What’s a VPP?

A Virtual Power Plant links thousands of home batteries (and sometimes EVs and smart appliances) so they can work together like a mini power station. When the grid is under pressure — hot evenings, storms, or unexpected outages — the VPP briefly discharges small amounts from many batteries at once. You get bill credits or payments for helping, and the community gets a steadier, cleaner grid.

How your battery participates

• Normal days: Your solar charges your battery. You use that energy at night to cut your bill and rely less on grid power.
• VPP “events”: The VPP requests a small slice of your stored energy to support the grid. You’re paid credits or a rate per kWh for the discharge.
• Safety reserve: VPPs keep a minimum battery reserve (often around 20%) so you still have backup and evening use as normal.

Why VPPs matter in SEQ

South-East Queensland’s evening demand spikes, summer storms and rapid rooftop-solar growth make flexible storage valuable. In the Energex network (Brisbane, Redlands, Logan, etc.), dynamic export connections now allow higher exports when the grid has capacity — great for VPP earnings and larger systems.

The benefits (done straight)

• Extra income: Earn bill credits or per-kWh payments during VPP events. While amounts vary, these payments stack on top of your usual solar-and-battery savings, nudging your bills down further over a full year.
• Faster battery payback: Because you’re getting value two ways — self-consumption plus VPP income — the payback period can shorten. This is especially helpful if your home uses more power in the evenings when solar alone can’t cover usage.
• Community resilience: Coordinated batteries reduce strain on the grid and reliance on peaker plants. That helps lower the risk of blackouts during heatwaves and can keep more renewable energy flowing in SEQ.
• Rebate-friendly & future-proof: Many battery rebates prefer or require VPP-capable systems. Joining a reputable VPP keeps your setup current with evolving tariffs, dynamic exports and grid services.

The fine print (read this bit)

• Caps & timing: Some plans cap paid VPP energy per year, and some pay annually rather than per event. If you rarely get called, returns will be modest — it’s normal for earnings to be lumpy across the seasons.
• Retailer lock-in: A few VPPs require you to be on that retailer’s electricity plan. Always weigh the plan’s daily supply charge, usage rates and feed-in tariff alongside the VPP perks before switching.
• Event frequency varies: Some months are busy, others quiet. Weather, market prices and grid conditions drive events — there’s no guaranteed minimum income from any VPP.
• Battery wear & settings: VPPs use small, controlled cycles and reputable programs operate within manufacturer limits. Keeping firmware up to date and setting a sensible reserve helps protect battery life.
• Export limits matter: Your site’s export limit (fixed or dynamic) affects how much you can earn. Where available, dynamic export usually means more opportunity without breaching network rules.

How to maximise your VPP earnings in Brisbane/Redlands

• Go dynamic on exports: Ask us to request a dynamic export connection with Energex where suitable so you can export more when the grid allows it.
• Size sensibly: Bigger batteries can help more often, but check annual caps — there’s little point oversizing far beyond those ceilings.
• Keep a practical reserve: Too high a backup reserve leaves little for events; too low can leave you short during storms. Many locals sit around 20–30% most of the year and lift it for severe-weather days.
• Choose the right plan: If a VPP requires a specific retailer plan, run the numbers on usage rates and FiT. The “extras” shouldn’t be wiped out by a poor underlying tariff.
• Solid Wi-Fi & smart metering: VPPs need reliable comms and a smart meter. Dropouts can cause missed events and lost earnings.
• Know exit terms: Some offers are month-to-month; others include multi-year clawbacks if you accepted an upfront discount. Read the exit rules before joining.

Who’s offering VPPs in Queensland right now (and what they pay)

Current as at 10 September 2025. Offers change — always confirm at your exact address before joining.

AGL Virtual Power Plant

• Pay: $1.00 per kWh for VPP energy moved during events (capped at 250 kWh/year) + $200 welcome credit + $20 quarterly credits in QLD.
• Conditions: Must be on an AGL electricity plan; BYO battery option is a rolling services term.

Origin Loop

• Pay: $1.00 per kWh during events, capped at 200 kWh/year, plus a $200 sign-up credit. Standard FiT applies outside events.
• Conditions: Must be an Origin electricity customer; BYO battery supported.

Discover Energy VPP

• Pay: $0.25 per kWh for VPP-triggered exports plus 50% of wholesale trading profit during events. Many areas have a tiered FiT outside events.
• Conditions: Must switch to Discover Energy; check inverter/battery compatibility.

Amber Electric – SmartShift

• Pay: Wholesale market prices for exports (can spike very high in rare events); $25/month subscription applies.
• Conditions: Must be an Amber retail customer; battery compatibility list applies. Best for tech-savvy households.

Note on the Tesla Energy Plan

The Tesla Energy Plan is ending in Australia on 30 September 2025. If you’re on it now, you’ll be moved off; new sign-ups have already been paused. Consider one of the options above next.

Is a VPP right for me?

Choose a “set-and-forget” VPP (AGL/Origin) if you want dependable credits and don’t want to think about markets. Pick a trading-style model (Amber/Discover) if you’re happy with variable outcomes and want more upside. If you’re buying a new battery and want an upfront discount, some providers bundle VPP participation with the deal — just check any lock-in and early-exit clawbacks.

Local tips from Solair Electrical (Thornlands)

• We install VPP-ready batteries across Brisbane & the Redlands and can request dynamic export with Energex where suitable.
• We’ll help you weigh plan rates, caps and payout timing, not just the headline per-kWh number.
• Storm season? We can set up easy reserve presets so you can lift backup on severe-weather days without killing your VPP earnings year-round.

FAQ