Standard Feed-in Tariff
Victoria’s Standard Feed-in Tariff is available to households, community organisations and small businesses with a solar generation capacity greater than 5 and less than 100 kilowatts in size, and is also available to eligible customers generating other forms of renewable energy, such as wind, hydro or biomass, with a system size less than 100 kilowatts.
The Standard Feed-in Tariff allows eligible customers to sign up and receive a "one-for-one" payment rate for any excess electricity they feed back into the state’s electricity grid.
All electricity retailers with more than 5,000 customers must offer the Standard Feed-in Tariff, but they may offer different packages and terms and conditions. Check the details of any individual offers before signing up.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Standard Feed-in Tariff?
The Standard Feed-in Tariff provides customers with a “fair and reasonable” rate for any excess electricity they feed back into the state’s electricity grid. Generally, this means that the amount you pay to consume electricity from the grid is the same amount you receive when your renewable energy system generates power and that is fed back into the grid.
Who is eligible for the Standard Feed-in Tariff?
The Standard Feed-in Tariff is available to eligible customers who are generating forms of renewable energy (including wind, hydro and biomass) with a system size less than 100 kilowatts. Customers with solar generation greater than 5 and less than 100 kilowatts are also potentially eligible to receive the Standard Feed-in Tariff.
All grid connected electricity users are potentially eligible for the Standard Feed-in Tariff.
However it's important to note, that the intention of the Standard Feed-in Tariff is for renewable generation to be in proportion with the consumption needs of your property.
Can I claim the Standard Feed-in Tariff on my holiday home?
Yes, you can claim the Standard Feed-in Tariff for your holiday home providing you meet the scheme’s eligibility requirements, and have a solar PV system greater than 5 and less than 100 kilowatts in size.
The Standard Feed-in Tariff’s threshold is not designed for system installations where the generating capacity is significantly disproportionate to the actual energy used.
This does not mean that the maximum system capacity must be in use at all times, although the entire capacity should be required for a significant portion of the year to offset your energy consumption.
The Victorian Competition and Efficiency Commission (VCEC) is currently reviewing the future of feed-in tariffs. The commission is inviting public submissions to the inquiry, for more information visit the VCEC website. VCEC is expected to report its findings in 2012.
What Standard Feed-in Tariff rates are being offered by retailers?
You can call your retailer directly to find this out and to establish what you will need to do before signing up for an offer. Alternatively, look up your retailer’s Standard Feed-in Tariff offer on their website. Electricity retailers must publish this information on their websites to provide greater transparency for customers.
Does the Standard Feed-in Tariff scheme have an end-date?
No. Unlike the Transitional Feed-in Tariff scheme which will run for 5 years, the Standard Feed-in Tariff has no end date.
Can I still apply for the Standard Feed-in Tariff if I am eligible for the new Transitional Feed-in Tariff?
No – from 1 January 2012, customers who are eligible for the Transitional Feed-in Tariff will not be able to apply for the Standard Feed-in Tariff scheme.
What will happen to the Standard Feed-in Tariff now that the Transitional Tariff has been introduced?
The Standard Feed-in Tariff will remain open to solar customers whose solar PV capacity is greater than 5 and less than 100 kilowatts in capacity, and will continue to offer a ‘fair and reasonable’ rate for various forms of renewable energy including, wind, hydro, biomass and solar.
Existing Standard Feed-in Tariff customers who are eligible for the transitional scheme, can either transfer to the new Transitional Feed-in Tariff or remain on the Standard Feed-in Tariff.
The Standard Feed-in Tariff will be considered as part of the Victorian Competition and Efficiency Commission’s (VCEC) inquiry into feed-in tariffs. VCEC is expected to deliver its findings in 2012.
I’m currently signed up to the Standard Feed-in Tariff; can I switch to the Transitional Feed-in Tariff?
Yes - customers currently signed up to the Standard Feed-in Tariff can switch to the Transitional Feed-in Tariff provided they meet the eligibility requirements of the Transitional Feed-in Tariff scheme.
Customers are advised to contact their retailer and ask about any tariff implications or exit fees that may be incurred before switching to the Transitional Feed-in Tariff.
Can I change my electricity retailer and continue to receive the Standard Feed-in Tariff?
When you agreed to access the Standard Feed-in Tariff, this agreement was made with your current electricity retailer; therefore changing retailers will mean you may lose access to the standard rate you are currently receiving.
From 1 January 2012 customers who are eligible for the Transitional Feed-in Tariff will not be able to apply for the Standard Feed-in Tariff scheme.
However, this does not prevent electricity retailers from offering you a Standard Feed-in Tariff or similar offer if they choose. Shop around to see what feed-in tariff offers electricity retailers have available to find the plan that best suits your needs.
The Standard Feed-in Tariff will be considered as part of the Victorian Competition and Efficiency Commission’s (VCEC) inquiry into feed-in tariffs. VCEC is expected to deliver its findings in 2012.
I signed up to the Standard Feed-in Tariff before 01 January 2012 – can I still access the standard rate?
The Standard Feed-in Tariff remained available until 31 December 2011 to eligible households, small businesses and community organisations with solar PV systems of up to 5 kilowatts in size.
If your system size is 5 kilowatts or less and you wish to access the Standard Feed-in Tariff, you needed to have an agreed contract with your electricity retailer in place before 31 December 2011.
If you did not have an agreed contract in place before 31 December 2011, you may be eligible for the new Transitional Feed-in Tariff. Contact your electricity retailer to discuss the options available to you.
The Standard Feed-in Tariff will remain open to solar customers whose solar PV capacity is greater than 5 and less than 100 kilowatts in capacity.
More Frequently Asked Questions
More information
Standard Feed-in Tariff Fair and Reasonable Criteria
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