OzBargain QLD Solar Feed in Tariff (FiT) tracking

So the fantastic deal posted by CrocDundee here https://www.ozbargain.com.au/node/538080 has been marked as expired so we are no longer able to discuss the best Feed in Tariff available.

This thread is for people to monitor and discuss what they find in achieving the best possible plan for their power needs, specifically in relation to solar feed in tariffs.

This thread is in specific relation to plans available in Queensland, as per the original deal linked above.
While some may be available in other states, this isn't always the case.

Note that if you don't export a large amount of power, that having a large FiT with higher usages fees might not be the best deal for you.

I will continue to update this main post with any information people find useful, however the latest actually deal should be found within the comments.

Whirlpool forum thread
https://forums.whirlpool.net.au/thread/91j6xnr3

CURRENT MOST LIKELY BEST FiT FOR QLD

Easily accessible : ?

Best: ?

Related Stores

Origin Energy
Origin Energy

Comments

      • WOW it's very sad that the 17c FIT plan no longer exists T_T

        It makes the solar panel less and less useful now with low FIT and capped export in.

        • Yes, it is getting to the point where you need a reason to use the solar yourself.

          Last 12 months contract I made a net credit of $750, this next 12 months it appears I am heading to a net debit of about $750.

      • Still waiting for email with new rates. In Sunshine Coast - Energex.

        My current plan (23% discount & 15c FIT) ends in July and then will be moved automatically to 10c FIT with 0% discount. Sounds like best you can negotiate is 12c FIT :(

  • +1

    Got my email today. Same hike up as CrocDunee above. Should only add another $60-$80 to my bill, so I guess I can't complain too much.
    I was particularly tickled by the first paragraph and a half of the price change email Origin sent out.

    With the cost of living going up, we know many Australians are already feeling the pinch. So I want to start this
    letter by encouraging you to reach out if you’re struggling with your energy bills. We’re here to help…..
    On 1 July 2022 your electricity rates are going up.

    Thanks for your help guys!

    I completely understand the reason for the price hike, with inflation in coal/gas, outages at plants etc, but what I don't understand is the lack of incentive for solar. You'd think helping take some of the load off the infrastructure (during sunny hours) would be rewarded? I've got up to a spare 9kWh I can share with my street during the middle of the day.
    Ahh well, hopefully the cost of Powerwalls and similar will continue to drop over the next few years and more of us can just go off grid.

  • Hi Guys,
    Just tried to haggle with Origin Solar Boost plan but they are pretty firm. My 20c plan (Thanks CrocDundee!) expires on 1/7/22.

    Currently offered for me is 11c for first 14Kw/day then down to 5c (so only slightly better than what's advertised on website of 10c first 14Kw).

    Also noted new rates from 1/7/22 as follows:
    CL2 Usage - 19.976c (inc GST)
    General Usage - 25.817c
    Daily Supply - 118.338c/day
    Daily Supply for CL2 - 3.047c/day
    Daily Supply for solar - 8.526c/day

    No Demand Tariff - the guy on phone hasn't even heard of it.

    I did lock it in for now for 12 months, but will likely bargain again in a few months if new offers comes up with other people here. Currently they are all getting bombarded by new customers from smaller companies so I imagine they know they don't have to offer much to retain us.

    Soldier on…

    • Furthermore this is the email from Origin after sign up:

      "Solar feed-in tariffs
      This plan includes a tiered feed-in tariff for any electricity your solar system exports to the grid:
      • A higher feed-in tariff of 11.00 c/kWh (incl GST) until you export more than 14 kWh per day, on average, over the
      billing period; and
      • After that, our standard feed-in tariff of 5.00 c/kWh (incl GST) applies for the rest of the billing period. Our
      standard feed-in tariff is subject to change by notice."

      I was worry that I will have rainy days without any feed-in and then days with heaps of feedin ie. reduce the overall feed-in tariff.
      However with this above definition I assume I will at least get 14kw/day a day, as it is averaged out over the billing period. (A bit of comfort among the power shocks).

      • The 14kwh/day is averaged out over the billing period. So for a 30 day billing period 420kwh would be paid at 11c and the rest at 5c.

        • Yes that's what I understand as well, cheers.

      • A higher feed-in tariff of 11.00 c/kWh (incl GST) until you export more than 14 kWh per day

        So basically the only improvement to the standard "Origin Solar Boost" is 1 c/kWh FIT for the first 14 kWh - it looks like the days of consumption discounts for solar plans are gone :(

  • Massive price increases coming up on the Momentum 10cts uncapped solar feed in plan:

    Your current energy rates and charges
    GST Inclusive
    Daily Supply Charge ($ per day) 1.30878
    Peak usage ($ per kWh) 0.22737
    Controlled Load usage ($ per kWh) 0.17094
    Peak Demand ($ per kW per month) 2.5377

    Your new energy rates and charges effective 1 July 2022
    GST Inclusive
    Daily Supply Charge ($ per day) 1.8535
    Peak usage ($ per kWh) 0.2574
    Controlled Load usage ($ per kWh) 0.2321
    Peak Demand ($ per kW per month) 3.7598

    Peak Demand: 4pm-9pm Mon-Sun. Weekdays include government specified public holidays.

    Turn on too much stuff at once and their peak demand charge regime will give you an interesting surprise…

    • +1

      Yeah, I left Origin and signed up with Alinta, even though FIT is only 8c/kWh
      Peak Usage c/kWh 13.750
      Maximum Demand Charge c/kW/Day 9.889
      Daily Charge c/Day 100.573

    • What company is this, @cannibal? That looks really high for Origin (unless you are in a different state to QLD?) but I know Origin doesn't have a peak demand charge in QLD - is it AGL?

      • It is Momentum Energy, a Victorian company, but they do deals for Queensland too, obviously using Energex where I am (Sunshine Coast).
        Currently they are not making any market offers for new customers and given the new prices above, maybe they want current market price customers to leave.

  • I was on the original 15 FIT plan and was locked into Feb 2023, however I also received an updated charges letter. Shouldn't these be locked in for the contract period?

    • +2

      I don't know about your specific plan, but when you sign up your plan charges will be either "Guaranteed" (for the life of your plan) or "Variable".
      From what I have noticed, the plans with good FIT rates tend to be "Variable", although the actual FIT is guaranteed.

      • Yeah ok - just looked and it's guaranteed 23% discount so I'd imagine it's 23% off the current rate rather than a locked in rate for the life of the contract…

  • +2

    From Whirlpool - sounds too good to be true?!

    Received a call from someone claiming to be from Origin. Started of asking why I switched from them and I replied with a better rate with another provider. Then he said, we can offer you 20c uncapped FiT in SE QLD.
    - 20c Uncapped
    - 22.671c Peak usage
    - 112.901c Daily supply charge.

    • Maybe we should add the URL to the description on this thread.

      https://forums.whirlpool.net.au/thread/91j6xnr3

      • The ability for me to edit the main thread has been locked unfortunately. Will get onto the mods to see if we can unlock it.

    • +1

      That whirlpool comment is legit.

      I got a similar call from Origin retention team early this week, agreed and contract came through today.

      FiT: 20c/kWh uncapped

      Peak Usage: 26.0700 c/kWh (incl GST)

      Supply: 129.8330 c/day (incl GST)

      Eligibility Requirements: (From the contract)

      • your solar PV system must be net metered

      • your solar PV system must not exceed 10kW of inverter capacity or must be limited to 10kW of export

      • you must not be receiving a feed-in tariff under any government scheme

      • WOW that's awesome! Are you in SEQ?

        • Yes SEQ, I was with Origin then moved to AGL, and now with Origin again with this offer.

      • I assumed you left and they called?

      • Ok, so we just need a number to call and we might have something worthwhile again.

        • I just tried to call the 1300 number (1300 832 854) mentioned earlier in the thread and the best the guy on the other side could give me was 10c FIT which is the advertised rate. He was quite surprised the 20c FIT was still around! I guess the only option is to sign up with AGL and wait for the call back…

          • @bauser99: Are you on the new or old system? (Does your account number start with an a?)

  • Telstra is about to get into the energy game, I am hoping they will have a decent FIT for gold tier members

  • +1

    Origin just published their new plans effective July 1st…

    Origin Solar Boost
    - FIT 10c capped at 14kWh/daily
    - Consumption 3% ABOVE the reference price

    Origin Solar Boost Lite
    - FIT 2c
    - Consumption 10% off the reference price

    Origin Go
    - FIT 5c
    - Consumption 1% off the reference price

    I'm on a plant with 15c FIT uncapped & consumption 23% off the reference price, expiring mid-July… time to shop around!

    • Is the 10c fit capped at 14kWh or the 3% consumption rate?

      • The 10c FIT is capped at 14kWh/daily - anything above that only gets 5c FIT - apologies for the confusion, can no longer edit my original comment

        • Yeah sorry that's cos I replied

  • I was with Origin Solar boost plan (NSW) and switched to RedEnergy Solar Plan (NSW - Ausgrid) with 18c for the first 5kw then 6c thereafter.

    Normally I would get the call from the Retention team offering the pricebeat but no call this time :( .. so I guess I will try my luck chasing them.

  • Just called Origin again (1300 number - I have a new account starting with A)

    Best I could get was the "standard" rate for SEQ as below:
    - FIT 10c (capped @ 14kW)
    - Peak 26c
    - CL2 19.9c
    - Supply 129c

    So that's in line with @hobbyseeker comment above but half the FIT and capped, too!

    Asked if I could get through to retention team to get the 20c FIT but answer was negative (apparently they only do outbound calls nowadays), so off to play the switch-a-roo game now!

    • When I called Origin earlier this week, they said that they could lift the 10c to 11c "after speaking to their manager", said in such a way that they knew that I knew it was just the spiel.

      So effectively 11c is the best offer direct sales can do at the moment based on my experience.

      Still capped though.

      • Yes ahh almost doesn't matter what the c/kWh is, if it's capped it's pretty useless.

        • Well it depends - I export about 16kW in summer, probably less going ahead now that FIT << Consumption Rates, so a 14kW cap works for me, problem is Origin bumped up consumption rates considerable AND pulled the 23% discount I was on :(

          • +1

            @bauser99: Yeah I think a lot of people in this thread are more in the >40 per day category on a summer's day.

  • Disappointed - got the email notifying me my 12 month plan was coming due in August (15c KWh FIT - no cap, 17% discount off supply and usage) and that I would be automatically moved onto a new plan with no supply and usage discount and 10c KWh FIT up to 14 KWh per day. Called the 1800 Retention number - line said its outside of operating hours (as reported above), called the 1300 number (despite my account number starting with 4000) and was transferred to a lady (Shan) that was very nice but could only offer me 11c KWh up to 14 KWh per day. I'll be leaving :(

    • Yep - no good again, unfortunately. The only way to make a difference and hopefully get a better deal is with our metaphorical 'feet' by leaving.

      • +1

        Using the energy made easy comparison tool it seems like Energy Australia Solar max is the best deal for the time being? My origin 15c feed in and 23% discount is about to end.

        • I'm getting the same feedback from the wattever tool. Still substantially worse off overall. =(

  • Anyone got communication from their retailer that they won't provide retail feed in on top of the 44c gov feed in from 31 July?

    • Yes :( In our case it already came into effect from 12th June :(

      • damn…. what retailer?

        • AGL

  • +2

    Just got a call from Mike in the retentions team after I switched to EnergyAustralia last week (SEQ) and they just offered me 12c uncapped (was on 10c capped for the last 2mths after my 20c deal ended), but couldn't match the supply or usage rates. Looks like they are only interested in negotiating when you pull the trigger and move.

    • Yep! They'll swear black and blue that they can't do anything better until you actually leave! Then they call you back and offer a better deal. Hate that about Origin.

      • Surely that's what all the retailers do?

        • Only ever found Origin to do it.

    • Yeah I actually moved. Got a call on Friday.

  • Is it time to pack it in everyone? Just cut out the middle man?
    https://esdnews.com.au/you-can-now-swap-your-excess-solar-fo…

    • I assume you're jesting but just in case you're not, variable feed-in rate of 7.0c/kWh that can't be "cashed" out makes this a terrible deal. https://victoriabitter.com.au/vb-solar-exchange

      • +1

        Completely in jest. I would much prefer a higher rate so I can buy a beer that isn’t VB. I’m with Origin 12c FIT uncapped which hasn’t netted me much this winter so dropping to 7c would be a killer!

  • +1

    UPDATE - I submitted a transfer request to Energy Australia on Thursday and then received a call from Origin Retention yesterday morning (Monday) who offered me 12c/kwh FIT uncapped (no discount on reference prices for usage and supply).

    • I'm just about to do the same and switch to another provider…

      what's the daily supply and peak usage costs with the 12c FIT deal?

      • Daily supply: 118.338c per day
        Peak usage: 25.817c per kwh

        • +1

          cheers!

  • A couple of month ago a few folks reported successfully getting 20c FIT from Origin retention - I tried but apparently that's only for people that purchased a solar system from Origin. Has anyone (recently) successfully secured a 20c FIT for a solar system that was NOT purchased from Origin?

    • I think it's gone - I pushed hard for a better deal when Retention called me on Monday morning (after I transferred out to Energy Australia) and the Representative insisted that the 12c/kwh uncapped was the highest FIT deal they could give me.

  • +4

    I just rang the 1800 number and got through to retentions and was immediately offered the 12c FIT uncapped but NO discount on usage charges(previously 15c FIT and 23% discount). My system uses 20kwh pday and exports 40 kwhr pday - a small business operating from a residential property 8-6 weekdays and some Saturday mornings. I also have gas and a home address(no solar) with Origin so this may have swayed them. The home plan was only offered with 12% discount (previously 23%) and nothing extra for being loyal and having multiple accounts.

    I started off by calmly advising I just got an email suggesting my bill would go from -$500 to $3k annually and I wasn't impressed and she was very pleasant and advised they were automatically generated emails and she would find a better plan. I didn't push for 17c that has been suggested elsewhere as my export was never going to get it. I did ask if there was any chance of retaining the 15c and I was advised no. Keeping the uncapped component was most important with Summer coming and business hours reducing with staff shortages.
    Also, it may be time to re-do the math on batteries as the gap between FIT and usage has gone from 8c to 16c - if only the Qld govt subsidised batteries…

  • +1

    got call from origin retentions team, I got offered the 20c FIT
    .2581 /kwh
    1.1833 daily
    .085 solar tax

    • I want it too!
      Does that mean I will have to leave my current supplier, join Origin, then leave and try to get this offer?
      (Or did you have Origin installed Solar?)

      • no I don't have origin solar panels
        he just said I was "eligible"
        not sure if that's because I've been with them for xx years, or if I'm the new account system (that I read about somewhere here or whirlpool forums)
        he could not say , but just that he has seen it for other customers and always told them this offer is available for them

        • Any chance you obtained his name/number/size of shoes and his favourite tipple??

        • If you’re on the new system your account number will start with a A something

          If you’re on the old system it’ll start with a number - I think it’s 4.

          Are you on the old or new system?
          Cheers

          • @sod: Neither!
            But would change to them if i could get that deal, uncapped I presume?

            • @Marty156: Sorry that question was directed at fez.

          • @sod: my account starts with "A -"

            • @fez: Thanks.
              You’re on the new system

        • What is your average daily export?

          • +1

            @Nuggets: Jul 22 344.946kWh
            Jun 22 362.892kWh
            May 22 242.125kWh
            Apr 22 453.478kWh
            Mar 22 523.381kWh
            Feb 22 513.722kWh
            Jan 22 637.904kWh
            Dec 21 726.930kWh

            • @fez: Thanks for the detailed response. Here is mine for comparison, which based on my conversations with retentions is too high.
              Jul 22 425.4
              Jun 22 405.1
              May 22 330.1
              Apr 22 597.3
              Mar 22 594.4
              Feb 22 611.7
              Jan 22 763.4
              Dec 21 908.7

              It's also possible (hard to know what's going on so just guessing) that Origin is offering better FiTs to customers on smart meters who have panels that are more biased towards afternoon generation. If you are west facing or have no significant obstruction to the western horizon, you can produce much more valuable electricity than if your horizon is biased towards the east.

        • I tried and my account was A- they basically laughed at me..

          • +1

            @rororo: bummer.
            TBH , I was just hoping to get the 12c FIT deal
            but 20c FIT is sweet.

            • @fez: It sure is well done indeed!

        • Is this the first time you have got 20c?

    • Well done on getting the 20cFIT rate… Very hard to get them to do it these days, unfortunately. I've had no luck the past few months.

      • yeh I wasn't expecting it!

    • I have no idea how you got that - I transferred to another provider as per my comment above, Origin Retention called me and I pushed them hard for a better deal than the 12c/kwh uncapped FIT they offered me but they wouldn't budget. My account number starts with 4 though. That being said, I saw your export figures above and you don't export much. I'm about 2-2.5 times what you export.

  • Contract finally ended with 20c fit.

    Retention team called me and offered:

    12.000 c/kWh solar feed-in tariff
    Solar Meter Charge 8.526 c/day
    Usage 25.817 c/kWh
    Daily Supply 118.338 c/day

    3 out of 4 bills actually made money back in the day.

    Most in a quarter was $330

    • Same rates here for Sunshine Coast.

      Did you have to leave Origin for retention to call you?
      I asked for the 12c FIT but I couldn't get it until I switched to another provider… waste of time for all involved :(

  • Just got solar installed, currently with AGL. Called Origin and said I want to switch to origin can you do the 12c FIT and they said yes just call them back once my account has been moved to them. Here’s hoping I’m on 12c in a few days time.

    • +2

      Just make sure that it is uncapped and not the capped 12c FIT.

      • By uncapped do you mean 12c for all electricity fed? Ie not just for the first 14kwh?

        • Yes - Uncapped FIT and not just the first 14kwh

        • did you end up getting 12c uncapped ?

  • +2

    Just followed akyeeeahdude's method (Thank you!) -> Join Energy Australia online -> Energy Australia sent confirmation email of the transfer and Origin send me final electricity bill (while all still within 10 business days of Energy Australia cancellation period).

    Got a call from Origin about 6 business days after initiation the transfer.
    Pretty much offered 12c uncap feed in right away.
    Can't go higher despite trying to nicely mention about my previous 20c FIT :)

    General usage - 25.817c (inc GST)
    CL 2 - 19.976c
    Daily Supply - 118.338c
    Daily Supply CL - 3.047c

    • +1

      Glad it worked for you, too!

  • Just called origin trying to negotiate fit rate and was told they don't have a retention team and 5c is best they can do.
    Is there any plans out there without demand tarriff? current plan don't have it but with new plans from other energy provider deman tarriff pretty much kills any savings.

    • Read my recent replies as this answers your questions mate but to save you time - the Retention Team exists but can't be spoken to prior to transferring to another provider (they will contact you). There is a 12c/kwh FIT (uncapped) plan without a demand tarriff - I recently signed up to it after the Retention Team contacted me.

      • +1

        thanks for the feedback. signed up with red energy a few days ago, hopeful to get a call soon

  • update: signed up with red energy about a week ago, didn't receive any calls from origin retention team, now with red energy :(

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