A call, from the Parliamentary Commissioner for the Environment, for the Government to be more involved in bringing smart electricity meters into use is being backed by Labor Party.

It should be noted that existing meter system would be replaced by the smart meters. The present meters are about 70 years old. A microchip can be fitted in the older devices, which can help restrain a household's energy use, by enabling users to use appliances when electricity is plentiful and cheap.