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Victoria:Solar Power Trap

(15 posts) (13 voices)

Started 12 years ago by JimForan
Latest reply from living sustainably

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JimForan
Member

I am an existing AGL customer and have recently installed a 1.8kw Solar PV system.
I have now been advised by AGL that when the new meter is installed, my current Off-Peak Tariff will be cancelled and all of my usage will be charged at Peak Tariff.

My current annual usage is about 19,000 kw, almost 80% of which is Off-Peak (No gas available, therefore Slab Heating + Hot Water). I am facing a potential increase of $1,300.00 per annum in electricity charges which will substantially exceed what I may receive for the NET FEED-IN from my Solar PV System.

It appears that I would be better off, financially, to disconnect my Solar system and leave it lying idle.

Anyone else experienced this?

Posted Tuesday 14 Jul 2009 @ 4:32:49 am from IP #
Solgen
Member

I am in Sydney with Energy Australia as my elect supplier. I did the same as you and had a 1.8kW PV system installed. EA left the off peak tariff as it was and only changed the account from standard to time of use.
I suggest change suppliers.

Posted Tuesday 14 Jul 2009 @ 6:59:43 am from IP #
DavidGobbett
Member

In Adelaide, and with Origin - we have Solar feed in, and off peak as well.

Posted Monday 27 Jul 2009 @ 12:26:29 pm from IP #
jaccp
Member

Yes, I've also come up against this (about to get PV system installed). RED ENERGY drop the off peak also(and pay on time discount) but some other retailers don't. TRU ENERGY don't, not sure who else so I'll be switching retailers before I get system installed. Meter cost is same but beware of exit clauses after meter changeovers etc.

Posted Tuesday 28 Jul 2009 @ 8:53:41 am from IP #
petanque
Member

I am with AGL and I have off peak and a solar system.

Posted Wednesday 29 Jul 2009 @ 1:52:02 am from IP #
Anonymous
Unregistered

I am in Melbourne and am trying to co-ordinate a meter replacement which will take care of the off peak hot water system (less than a year old) without charging full peak rate.

My electrician was told to install a timer switch for the hot water system in preparation for the solar install. Has anyone heard of such a thing, and how does it work?

I am with Tru energy.

Posted Friday 9 Apr 2010 @ 9:07:16 pm from IP #
Inspector
Member

That's the whole idea behind Time-Of-Use tariffs - to encourage the customer to use equipment that uses the most power during the cheapest times of the day...

Posted Friday 9 Apr 2010 @ 10:52:16 pm from IP #
D700Doug
Member

Contact your local state and federal MP's and let them know what is going on.

While the government is trying to encourage alternative power the power companies are trying to undermine it as it looks like it will reduce their profits.

Posted Friday 9 Apr 2010 @ 11:27:47 pm from IP #
Anonymous
Unregistered

Does anyone know of a link/site which will show 'best practice' for pv installations which replace a meter that included an off peak HWS?

Posted Monday 12 Apr 2010 @ 10:11:38 am from IP #
Inspector
Member

Which state or retailer, as they all vary in their requirements!

(assuming Vic as you posted in a thread with Vic in the title ). I can only help for NSW...

Posted Monday 12 Apr 2010 @ 10:34:25 am from IP #
cool at home
Member

I've moved my post to a new thread - Smart Meters impact on PV payback periods

Posted Monday 12 Apr 2010 @ 11:23:49 am from IP #
jeffD
Member

I'm wondering if the government will raise the solar power costs in a few years once it becomes the norm? So they raise the energy prices to force us to switch then later raise the solar prices, thus no savings? ah what can you do?

has anyone used http://inspiresolar.com.au/ ? any good? I think they are in Sydney tho not melb

Posted Friday 30 Jul 2010 @ 2:38:22 am from IP #
denisblair
Member

This is really bad. If government is promoting the use of solar power or wind generators, they should protect the benefits of consumers. If it is going to happen like this no body will go solar. I would suggest to make up some forum and pass this message to government.

Posted Thursday 26 Aug 2010 @ 12:33:38 am from IP #
Anonymous
Unregistered

Hey!!!
I think if solar energy is used at its maximum then other valuable resources like coal etc can be prevented for future use. Today everyone is dependent on energy for each and every type of work so we should also do efforts to preserve it.

Posted Tuesday 31 Aug 2010 @ 8:32:27 am from IP #
living sustainably
Member

Ah, it's hit the media:
http://www.theage.com.au/environment/anger-over-electricity-charges-for-solarpowered-homes-20101005-1664p.html

.. I hope now we get somewhere with this.

When we get our solar system, AGL will put us on a special rate and charge us somewhere like 32 cent for 'peak' use (and around 10 for off-peak, if I remember correctly).

Part of the point being that their 'peak' time is 7 am to 11 pm, which is another ripoff -- by definition, 'peak' should be 'peak', you can't have a 'peak' that covers two thirds (66.6%) of the day. And of course the 'peak'period covers all times of the day when any person with a reasonably healthy lifestyle is likely to use most of their energy.

Posted Tuesday 5 Oct 2010 @ 10:02:39 pm from IP #

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