditions or language barriers, and education about gas safety.
To learn more or check if you may be eligible, please visit Pirority Services.
Privacy
Your privacy is important. The digital meter provides the same meter reading information to your retailer as a traditional gas meter.
All information is handled in accordance with AGIG’s Privacy Policy, a copy of which can be found here.
If you have any questions about how we handle your personal information, contact privacy@agig.com.au.
The digital meter may record some additional technical information that helps support the safe and reliable operation of the gas network and evaluate the trial.
However, only the meter reading required for billing is shared with your gas retailer. No appliance-level or behavioural information is collected and shared with retailers or other third parties.
All information is handled in accordance with AGN’s privacy obligations and regulatory requirements.
Meter readings are transmitted periodically rather than continuously and are used primarily to support meter reading and network operations.
The meter will continue recording usage even if communications are temporarily unavailable, such as during a network outage.
If needed:
- the system will retry remote reads, or
- a manual read can still be completed
Testing communication reliability is a key part of the trial.
Feedback and Support
Customer feedback is a key part of the trial.
Feedback will help AGIG:
- improve communication and support materials
- refine installation and engagement processes
- inform decisions about any future digital metering programs
If you have questions, concerns or would like to discuss your options, you can contact AGIG using the details provided in your notification or on our website.