Because government set up the Australian Energy Regulator (AER) it has now mandated that we all have to have smart metres. Many that got these meters were forced to go onto different plans that ended up costing them more. The reason it cost more was the smart metres allowed the providers to charge either a time of use or a demand charge.

Because of the backlash from consumers the (AER) has introduced a new rule that starts from the 1/12/2025 that consumer can have a plan that does not have time of use or demand charges. BUT it will only be for the next 2 years. Then back to these new charges that will cost you more.

If you don't want that to happen, write to your federal members. Otherwise it will happen.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WQ5eXggsDp0