Tariffs
- For customers without solar, we found that 98% of these customers will immediately save on their network bill. The average annual saving is $133 per year compared to the flat rate tariff.
- For customers with solar, moving to a Sun Soaker shows 97% of customers are better off on the Sun Soaker two-way price – the average saving is $121 per year.
- A very small minority of customers will see some average network bill increases per year.
How will customers sign up to the Sun Soaker?
If you wish to opt in to the Sun Soaker, please discuss this with your retailer. Your retailer will then notify Essential Energy.
Won’t moving from a flat rate with my legacy meter to the Sun Soaker Tariff with a smart meter increase my bill?
We have undertaken modelling to understand average bill impacts for our customers of moving to the Sun Soaker Two-Way tariff from a flat rate tariff:
We understand that customers may not always be able to shift their energy use to off peak times. We set our tariff rates with these considerations in mind, so that customers who use energy during the peaks are not unfairly punished.
How can customers get an export rebate?
The rebate is paid for anything exported to the network between 5pm – 8pm, while the export charge applies between 10am – 3pm.
Through analysing our customers’ historical export data, as well as conducting some Sun Soaker tariff trials with customers, we found that some customers are already currently exporting between 5pm and 8pm.
Future solar installations can be designed to take advantage of the rebate, such as considering positioning of panels.
Customers can also consider installing batteries to take advantage of this rebate.
The rebate is different and in addition to any payment customers may receive from their retailer for any exports.
How much will the export rebate and charge be?
Essential Energy will outline 2024-25 pricing following the AER’s Final Determination in April 2024. The AER Determination will establish how much revenue we are allowed to recover.
If everyone has the same peak and off-peak pricing, won't that cause new peaks?
We are trying to incentivise those that can move, but not everyone will be able to change their consumption patterns. We do not anticipate that there will be sufficient demand moved to establish a new peak time.
Will the export charge discourage customers from staying connected to the network?
The charge for solar is designed to recover the costs associated with increased exports feeding into the network.