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[QLD] Solar Boost Plan 20c FIT @ Origin Energy

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Mod 17/3/22 - See Forum Post to continue discussion.


OP UPDATE 6 - 19/11/2021 - Just got off the phone with Origin Retention's Team. It looks like the number in my post randomly goes to either sales or retention's team. If you call the 1800# just ask the rep if they are in the retention's team before wasting your time for an hour thinking that you are speaking with them and in fact, you're just talking to a normal sales rep, who can't offer anything other than what is on their website. smh… I called the 1800# again straight away and this time it went to their retention's team!

The rep was REALLY helpful. She went on to explain that Origin were losing 100s of customers a day due to their FIT rate drop and expect the feedback of this customer loss will send a wake up call to the 'powers that be' and come out with a better FIT rate. However long that takes is the big question!

Anyway, the best they can offer is 12c FIT which isn't as good for me personally compared to the AGL 12c FIT rates. I'll try again in early December and see what they are offering. Keep sharing in the comments section if you come across a potentially better deal! TIA

OP UPDATE 5 - 14/09/2021 - It looks like this deal is fast becoming unobtainable, unfortunately. I've called a few times over the past week and the best I am getting is 12c FIT. They are all saying the 20c FIT is no longer available and they won't even do 15c now… I'll keep researching and will update here if anything comes up that is worth signing up.

OP UPDATE 4 - 24/08/2021 - I called Origin yesterday to help another person get on this deal. I asked several questions to the rep (who was a part of the retention's team) about the offer and why some people get it and others do not. Her response was that the retention's team is the only one that offer better deals over their customer care team or sales team. The offers that they can do fluctuates from week to week. I asked further about this 'fluctuation' which she replied some weeks they can offer 15c whereas other weeks it can be up to 20c. It varies week to week based on what other companies are offering at the time. Yesterday the most she could do was 18c FIT however, she said call back in a couple of weeks time and it could be 20c again (or it could be 15c, which you wouldn't go ahead with). So that's the latest info I've got about this deal.

OP UPDATE 3 - 10/12/2020 - The deal/offer is still going strong! Don't let the reps tell you you can't get the offer. Merry Christmas everyone!

OP UPDATE 2 - 18/10/2020 - Some reps are now stating that the deal is no longer available however, I can confirm that I still managed to help a friend get this deal as of 16/10/2020. You just need to get the right rep and they will sign you up to the deal. Currently their website is saying 9c FIT which is terrible! Keep trying if at first you don't succeed.

OP UPDATE 11/7/2020 - This deal is still available for those that are in the market. I helped sign someone up to it yesterday no problem at all

Ok this deal requires some explaining so I'll do my best to give you all the details and steps to follow. Please note that this is specific to QLD, possibly even SE QLD and probably only beneficial for larger Solar Systems installed in your residential home or those who can generate high feed back to the grid per day.

Background:
I had a 15kw system installed just going on 12 months ago and shared my experience - details here. At the time it was very good value for money and I am so glad I went the larger system. I am currently predicted to have it fully paid off in under 2yrs based on credit generated through high FIT rates from energy retailers. After 1yr I haven't had a single electricity bill (was approximately $450/qrt) and have generated about $800-$1200 per qrt = $4000

When I first had it installed Origin and AGL wouldn't offer me anything competitive due to my solar system being over 10kw. Energy Australia (EA) at the time were offering 16.1c FIT so went with them. Earlier this year EA dropped their FIT rate to 11.5c and was no longer competitive. AGL then came to the party and offered me their 17c FIT rate so transferred over to them mid FEB.

This current qrt I am forecast to have a credit of just over $900. As I always do, I regularly check to see what's available and my brother who has a similar system to mine was looking to come over to AGL as well. He was with Origin at the time and upon making the move to come over to AGL, Orgin called him and offered him 20c FIT with no cap (as per their current plan of 15c FIT capped at 8kw per day then reverting back to 7c FIT) to stay.

Which brings me to this deal:
I called Origin to get the details as I was concerned they may have added in the fine print the 20c FIT is capped at 8kw but was pleasantly surprised to see it was unlimited with no cap. This deal can't be given over the phone with a typical Origin Energy Sales representative (as I found out) and had to call this number - 1800 557 700 and speak with a member from that team who can offer special rates outside of the standard.

As per the screen shot I have as the link, according to my spreadsheet (which works out exact costs by imputing exact usage and feed back to the grid figures) switching over to this Origin deal will increase my credit by approximately $800 per year. I have several other retailers costs on my spreadsheet that spits out the credit I would make and Origin beats them all.

Recap:
This would only be beneficial if you have a large solar system and can feed back to the grid a good amount (30kw+ per day on avg) and only buying back from your retailer approximately 6-12kw per day.
FIT offer: 20c/kwh
Usuage costs: 24.915
Daily Supply charge: 116.061
Daily Solar meter reading charge: 6.974 (Origin say it's $6/qrt)

Side note - A good price for a similar system to the one I have with 3 phase power (including Smart meter, slightly larger panels 330-350w and Fronius Inverter) with quality materials and workmanship is about the $9k mark now. For anyone with single phase power you can still get an 8.2kw inverter with 10kw worth of panels (have to have a Smart meter installed so it caps your feed back to the grid at 5kw/hr as per Energex regulations) with same quality as above for about $6.7k

Sorry for the long post but if you have any questions or don't understand my method/reasoning for the deal feel free to ask questions. Happy to help where ever I can. I must stress and reiterate that I am NOT affiliated with any Energy/Solar company. I just love doing my homework and research and love sharing it with others who can benefit.

Enjoy!


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  • I am currently with A Alinta, 5kwt system.
    Now neeed to check what's the rates are

    • +2

      I've checked with Alinta prices. Even if you didn't generate much and used a lot, Alinta is terrible! With your slightly lower size system it will depend on your usage and feed back amount to see if this deal is better than another company that I would recommend checking out, ReAmped Energy. They are very competitive in the low end market.

      • with single phase power you can still get an 8.2kw inverter with 10kw worth of panels (have to have a Smart meter installed so it caps your feed back to the grid at 5kw/hr as per Energex regulations)

        Sorry, but does that mean I'd better use the left 3.2kw on my own household usage after the 5kw cap of Feed-in Grid power? A bit confused.

        Btw, Thanks Op, still like the movie of Croc Dundee:)

        • Absolutely correct! This way you maximise your export and the left over 3.2kw (remembering you don't generate 8.2kw/hr from sun up to sun down) or anything above 5kw/hr is being taken care of by whatever appliances you have going during the day so you're not paying for it from your retailer. Let the sun do it for you :)

      • Thanks a lot, will be moved out from Alinta on Monday and join this, do I need to have a 12 month contract with origin? We are averaged users.

        • Definitely do that! No lock in contract with this deal however, they do say the rate is locked for 12 months but in their fine print they basically say they can change the rates at any time but will give you the option to leave if it is no longer competitive without charge… Good luck!

    • Alinta only offers a FIT of 11c :(

    • In the same boat. They were not bad 2 years ago when I joined. NowI need to check other providers.

      • Alinta were okay a few years ago.. since then they have not been competitive. I guess they need to make up for all the money they forked out sponsoring the Australian Cricket Team ;)

  • Great deal! We were on 51c/kw until we installed more solar panels and they dropped us to 7c/kw so this is some good news. Thanks!

    • +1

      Oooo damn shouldn't do that.

      44c is great!

    • +1

      This plan you are on already could be the best if your usage is high and your feed back is low.

      • Yeah my spreadsheet is similar but a little more colourful and less busy :)

    • Yeah but that's capped at 8kwh per day though…

      • Uncapped :)

        • Schwing. How did you get that?

  • Well done mate. I'm on the old agreement 44c + 20c AGL last year's plan. But only 5kw system as that was the max for 44c under those rules.

    • Which AGL plan are you on? Origin always say…”you must not be receiving a feed-in tariff under any Government scheme”

      • I'm on there solar savers plan and get 44c gov scheme feed + 20c AGL feed in. I've been getting the 44c + electricity company feed in since 2011.

        Origin has always been stingey on their solar feed in U til now apprantly, but then you need special consideration to get it.

        • @Charuzu - How did you get that? Is it an old deal or something specific to QLD?

        • Thanks mate. I’ve been on 51c FIT since 2012, but didn’t realise there were higher FITs. I’ll check out the AGL plan.

          When I looked at the plans a few years ago, and plugged the details into my spreadsheet, Origin seemed to work out the best value after factoring in my usage, the usage and service rates, FIT, and 21% discount on the total bill.

          I guess it depends on your usage vs amount going back into the grid as to whether a bill discount and lower rates is better or worse than a higher FIT.

  • +1

    Thanks for sharing. I'm currently with AGL on the 20c FIT in SEQ but that deal is due to expire this December. Will keep this one in mind when I"m shopping around for a new deal.

    I have a 13.08 kW system with 10 kw Fronius inverter generating on average ~53kw per day and exporting ~60% of it.

    • You may find that this deal is slightly better as AGL usage rates for your plan are slightly higher. Up to you, but I think this will be better.

      • +1

        My supply charge is $0.99 per day and usage $0.255. Solar metering charge is $0.07 per day. While the usage is slightly more, the daily supply charge is significantly less so I'm probably still better off here until the contract expires.

        • Okay - I think it will be very close in comparison so either or is good.

          • +1

            @CrocDundee: Yea I'm on the Solar Boost too here in QLD without the 8kwh cap but the kWh charge is 19.1 cents per kWh and "only" 15cent feedin. Daily is 95c incl solar meter charge all incl gst.

            Without doing the numbers exactly I think its pretty much the same outcome if not better 🤷🏻‍♂️

    • I'm on a similar plan with AGL as you, not sure when it expires though, will move to this deal if it does expire, my bill is…

      New charges and credits.
      Usage and supply charges Units Price Amount
      General Usage 1001kWh $0.255 $255.26
      Supply charge 95 days $0.99 $94.05
      Solar metering Service Charge 95 days $0.07 $6.65
      Total charges + $355.96
      Credits
      Standard Feed-in Tariff* 4560kWh $0.2 $912.00cr

    • I just contacted with AGL. They told me "As you wish to install the solar panels, so just wanted to let you know that your panels size need to be with in 10 kw" So a 10 KW inverter with 13.2 KW panels cannot belong to a 10 KW system. Is it true?

  • Does anyone know if AGL is cheaper than Origin? I am currently with AGL but just got a call from Origin, they offer 23% discount the whole bill. Should I accept this offer or continue with AGL? Thanks

    • Too many variables to say one way or the other. For example, just because they are offering you 23% discount doesn't mean it is the best deal out there. Would need to know a lot more info to help.

      • Their rate:

        Peak Usage: 24.9150
        Supply Charge: 116.0610

        • Yep I know what Origin's rates are :)

          What rates are you on with AGL?
          Do you have solar?
          What is your daily avg usage?
          If you do have solar; what is your daily avg feed back to the grid?

          What state are you in?

  • Thank you for the great post, any recommendations on the company to get a similar system in Victoria?

    • You're welcome!

      Unfortunately not living in Victoria I don't know any reputable company down there. I also don't know what rebates your state gov offer compared to QLD where I live. I can offer unbiased advice on products but prices could be different down there, sorry.

  • Thank you solar king, I will consult you in the future

    • Haha - I am definitely no solar king :) But do like keeping up to date with my research.

  • Holy sh!t…I feel robbed and stupid.
    Ive been with AGL for years.
    10kw system
    0.086c FIT!!! (650kwh/month)
    0.2333 charge (530kwh/month)
    0.97 supply charge
    0.07 solar meter
    6% discount (just realised they must have cancelled my 25% discount!)

    Should I ask AGL for a better deal or change to Origin do you think?

    • Based on what you just shared, I'd need to look closer at some other plans. Origin would be better than what you are on but ReAmped might also be competitive… Your feed back to the grid is lowish for your size system and you have high usage rate? Do you use a lot during day/sunlight hours? Your usage per month is almost at what I use over 3 months?!

      • Yes unfortunately, our usage is high, pool, lots of washing and our oldish ducted aircon is the killer (25kwh I think).

        When the mrs and kids were on holiday and I was home alone, feed back was 1200+ kwh/month.

        • Ahh - that makes sense!

          Okay - off the top of my head and if you are in QLD or NSW I'd look at ReAmped Energy or see if AGL will offer you a better discount. Origin also have a discounted plan but the price is dependent on what state you are in.

  • Very interesting, thank you. This is perfect timing for me as I've just had a new system installed and am looking for a retailer. I had 10kW installed a couple of months ago and was thinking I'd have to buy a pool heater to use up some of the excess generation, so this is ideal. Haven't had the meter upgraded yet, currently on analogue and running backwards until next week.

    Do you or does anyone have a link to a decent spreadsheet to compare retailers based on import/export/daily rates and usage? My current retailer is significantly cheaper, so I'd like to work it out accurately.

    • PM me :) I'll share with you my spreadsheet

  • I’m in SA not sure why but my feed in tariff is $0.582. It was $0.628 but it went down this year.
    I’m with agl.

    • Sorry I'm at a loss with SA rates and charges…

  • Is there a way to upgrade a 5kw system to say a 10kw? New inverter obviously, is it an easy process?

    • Yes-ish.. lol. I am not a sparky or Solar Installer but depending on your allowances (state specific) in export and if you have 3-phase power or single phase will determine how much it will cost. Everything is achievable, at a cost ;)

    • If you have 3 phase and your current inverter is single phase, you simply just add another 5kw system with a new 5kw inverter, you will have 2 sysyems but both are connected, that's what we did.

    • Okay update, got a heap of quotes, settled on another system (Growatt 5kw + Seraphim Blade 6.6kw) and the installation of an output limiter for 5kw max feed in back to the grid (for the combined systems). $2840 with install booked for next Thursday.

      My old system (which I somewhat regret, but at least it has paid itself off), was 5kw Polycrystalline, and 5kw inv. If ever doing this again, go for as many as you possibly can on your house!.

      So, I'll have 11.6kw of panels on the roof and two 5kw inverters.

      There was some compromise with this install, had to put some of the panels south. They could have fiddled around placing 4 here or there on some parts of the roof, but ultimately can decrease performance anyway, and seeing as though we are overly high consumers during the day, even if generating 8kw combined and consuming say 1 kw, unfortunately 2kw is turning into wasted energy.

      Hoping to get that energy bill right down now, might make the OP offer worthwhile.

      Also posted here for more info: https://forums.whirlpool.net.au/thread/9p82zmj9?p=1#r6683930…

  • Hmm.. How are you guys maximising your system?

    I got a 6.5kw panels but it's limited to 4.5KW? I was told at the time that that's the maximum grid limit allowed.

    Did they change the rules?

    • +1

      I'm not sure about other states but in QLD you can export 5kw/hr per phase. If you have 3-phase power you can export up to 15kw/hr (5kw per phase). These are set by Energex. A lot of homes only have single phase power though so would only be allowed to export 5kw/hr.

      When you say it is limited to 4.5kw is that your inverter size? (Not come across a 4.5kw inverter before?) Or is that the maximum that seems be exporting throughout the day - 4.5kw/hr?

      • +2

        That's the 0.9 lag power factor

      • Ah yeah, in QLD with only 1 phase. That explains it.

        Wish it wasn't limited

  • im currently looking into large solar systems for a new home thats under construction. Would you still suggest going the larger 3 phase system, with how much rates can vary? Im worried ill get a 15kW system and a year in they will slash FIT etc for anything 3 phase or over 10kW etc, and it will destroy my ROI. There is only 2 people living in the house with average consumption.

    p.s. im also in SE QLD.

    • They've been saying the same thing for years now in regards to slashing FIT rates. They have reduced FIT rates but they are still competitive and worth purchasing solar. My advice is get as big a system as your budget and roof space allows.

      For a similar system to mine you'd only be having to outlay 9k. Depending which direction your roof faces and if there is any shade, your system could be paid back within 2 yrs. Then you're sitting on a passive income for many years to come.

      • thanks for the reply. I have a perfect north facing roof with virtually no shade; and my house is quite large at 385m2, one company said i could get approx. 46 panels on the north face. Could you PM me with what you have and who you used, if youre happy with them.

        • Sounds like your roof is perfectly set up! My OP has links and info to all what your asking :)

          PM me if you're not sure or want more help. Happy to see what I can do.

  • +2

    That's not a solar array…THIS is a solar array!

  • Sorry for being noob and asking a layman question. How do solar owners save their panels in an event of hail storm? This concern always pull me to even start thinking of getting solar at all 😔

    • You can't "save" them.
      Most good quality panels will stand a small hail storm though.
      If listed as part of the house, they are covered by building insurance.

      • Yeah that’s what one provider told me and it worries me. Is there a way one would know if they are damaged?

        • +1

          Without going on the roof for physically inspecting them I don't think so.

          I monitor the system outcome, gives me an idea thing are OK.

          Most installers would recommend regular "maintenance" by physically going up to clean them etc, but I have never done that in 5+ years, I think it's a money grab (I can be wrong), free rain is enough for me.

  • You sir are a bloody legend. I have gone through the process of finding a decent system and installer over March/April. I have gone with the Fronius 8.2kw system with 10.89kw of panels with the Fronius smart meter on single phase. Even though I will only feed back a maximum of 5kw per hour, Energex has to approve it because the inverter is over 5kw….so i'm waiting. I have also developed a spreadsheet to drop different energy supplier rates and fits into and was going to change from Origin to AGL….but now, I will try to get the 20c fit from Origin. The installers are ready to go, just waiting on Energex approval. Hopefully this will be completed within the next couple of weeks and Origin are still offering the deal. Thanks again mate. I will let you know if i get it. Top post!!! :)

    • Great choice! Good luck and sing out with any questions. More than happy to help.

  • Hi can someone help me pls? I have single phase & currently with AGL on 6.6kw & 5kw inverter. I m with AGL currently on 17c FIT. Would this benefit me changing to Origin? Thanks

    • Happy to help. Maybe read some of the comments first that has already explained your situation and if you're still not sure, PM me :)

  • I think you will find this plan is capped at 8kWh per day for the 20c feed in (then averaged for a month to allow for low and high days).

    I know you said it's not but all these upvotes and not one person had been able to call origin yet to check if they can get it.

    They do have a plan that offers a 20c feed in with no cap, but it should be only available to solar systems installed by origin themselves.

    I moved from origin last month to AGL, and when they called to try and keep me they couldn't offer this.

    Really hope you are right and we can all get this. Will give them a call when they open tomorrow and try my luck.

    Also, I don't think I'd call a 15kW system for $9000 quality. Even a 10kW system for that price would be mid range.

    • +1

      Thanks for the concern.

      1st - I specifically used the words to make sure they repeated it back to me, "this is uncapped and unlimited which is different to your online plans that are capped" Which they confirmed it is.

      2nd - feel free to call first thing Monday morning and come back to report if needs be :)

      3rd - I presume you are located in QLD? If so, call the number i put in OP as normal sales reps couldn't offer anything and had to go through this department (whatever it is, I'm not sure).

      lastly - Tell me what system you think is better value for money over the following details:

      1 x 15kw Fronius 3 phase inverter
      60-63 x 330-350w Longi, Seraphim, Risen, Mono, split cell technology panels (total about 19.5kw)
      1 x Fronius 3 phase smart meter
      Choice of high end installation materials (brackets, railing, cabeling etc..)
      Fully installed for about $9,000

      I think that is value for money.

      • I really hope I can eat my words. A great deal if it can be had indeed.

        • How is your result?

          • @CuteSean: Sorry posted another reply further on. All good and got the deal.

    • I am interested and looking to call origin tomorrow also yo see if I get it. Have tried many times over with the main number as the brother in law has this deal I know it exists.
      Keep me updated on your progress.

  • I live in Vic and have no idea on solar. Is there any reading materials for beginners on what to do?

    • Google solar quotes, that's the best place to start and will explain everything

  • Hi OP,

    Just a dumb question here, how much money can you save using Solar pannels?

    • +1

      Hi Yaren,

      No dumb questions here, just dumb people… Sorry bad joke, been in ISO too long..

      Basically you can save your entire electricity bill and ultimately (like me) generate a nice passive income. Once the system pays itself off, you are then basically generating money from the sun.

      For me, over the last 12 months I have generated almost $4,000 on top of not having an electricity bill for the past 12 months (extra saving of approximately $1,600/yr) so total $5,600 per year. For doing nothing… That's pretty good imo.

      Happy to help answer any specific questions you have.

  • I can't see origin putting me on this just by phoning up. Generally they'll only offer something special once you've signed with another provider and they've received notification of this.
    Nevertheless I'll call in the morning and try.

    • Could be the case. I wasn't with Origin before coming over to this but I was with Origin a long time ago. Just use the words, "my brother (or another family member) is on this deal and I'd like to come over as well if you will offer it to me"… usually works every time. If not, hang up and try getting another representative. Just remember that you need to call the number in the OP. Normal sales reps can't offer this deal.

      Good luck!

  • Hey mate.

    Was hoping you might be able to help to see what equiv bill would've been with this usage. We both work 8-5 so don't sell consume much and it's 5KW system. This is quarter from Jan-March with AGL 17c FIT

    Usage and supply charges Units Price Amount
    General Usage 661.108kWh $0.2333 $154.24
    Tariff 33 Controlled Load 132.79kWh $0.1895 $25.16
    Supply charge 91 days $0.97 $88.27
    CL33 Supply Charge 91 days $0.03 $2.73
    Solar metering Service Charge 91 days $0.07 $6.37
    Total charges + $276.77
    Credits
    Feed-in Tariff* 1378.7kWh $0.17 $234.38cr
    Account credit $68.19cr
    Total credits - $302.57cr
    Total new charges and credits = $25.80cr
    Total GST + $20.86
    Account balance = $4.94cr

    Do you know approx what that would work out to be on Origin?

    Also what is Tarrif 33/CL33? Is it like off-peak usage.

    Thanks so much - such detailed info

    Cheers

    • Hey mate - i'll try explain as best I know how with this one. Remember, I am no sparky or electrician so could be wrong with a couple thoughts.

      Firstly - yes, this Origin deal would come out slightly better due to the high FIT based on your usage and export. But it could be a lot better!

      2ndly - you need to start doing a lot of your appliance usage during the day. That is a massive killer that people don't realise when they get solar. Change your mindset to putting the dishwasher, washing machine, dryer etc. on during the day, not at night when you are not generating any solar. That will bring your usage and buying back from your retailer costs down a lot! I get it would be hard if you and your partner are out during daylight hours but try get in the habbit of putting on just before you leave for work.

      The controlled load is usually for other things you might have at your house like Solar Hot Water and you need to use a booster due to prolonged cloudy days. Pool pumps etc.. Basically you get a discounted rate. I don't know much more than that as I have never had it before so never really researched into it. I could also be completely wrong with my basic understanding, lol…

      Hope that helps!

      • Awesome mate thanks so much for the reply and tips - appreciate it :)

        Cheers

  • I'm getting sick of swapping but thanks for this, as it works out a little better for me the way I see it.

    Over the last 36 days I have purchased 86KWh from the grid and fed in 530KWh. I recently swapped from AGL (pre-solar) to EA (16.1c FIT) when the solar went on. A week later EA dropped to 11.1c and AGL jumped from 9 to 17c. Talk about bad timing, but I made the swap back to AGL.

    I won't move again until after my AGL bill cycle, as I am expecting a $75 bonus credit for the online signup. Once that has been credited, I will look at the move to Origin. Their Usage and Solar Meter charges are pretty much the same as AGL's, but their Daily Supply charge is 10c higher… and that's not much really when you consider that my first 3-4Kwh of feed-in covers that and from that point on it's money in my pocket.

    I have to say that I really miss my 54c FIT on my 10kw system from the last house. :(

    • Haha - you sound just like me! However, I don't mind swapping to the best deal if it makes/saves me more money.

      That old FIT would have been killing it for you with a 10kw system!!

      Good luck withe switch :)

      • +3

        yep. It turned an $1,100/Quarter bill into a $700 Credit. (Big bill… 2 x teenage boys, mining rig, pinball, full-time home office plus a granny flat, machine shed and pool) It was an expensive system back in the day though ($36k) and we only just reached payback and then sold the house. We had planned to be in the house until retirement, but relationships change, unfortunately :(

  • Thanks for this! Would you mind sharing your spreadsheet? I export about 8-13kW and barely buy anything back. Currently with AGl so wondering if it works out to change.

    • No worries at all. PM me

  • Great post! Thanks for the info.

    I'm in seq, 6.5kw panels with 5kw inverter, but massive trees means I'm east facing and generate mostly in the morning. Still will be paid off in 2-3 years. Did the dance between ea now agl on 17c feed in.

    Not sure if this deal is worth it for me or not. I generate 30kwh in summer, about 12kwh lately. Over 3 months I've bought 856kwh and sold back 269kw. I run the pool pump and heater during peak solar production.

    • shoot me through a PM. You may find that ReAmped energy might be better with your high usage. I'll gladly check for you and compare the three.

  • I dont own a home ( yet ), only have 1 solar + 1 DIY panels. But that is one a CRACKALACKA deal there. Im paying 19.5c/kWh here in Vic

  • With this deal, you have to have faith in Origin to not change the FIT at their discretion, for any reason (as someone said earlier about their T&C's). Unless it's a locked-in rate, or otherwise much better than your current deal with whoever, i'd say its not worth changing.

    • FIT is pretty much always flexible with any provider, as they need to adjust for the guaranteed base rate. Generally, they can only make this change after they have contacted you in writing, however. This is something that EA failed to do for many customers (inc me) with their recent 16>11c drop and they had no option but to give us the full 16c FIT even after the drop. Of course, they then notified us in writing once the error became apparent when we all got our bills (or credits) and complained. lol

      Swapping is an annoyance, but it's not hard and worth the effort even if you only get a few billing cycles in.

      • Agreed, but I know there are people who have previously had locked-in FIT for a set few or several years before any adjustments would be made/allowed contractually.

        I just think it's worth looking at the devil in the detail before changing providers in general. The 10 day cooling off period has saved me many times.

  • I'm in ACT.

    Been with Origin on their Solar Boost plan for quite a few years now, and up until now have been very happy.

    Just found out recently that:

    a) They are removing the 10% usage discount.
    b) The are changing the 15c uncapped feed-in tariff to 16c, but it's capped to 8kWh per day.

    The cap basically cripples this plan completely, because if you extrapolate that cap over the whole billing period (average of 95 days), your cap is 760kWh exported (which is ridiculously low). For instance last billing period I exported 2000kWh. The period before, 2500kWh.

    These changes by Origin will add hundreds of dollars to my power bill every year (no exaggeration).

    And this all during the COVID-19 financial crash. Thanks for your support Origin!!!!

    ActewAGL is just as hopeless here in the ACT.

    I strongly suggest people look at other far less known energy retailers, and start hitting Origin and ActewAGL where it hurts.

    For instance, I found PowerClub recently (I'm not affiliated in any way, just trying to get people consider alternative options).
    It's a more complicated pricing structure, but has real potential to save you a decent amount of money on your energy bill.
    It's a non-profit, member based retailer (in a similar fashion to say Bendigo Bank), where the profits aren't for shareholders but for members.
    As a member, you get to access wholesale electricity prices. These fluctuate on a half hourly basis, but are typically far cheaper than the flat retail prices normally charged. The flipside is that during occasional very high demand periods (like a 40 degree day for instance), the price can jump a huge amount for about about an hour.

    How it works is that you are billed normal rates (that are still cheaper than normal retailers). Even though you are charged the wholesale rates, you're billed at the higher normal rates, and the difference is put in your "bank" (line of credit). Once that reaches a certain amount that would cover your normal bill/usage, they credit you back the difference. It's sounds weird, but the savings are very real. You just need to watch your usage during the super high peak periods. They don't happen very often (a few times a year), but when they do its best to shut things down a bit.

    Feed-in tariff is better than the bullcrap 8c the other guys offer, and isn't capped. Plus, they'll review your annual feed in working out if the feed in you've been paid has been what the electricity is actually worth. If it's more they'll pay you the difference.

    I've only just signed up, but I'm prepared to give them a go for 12 months and see how I go.
    If you're sick and tired of getting ripped off by being loyal (or are otherwise normally prepared to pay apathy tax), consider your alternatives carefully.
    Check them out here- www.powerclub.com.au.

    Like I said, I'm not affiliated… and up until a few weeks ago had never heard of them. I just thought that member based electricity supplier sounded like a damn good idea!

    • I looked at them previously, Powershop are better still, objectively. Maybe Powerclub is alright for pure set and forget for other people though.

      Once these guys are up and running

      https://www.amberelectric.com.au/

      They'll be a better bet than Powerclub imo.

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