Master Subtractive Metering arrangements are no longer permitted under Australian Energy Market Operator rules (2017) and must be replaced. Essential Energy is working to ensure all non-compliant master/subtractive meters are compliant and replaced by 2029. All customers with Master Subtractive Metering arrangements should have been contacted by now. If you have this arrangement but haven’t received a letter from us, please reach out to team via the details below.
Phone: (02) 6589 8830
Email: [email protected]
Download our Rectification Schedule (Subject to change)
What is a Master Subtractive Meter?
A master subtractive meter arrangement is a type of metering configuration that involves a master meter at the point where electricity enters the property (or group of properties), and subtractive meters further along the network. These subtractive meters typically measure usage for hot water systems, underfloor heating, water pumps, or sheds.
Your electricity usage is calculated by subtracting the reading on the subtractive meter from the master meter. The net figure is used by your retailer to determine your bill.
How will I know if my meter needs to be replaced?
Essential Energy will contact you in writing if your meter needs to be replaced. We have already begun reaching out to customers with a Master Subtractive Metering (MSM) configuration. Once we get in touch, we will arrange for the site to be reviewed, and rectification works to be completed.
We have a dedicated customer liaison team for the master subtractive metering program to help customers through all aspects of the process. They can be contacted on 0265898830 or [email protected].
What do I need to do?
If your property has a master subtractive metering arrangement and needs to be corrected, we will contact you in writing.
Generally, the process to change your metering arrangement will follow the steps below:
- Essential Energy will write to you to inform you that you have a master subtractive metering arrangement that needs to be corrected, and to arrange a date to inspect your property to help determine the works required.
- Essential Energy will develop a method to correct your metering configuration and communicate that plan with you. If your premise is occupied under a lease arrangement, the owner of the premise will also be contacted.
- Works to change your metering configuration will be completed.
Will there be any power outages or interruptions?
Essential Energy is committed to working with customers to ensure the rectification of their master subtractive metering configuration is as simple as possible. As with most works on the network in and around residential homes, Essential Energy will need to arrange a power outage to enable the work onsite to be carried out safely and we will be in touch with details well in advance of the outage occurring.
Will I have to pay for the rectification works?
No. Essential Energy will fund the most suitable solution to rectify the non-compliant metering configuration.
Can I opt out of the rectification?
No. All MSM sites must be rectified to be compliant with the Australian Energy Market Operator rules.
How will this affect me?
Your retailer may move you to a new tariff structure once the smart meter is installed. To find the best plan for your needs, contact your retailer directly.
What options will I have for the replacement of the meter?
Rectification solutions are determined case-by-case. In many instances, the simplest solution involves removing subtractive meters and replacing the master meter with a smart meter.
This aligns with the AEMC’s rule that all electricity meters in homes and small businesses across NSW must be replaced with smart meters by 2030.
For more information about smart meters, you can visit our smart meters page.
Do I need to be onsite while the works are happening?
You do not need to be onsite for the initial consultation or when the rectification works are carried out. However, Essential Energy does require safe access to your property. You can help by leaving entry gates and meter boxes unlocked and securing dogs and livestock. If you have any specific access requirements e.g. Bio Security, Harvesting, Specific site contacts, please contact our team on 0265898830 or [email protected].
If my existing Master Subtractive Meter has failed, how will I be billed?
Customers with a failed meter will receive a bill that is based on an estimated reading. Essential Energy reviews estimated bills manually before they are sent. Customers with a failed meter will be prioritised for rectification works to be completed ahead of non-faulty customers.
What is the customer-owned time switch?
Following the removal of your controlled load (CL) subtractive meter and Frequency Injection Relay (FIR), we will install a customer-owned time switch to control your hot water heating as per your existing control times e.g. CL1 or CL2. The customer-owned time switch can be programmed by you, as opposed to the old FIR, which was our responsibility and controlled by us.
Ongoing maintenance of the time switch is your responsibility. The time switch has a 12-month warranty.
For further information about the time switch please refer to the brochure contained in Handy Links at the bottom of this page.
If you have any problems in the first 12 months, please contact us on 0265898830, or by email [email protected].
Where can I find more information?
If you have any further queries, please contact us on 0265898830 between the hours of 7.30am and 4.00pm Monday to Friday, email [email protected] or complete our online form and one of our team will be in contact with you.
Handy Links
