It will be a long blog if I detail each state’s renewable energy subsidy scheme so I will keep it simple and concentrate on Perth Western Australia because there is only one electricity supplier (and it’s where I live).

If you would like an overview of each state’s subsidies you can refer to the government’s Live Greener website.

What is the Renewable Buyback Scheme?

WA’s state subsidy scheme is called the Renewable Buyback Scheme (REBS).

REBS is available to residents, schools and non-profit organisations who install eligible wind, hydro or solar power systems up to 5kW. Different schemes operate for commercial, medium and large scale renewable energy electricity generation.

REBS is a net feed-in tariff.

In Perth metro and the southern part of Western Australia, the sole electricity provider is Synergy.

In northern Western Australia the sole electricity supplier is Horizon Power.

Synergy and Horizon Power establish their own terms and conditions (including rates) for buying excess energy and are responsible for running REBS. This means that you deal with your electricity supplier to apply for REBS and meter changes.  The Public Utilities Office approves the terms and conditions of each retailer’s buyback offer to ensure they are fair and reasonable.

You currently receive 8.8529 cents for each kilowatt (kW) hour you sell back to Synergy. Horizon Power’s buyback rates vary between 10 cents and 50 cents per kW hour depending on where the power is generated.

Refer to Synergy’s website and Horizon’s website for full details, terms and conditions.

A Brief Overview of Synergy’s Terms and Conditions

• Synergy provides the feed-in tariff as a credit to your bill. If the credit exceeds $100 you my be entitled to request a refund.
• If you move house, the new occupant has to apply for REBS.
• The feed-in tariff runs for up a maximum of 10 years from the date of installation.

 

This article was written by Don Curnow owner of Air and Water Residential, Perth Western Australia. Don has 9 years experience in the solar industry in Perth.

 

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