I would just check with locals using solar energy to see if they have any knowledge of meters that can report via Wi-Fi using LAN (not internet). That would be the easiest way to hook something in and stay local.
I know there are some like Sense for the US that even have IFTTT channels. But I'm not familiar with what's available in Australia.
I just mentioned solar energy because most people who have it also do whole house monitoring of some kind.
