NEM Reform Program Initiatives

Metering Services Review - Accelerating Smart Meter Deployment

Background

The Metering Services Review (MSR) is a key initiative under AEMO’s NEM Reform Program, supporting the implementation of the Accelerating Smart Meter Deployment Rule.

This reform enables a faster transition to smart meters across the National Electricity Market (NEM), supporting improved access to energy data, enhanced customer outcomes, and more efficient network operations.

The MSR program delivers the market systems, procedures, and data exchange capabilities required to:

  • Accelerate the deployment of smart meters
  • Enable new data services and use cases
  • Improve visibility and management of the distribution network

Scope of the Initiative

AEMO’s MSR initiative delivers both core and enabling reforms required under the rule change, including:

Core reforms

  • Accelerating smart meter deployment
  • Enabling the delivery of Basic Power Quality Data (BPQD) from smart meters

Enabling reforms

  • A new defect management process to record site defects
  • Improvements to testing, inspection, and asset management approaches
  • Updates to metering procedures, market systems and interfaces to support new data exchange services

Frequently Asked Questions

  • What is Basic Power Quality Data (BPQD)?

    Basic Power Quality Data (BPQD) is a standardised set of power quality measurements collected from eligible smart meters and provided by Metering Coordinators to Distribution Network Service Providers (DNSPs) in accordance with the BPQD Procedure.

    BPQD supports improved visibility of power quality across the National Electricity Market (NEM) and assists DNSPs in meeting their operational and regulatory obligations.

  • Which participants are required to exchange BPQD?

    BPQD obligations primarily apply to:

    • Metering Coordinators (MCs) responsible for providing BPQD.
    • Distribution Network Service Providers (DNSPs) are responsible for receiving BPQD.
    • Metering service providers and technology vendors supporting impacted participants.

    Participants should review the BPQD Procedure to understand their specific obligations.

  • How is BPQD exchanged?

    BPQD is exchanged through AEMO's Industry Data Exchange (IDX) platform.

    Participants may choose to:

    • Integrate directly with the IDX APIs.
    • Use AEMO Gateway Software to support file-based integration.

    Both approaches support the exchange of BPQD data through IDX.

  • Can participants continue using file-based solutions?

    Yes.

    Participants may continue to use file-based internal processes by utilising AEMO Gateway Software, which converts supported file-based transactions into IDX API transactions.

  • Does IDX support FTP for BPQD?

    No.

    BPQD is exchanged via IDX using REST APIs. A direct FTP interface is not available.

    Participants wishing to maintain file-based workflows should use AEMO Gateway Software.

  • What message format is used for BPQD?

    BPQD messages use JSON payloads and are exchanged using RESTful APIs.

    Participants should refer to the latest technical specifications and API documentation published by AEMO for detailed message requirements.

  • Are acknowledgements required when sending BPQD?

    No.

    BPQD uses a "fire-and-forget" message exchange model. Once the message has been successfully submitted to IDX, no acknowledgement is required from the receiving participant.

  • How do DNSPs know when BPQD data is available?

    DNSPs can retrieve BPQD messages from IDX using the relevant BPQD APIs.

    IDX also provides event notification capabilities to support awareness of new message availability.

  • What certificates are required for IDX connectivity?

    Participants require AEMO-issued TLS certificates to support secure connectivity to IDX.

    Certificates are used to support:

    • Mutual TLS (mTLS) authentication.
    • Secure participant identification.
    • Non-repudiation requirements where applicable.

    Participants should ensure certificates are maintained and configured for relevant environments.

  • Can existing certificates be reused?

    Yes, existing certificates may be reused for connectivity purposes.

    Participants should review the latest TLS Certificate Management guidance and technical documentation to confirm their specific requirements.

  • Can certificates or private keys be shared between participants?

    No.

    Private keys and certificates must be managed securely and should not be shared between separate participants.

    Each organisation is responsible for maintaining appropriate security controls and complying with certificate management requirements.

  • Is Advanced Power Quality Data (APQD) included in the current BPQD implementation?

    No.

    The current implementation supports Basic Power Quality Data (BPQD) only.

    Any future consideration of Advanced Power Quality Data (APQD) would be subject to separate consultation, planning and industry communication.

  • What happens if a participant is unable to receive BPQD messages?

    IDX includes operational controls and monitoring capabilities to support stable message delivery.

    Participants should monitor their environments, investigate connectivity issues promptly and engage with AEMO where assistance is required.

  • Can participants request BPQD messages to be re-sent?

    There is currently no automated resend capability within IDX.

    Where a resend is required, participants should coordinate directly with the relevant counterparty and follow any applicable business processes.

  • Does AEMO archive BPQD transactions?

    IDX provides transaction logging and archive capabilities to support participant operations and investigation activities.

    Participants should refer to the latest technical documentation for retention periods and access arrangements.

  • How can participants prepare for BPQD?

    Participants should:

    • Review the BPQD Procedure.
    • Review the latest technical specifications and API documentation.
    • Ensure IDX connectivity has been established.
    • Confirm certificate requirements have been met.
    • Complete any applicable onboarding, testing or operational readiness activities.
  • Where can participants find further information?

    Participants can access:

    • BPQD Procedures.
    • Technical Specifications.
    • API Documentation.
    • Industry Readiness Materials.
    • Industry Go-Live and Operational Support Information.

    Questions can also be directed to the NEM Reform team via the NEM Reform mailbox.

Delivered Releases

Release 1 – December 2025

The first MSR release delivered foundational regulatory and procedural changes to support accelerated smart meter deployment.

This included:

  • Updates to Retail Electricity Market Procedures
  • Changes to MSATS to facilitate the exchange of legacy meters for smart meters and to manage defect of legacy meters
  • Changes to B2B for shared fusing meter replacement requirements.
  • Implementation of enabling reforms to support metering installation, testing and defect management
  • Establishment of the framework for subsequent data-related capabilities.

Release 2 – July 2026 (BPQD and IDX)

The second MSR release will deliver:

  • The Basic Power Quality Data (BPQD) capability
  • The first production use of AEMO’s new Industry Data Exchange (IDX) platform

This release introduces:

  • A new API based data exchange service for BPQD
  • A standardised mechanism for participants to submit and access data
  • New capabilities for data visibility, monitoring and retrieval via AEMO systems

The release supports the 1 July 2026 rule commencement, with implementation being progressed in alignment with participant readiness and system availability.

To learn more about the current scope of BPQD and participant obligations, please visit the Frequently Asked Questions page.

Metering Services Review Consultations

High Level Implementation Assessment (HLIA)

AEMO publishes a metering services review, high level implementation assessment (HLIA) to provide a preliminary view to participants and the AEMC on how the Accelerated smart meter deployment may be implemented by AEMO.

Record of Activities

Industry engagement

This initiative forms part of NEM Reform Program and market participants can get involved by visiting:

Implementation toolbox

The Implementation Toolbox is a central location for useful resources to help participants understand and prepare for the changes associated with the rule implementation.

Further information

For more information, please contact [email protected]

X
Cookies help us improve your website experience.
By using our website, you agree to our use of cookies.
Confirm