Understanding Energy Meter Identification Numbers in Australian Homes
If you've ever looked at your energy bill and wondered what those numbers and codes mean, you're not alone. In Australian homes, three main types of meter identification numbers play a crucial role in tracking your energy usage and ensuring you're accurately billed: the NMI, MIRN, and DPI.
1. Where do I find my meter?
Your gas meter is normally located at the front of your house. For apartments, you will need to ask your owner's corporation.
2. Where do I find my meter number?
All gas meters have a meter number that matches the meter number on your bill.
Victorian gas meter numbers usually have four numbers and two letters e.g. 1234AB.
If your meter has digits or dials that are red they can be ignored. They are used for testing or to represent decimal places. If your gas meter is a metric or odometer meter (one with digits instead of dials), read all the digits on the display from left to right including any leading zeros.
3. What's an NMI?
The National Meter Identifier (NMI) is a unique number assigned to every connection to the national electricity network. This number helps to identify your supply address, the meters and meter types at your connected address, and ensures that you're billed for the correct amount of energy. So, if you're planning to switch energy retailers, having your NMI handy will make the transition smoother.
4. What do MIRN and DPI mean?
If you live in Victoria, Queensland, or South Australia, your gas meter number is called the Meter Identification Reference Number (MIRN). This number can be found on page two of your gas bill or on your gas meter itself. Similarly, if you live in New South Wales, your gas meter number is called the Delivery Point Identifier (DPI), which can also be found on page two of your gas bill.
Why do these meter identification numbers matter? Well, for one, they ensure that you're billed accurately for the energy you use. They also help energy companies monitor energy consumption patterns, which can lead to more efficient energy use and cost savings. Sometimes when you're querying your energy provider or trying to make a change to your connection, you may need quote your meter identification number.
In summary, understanding your energy meter identification numbers is crucial for accurate billing and energy usage tracking. So, if you're not sure what your NMI, MIRN, or DPI is, check your energy bill or gas meter, and make sure to keep these numbers handy for future reference.
5. Do they matter?
Why do these meter identification numbers matter? Well, for one, they ensure that you're billed accurately for the energy you use. They also help energy companies monitor energy consumption patterns, which can lead to more efficient energy use and cost savings. Sometimes when you're querying your energy provider or trying to make a change to your connection, you may need quote your meter identification number.
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FAQs
Moving can be daunting, but we can help you tick a few tasks off your list.
Check out our helpful list of Frequently Asked Questions, or get in touch via livechat if you need additional assistance.
Do I need to be at the new address to get connected?
In most cases, no, no one will need to be at the home when the connection is turned on. You'll likely have to make sure the electricity supply is switched off on the main switchboard, though. The provider will give you instructions once your application is submitted.
What does it cost to connect my energy and gas?
There is no cost to use the BeMoved service to connect your electricity or gas. Costs for the plans you choose will vary depending on the provider and plan you choose, and these costs are shown on the plans page.
Where do I find my main switch?
Your main switch is located in your fuse or meter box. Depending on your property, your meter box could be:
- on an outside wall
- in your garage
- in your hallway
- in a kitchen cupboard In your meter box there'll be a number of switches.
Look for the one that has the "main switch" label. Some properties also have a hot water switch - if yours does, you'll need to look for that one too. Flick the main switch (and hot water switch if you have one) to the off position (this might be shown as an | for on and O for off) to allow your electricity connection to take place. Once your power company has confirmed your electricity is connected, switch the main switch and hot water switch back on.
I've been approved for a rental property. How do I connect electricity?
The process for a rental property is the same as other properties. Simply go through the connection flow, choosing the address, connection date, energy provider and plan, and provide a few personal details. From there, we'll get your connection sorted!
What's a smart meter and how do I know if I have one?
A "Smart Meter", or digital meter, records your energy consumption every 30 minutes and sends usage data to your retailer. This means you get more timely and accurate bills, and can receive bills monthly.
Unlike smart meters, "Basic Meters" measure your usage from one point in time to another and are read by a meter reader every 3 months.
Smart meters generally have a digital face with numbers or digits that represent your current read data and electricity consumption. Basic or analogue meters generally have a dial that spins around, recording your consumption in kWh.
How soon can gas be connected?
Natural gas connections can take 2-3 business days, so make sure to submit your order ASAP if you need gas services connected.
How do I track my order?
Once you've submitted your order, you'll receive an SMS and Email with details of how to keep track of your order.
Can I complete my connection online?
Absolutely! That's the benefit of using the BeMoved service. In just a few minutes, and without any annoying phone calls or sitting on hold, we can get your connection sorted and tick that task off your list.
What energy providers does BeMoved partner with?
We partner with Australia's top-tier providers, including EnergyAustralia, Origin and AGL.
Why do I need to provide personal details?
Your personal information is required to pre-fill your utility connection application. We will ask for your full name, mobile phone number and email address. Once you have chosen your provider and plan, you'll also be asked for your ID details, date of birth and address. These are required by the energy companies to process your application.
We do not disclose or sell your personal information to anyone, and collecting these details is for the sole purpose of arranging and facilitating your utility connection (as per the Australian Privacy Principles under the Privacy Act 1988). BeMoved Privacy Policy.