The must-know facts about AGL’s Battery Rewards Plan
Did you know that with the right plan and a battery, you could be earning more with evening feed-in tariffs?
Sponsored by AGL. The AGL Battery Rewards Plan makes it easy to turn your home battery excess into a source of smart savings. If you're eligible, it's one of the simplest ways to support the energy grid and get rewarded for doing it.
Having a solar battery setup on your home is a great way to help to offset your energy bills.
But there can be other benefits too! So with this in mind, we're taking a look at some of the key things to know about the AGL Battery Rewards Plan.
1. You can potentially earn more via Peak Feed-in Tariffs
Did you know that when you're feeding into your local power supply with your solar battery that you earn different tariffs depending on the time of day that you feed in?
When you're signed up to AGL's plan, setting your battery to feed in during evening peak hours (5-9pm) can actually earn you higher feed-in tariffs (FiTs)!
This means you can help to maximise the FiTs you earn over the course of the year by being selective when you choose to export your excess energy.
Each state in Australia has a different FiT, which is influenced by energy needs and the government incentives within the area.
On the table below, you can see a state-by-state breakdown of the FiT rates, as well as a calculation of your potential annual earnings when you switch to AGL's Battery Rewards Plan.*
| State | Battery size | Remaining kWh | Evenings exported in 1 year | State FiT^ | Potential earnings* |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| VIC | 20kWh | 10 | 260 | $0.255 | $663 |
| NSW | 20kWh | 10 | 260 | $0.28 | $728 |
| QLD | 20kWh | 10 | 260 | $0.27 | $702 |
| SA | 20kWh | 10 | 260 | $0.26 | $676 |
^ This feed-in tariff will appear on your bill as 'evening peak feed-in tariff'
* Calculated by aggregating the total energy exported and the average number of evenings in a year when you export 5 times a week between 5pm–9pm, using the Victorian evening feed-in tariff: 10 kWh x 260 evenings (5x52) x $0.255.
2. You can get credit when you join
In addition to earning FiT, you can receive an additional bonus credit on your electricity bill when you first join Battery Rewards Plan**.
The bonus electricity credit you'll receive depends on the state you're based in:
- VIC - $150
- NSW - $150
- QLD - $200
- SA - $150
This offer is currently running until 8th September
Just visit the AGL website to find out if you're eligible.
3. There are multiple types of tariffs
When it comes to electricity tariffs, there are actually quite a few different types. You can read about them in more detail on the Energy.gov.au site.
But when it comes to using your solar battery with AGL, there are two main types you need to consider – single-rate tariffs and time-of-use tariffs.
- Single-rate: Sometimes known as "flat rate" tariffs, these tariffs pay the same rate during feed-in, irrespective of the time of day that you're feeding energy into the wider power grid. Many feed-in plans use single rate tariffs; you can earn credits towards your bill, but you're not incentivised for feeding in at specific times.
- Time-of-use: As the name suggests, these tariffs vary according to the time of day. Typically, this means that higher tariffs are offered during peak use periods. This can be more beneficial to battery owners, as they can feed in stored power during these peak periods, while still using battery power at other times during the day.
4. There are multiple ways to maximise your earnings
When you're looking to earn tariffs with your solar battery, there are some simple steps you can take to boost your earnings.
- Invest in the right battery: To be eligible for feed-in tariffs, one requirement is that you'll need to have a battery that's capable of storing enough energy for your household use. AGL offers a range of solar and batteries, plus they can also connect you with installers within their trusted installer network. Find out more here: Compare home batteries and solar systems - AGL
- Run your appliances during the day: This way, you'll also be using your own energy at off-peak rates and you'll have more energy stored to feed in during peak times
- Store excess energy: Don't simply use your excess energy. Look for ways you can cut back or reduce usage around your own home. That way, you'll have more to feed back in and earn.
- Export during peak hours: Although you can earn tariffs for exporting at any time of day, when you join AGL's Battery Rewards Plan you'll be able to earn more during evening peak hours (5pm – 9pm).
Getting started
Getting started with AGL's Battery Rewards Plan is easy.
- Check your eligibility:
- You must be a residential customer in NSW, QLD, Victoria or SA.
- You need a working solar battery and a smart meter.
- Sign up to the plan here or call AGL on 131245
- Set up your battery for export:
- Schedule your battery to export excess energy between 5pm and 9pm. It's important that you check your battery has the functionality to discharge at different times.
- Speak to your installer or battery manufacturer to get help setting up your battery to this plan. AGL also has a handy guide for setting up a few of the popular batteries.
- Monitor your exports:
- If you have a battery app, use it to track how much energy you're exporting.
- Ensure you have enough excess capacity in the evenings to participate.
- Check your bill:
- Tariffs are automatically credited to your AGL account, and appear on your bill as 'evening peak feed-in tariff'. This can help you keep track of your overall tariffs that you've earned.
Visit the Battery Rewards Page to learn more and sign-up today.
Sponsored by AGL. The AGL Battery Rewards Plan makes it easy to turn your home battery excess into a source of smart savings. If you're eligible, it's one of the simplest ways to support the energy grid and get rewarded for doing it.
Disclaimers:
** Credit offer for NSW, SA and QLD residential customers on selected plans who join and stay for 90 days, and for VIC residential customers on selected plans. Credit is paid on the first bill. Not available with other offers. Offer may be varied or withdrawn by AGL. Full T&Cs at agl.com.au.