Solar owners to benefit from a proposed increase in the single rate minimum feed-in tariff for 2019-20

Victorian solar panel owners would benefit from a new single rate minimum feed-in tariff proposed for 2019-20 of 11 cents per kilowatt hour.

Under new rates being considered by the state’s energy regulator, the Essential Services Commission, retailers will be able pay solar system owners either a single-rate tariff or time-varying tariff. 

The proposed time-varying feed-in tariffs range from 8.9 cents per kilowatt hour off-peak to 14.1 cents per kilowatt hour in peak periods.

The commission is looking for feedback on the proposed minimum feed-in tariff rates that will apply in Victoria from 1 July 2019.

The commission’s energy director Sarah McDowell says the draft decision provides the community with the opportunity to provide feedback on the proposed 2019-20 minimum feed-in tariff.

“We encourage Victorians to have their say on the minimum energy companies must pay to solar households for the power they export to the grid. 

“However, electricity retailers competing in the market are also able to offer higher rates,” she said.

Interested stakeholders can submit feedback on the new tariffs through the Engage Victoria website.

The minimum feed-in tariff consultation is available on Engage Victoria or the commission’s website until midnight Sunday 13 January 2019.

Editors’ note: Proposed rates for the time-varying tariff are between 8.9 cents and 14.1 cents per kilowatt hour, depending on the time of day power is exported. The proposed minimum price under the single-rate tariff is 11.0 cents per kilowatt hour.

How the minimum feed-in tariff works