A Virtual Power Plant, or VPP for short, is a network of connected solar batteries that can be coordinated like a pop-up power plant. VPPs allow renewable energy to be harnessed quickly, providing energy to the grid during times of peak demand. The result is a more stable, balanced network and reduced reliance on fossil fuels.
VPPs will play an important role in the future of Australia’s energy mix. The concept is win-win; VPP providers (aggregators and retailers) benefit from the flexibility and efficiency of a solar battery network, while participants can enjoy lower electricity bills and a shorter payback period on their solar and storage investment.
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There are many VPP programs available across Australia, with more coming online periodically. Each VPP program offers its participants specific benefits, eligibility requirements, program structure and contract details.
To help you determine the best VPP for your home or business, use the comparison table below outlining the key features of the VPP programs currently available in Australia.
Also, to aid in your exploration of VPP options, consider gaining valuable insights into solar energy and battery technology by obtaining FREE solar quotes from Energy Matters, which facilitates an informed decision-making process for your home or business.
Current VPP programs available across Australia
The information in this table is current as of 12 March 2026. Updates will be made accordingly as more programs are developed and/or become available. All efforts are made to ensure that the information contained is accurate; however, eligibility, terms, and conditions are subject to change at any time, and Energy Matters takes no responsibility for any variances to those listed below.
Feature | Logo | Regions | Retailer required | Payment / incentive | Battery / system requirements | Battery control | Caps and limits | Contract information | Eligibility summary | NSW PDRS compatibility | Notes |
AGL | 
| NSW, VIC, QLD, SA | Yes | $200 upfront credit, about $80 yearly bill credits, plus around $1/kWh during VPP events | Compatible battery required | Scheduled events; retailer controls dispatch with customer reserve settings. | Offers upfront credits or bill credits, typically capped around $1,000 to $2,000, with ongoing participation payments subject to event limits. | 10-day cooling-off; exit anytime with no fee, but incentives may be forfeited. | Residential customer in supported region with smart meter and internet | Yes | Not publicly listed for ACT, WA, or TAS |
Amber | 
| NSW, VIC, SA, ACT, SE QLD | Yes | No fixed credit. Wholesale trading model. Charges when prices are low and exports when prices spike | Compatible battery on Amber list | Real-time wholesale control; customer sets automation rules and limits. | No fixed cap, but earnings depend on wholesale price events, with revenue fluctuating and no guaranteed minimum or maximum. | No lock-in or cooling-off; exit anytime with no fees. | Eligible network area, smart meter, internet, compatible battery | Yes | Queensland availability generally SE QLD |
EnergyAustralia | 
| NSW | Yes | Monthly bill credits plus event payments. Commonly around $100 to $300 per year | Compatible battery required | Event-based dispatch; retailer controls with some customer reserve control. | Provides upfront incentives and bill credits, usually capped around $1,000 to $1,500, with limits on annual event participation. | 10-day cooling-off; exit anytime, but upfront credits may be clawed back. | Residential household in NSW with smart meter and eligible battery | Yes | Public comparison sources currently show NSW |
CovaU | 
| NSW, VIC, QLD, SA, TAS | Usually | Bill credits or export incentives. Often around $100 to $300 per year equivalent | Approved equipment under program terms | Event-based control; retailer dispatches with minimal user input. | Provides upfront incentives and bill credits, generally capped near $1,000, with limits depending on participation and system configuration. | Cooling-off period applies; exit allowed, with potential incentive clawback. | Eligible customer under CovaU VPP agreement | Yes | Check onboarding status with provider |
Discover Energy | 
| NSW, VIC, SA, ACT, SE QLD | Yes | Higher payments for exports during VPP events rather than a simple flat credit | Compatible battery and inverter required | Automated optimisation; provider controls via platform algorithms. | Offers incentives and bill optimisation via its platform, with caps typically around $1,000 to $1,500 and performance-based earnings. | Cooling-off period applies; exit permitted, with possible loss of incentives. | Eligible home in supported area with smart meter and internet | Yes | Often listed as available in ACT |
ENGIE | 
| NSW, VIC, QLD, SA | Yes | Often includes upfront credits or installation discounts plus ongoing VPP event payments | Compatible battery required | Scheduled events; retailer controls battery within agreed limits. | Offers upfront payments and bill credits, typically capped near $1,000, with controlled discharge events and participation limits. | 10-day cooling-off; exit permitted, with potential repayment of incentives. | Eligible household in supported region with approved battery | Yes | Not publicly listed for ACT, WA, or TAS |
GloBird | 
| NSW, VIC, SA, QLD | Usually | Three hours of free daytime electricity, usually used to charge the battery, plus evening export incentives and daily bonuses | Compatible battery required | Time-of-use control; retailer dispatches, limited customer override. | Provides time-based incentives such as free electricity periods and export rewards, with no strict cap but earnings limited by usage and dispatch events. | Standard cooling-off period; exit anytime with no fees, but benefits cease immediately. | Residential household in supported network area | Yes | Queensland often Energex network |
LocalVolts | 
| NSW, QLD, SA, ACT, TAS | Yes | Real-time marketplace trading. Earnings vary widely based on live energy prices and export timing | Varies by setup | Fully customer-led; user controls dispatch via real-time pricing. | No fixed cap, with earnings determined by real-time wholesale pricing, meaning returns vary and are not guaranteed. | No lock-in or cooling-off; exit anytime with no penalties. | Smart meter, suitable battery setup, LocalVolts agreement | Yes | Availability depends on technical setup |
Nectr | 
| NSW, VIC, QLD, SA, ACT | Usually | Historically offered up to about 50c/kWh during evening peaks, but current availability appears limited or unclear | Eligible battery under Nectr plan | Event-driven control; retailer manages dispatch with basic user settings. | Offers upfront credits and bill savings, often capped around $1,000, with limits tied to event participation and system size. | 10-day cooling-off; exit allowed, with possible repayment of upfront incentives. | Residential customer with approved system and plan | Yes | Not widely marketed for new customers |
NRN | 
| NSW | Usually | Payments when the battery exports during VPP events or peak demand periods | Compatible battery required | Structured events; provider controls with predefined participation rules. | Delivers fixed upfront incentives and ongoing payments, typically capped at around $1,500, with structured participation requirements. | Cooling-off applies; early exit may require partial repayment of incentives. | Residential household in supported NSW area | Yes | Public comparison sources show NSW |
Origin | 
| NSW, VIC, QLD, SA, ACT | Yes | $200 upfront credit plus payments for electricity exported during grid support events | Compatible battery required | Event-based dispatch; retailer controls with optional backup reserve. | Offers upfront payments and ongoing bill credits, usually capped between $1,000 and $2,000 depending on battery size and plan terms. | 10-day cooling-off; exit anytime, but credits or incentives may be revoked. | Eligible home with approved battery and metering | Yes | Common retailer VPP option |
Powow | 
| NSW, VIC, QLD, SA | No | Pays per kWh exported during VPP events, usually above standard feed-in tariff rates | Eligible battery and metering required | Optimised dispatch; provider controls based on demand signals. | Offers performance-based earnings and incentives, with no strict cap but practical limits based on battery size and dispatch frequency. | Cooling-off applies; exit anytime, with no fixed fees but loss of future benefits. | Customer must meet Powow onboarding requirements | Yes | Retailer independent |
Reposit | 
| NSW, VIC, QLD, ACT | Usually | Managed no-bill model that aims to reduce or offset electricity bills through optimisation and VPP participation | Managed system or bundled setup | Event-based control; system dispatches during GridCredits events. | No fixed cap, with earnings based on GridCredits during high-price events, but overall returns depend on event frequency. | No lock-in; exit anytime with no fees, but no further GridCredits earned. | Eligibility subject to Reposit system approval | No | Not available in WA |
ShineHub | 
| NSW, VIC, QLD, SA | Usually | Upfront battery discount or about $200 to $400 in annual bill credits | ShineHub installed compatible system | Scheduled dispatch; provider controls with limited user input. | Provides upfront rebates and bill credits, generally capped around $1,000 to $2,000, with limits based on battery size and contract terms. | Cooling-off period applies; exit allowed, though incentives may need to be repaid. | Minimum solar and battery requirements may apply | Yes | Installer led VPP |
SolarHub | 
| ACT, NSW | Usually | Annual bill credits or battery rebates for allowing battery dispatch during grid events | SolarHub installed system | Retailer-controlled; dispatch via ActewAGL with limited override. | Provides bill credits and plan-based incentives, with caps generally around $1,000 and limits tied to retailer plan conditions. | Cooling-off period applies; exit allowed, though incentives may need to be repaid. | SolarHub customers with eligible battery | No | Common ACT VPP provider |
sonnenConnect | 
| NSW, VIC, QLD, SA, ACT | Usually | Energy plan benefits plus VPP participation credits, depending on exports and plan terms | sonnen battery required | Automated control; sonnen manages battery with user reserve settings. | No upfront cap, with ongoing bill credits or energy offsets depending on participation, typically limited by system size and usage. | Cooling-off applies; exit allowed, but contract terms may require notice and loss of benefits. | Must have sonnen battery connected in NEM | No | Battery brand specific |
SA VPP | 
| SA | Program specific | Subsidised battery installation plus participation payments when the system exports to support the grid | Tesla Powerwall in program phases | Centralised control; Tesla dispatches with fixed participation rules. | Limited to 50 Powerwall discharge cycles per year, with a 20% minimum backup reserve; currently not open to new customers. | Cooling-off applies; long-term agreement, with early exit potentially restricted or penalised. | Eligibility depends on housing program phase | No | SA specific program |
Synergy | 
| WA | Yes | VPP participation payments and rebate alignment through WA battery programs | Eligible battery under program | Event-based control; retailer dispatches within program limits. | Requires a minimum 5 kWh battery and 2.5 kVA inverter, with rewards and dispatch subject to activation event limits. | Cooling-off applies; exit permitted, though incentive eligibility may be impacted. | Home must be in Synergy network | No | Major WA VPP |
Plico | 
| WA | Usually | Reduced upfront battery cost plus ongoing VPP participation credits | Plico managed system | Provider-controlled; managed dispatch with limited customer control. | Requires at least 5 kWh of battery storage, with the WA rebate capped at 10 kWh even if the installed battery is larger. | No traditional cooling-off due to service model; early exit may involve contract payout. | Home in south west WA with Plico system | No | WA specific program |
Tesla | 
| NSW, VIC, QLD, SA | Yes | Retail electricity plan combined with VPP export payments when Tesla dispatches the battery | Tesla Powerwall required | Automated control; Tesla manages dispatch with user backup reserve. | No fixed cap, with savings dependent on plan structure and battery participation, though limited to Tesla Powerwall systems. | Cooling-off applies; exit allowed, but credits cease and plan conditions reset. | Eligible household on Tesla retail plan | No | Not listed for ACT, WA, or TAS |
LAVO | 
| NSW, VIC, SA, QLD | Usually | Energy-as-a-service model. Savings come through lower energy costs rather than direct VPP payments | LAVO system required | Not clearly defined; control structure varies or not publicly specified. | Cap information unavailable | No standardised VPP contract terms published; exit conditions vary or unavailable. | Eligible property with approved setup | No | Niche hydrogen storage offer |
VPP Programs Victoria (VIC)
- AGL “Bring Your Own Battery”
- Amber SmartShift
- Charge Force VPP by Powershop
- Discover Energy VPP
- Energy Australia “Battery Ease / PowerResponse”
- ENGIE New Battery VPP
- ENGIE BYO Battery VPP
- Globird ZEROHERO
- Origin Loop Virtual Power Plant (within 50km of Melbourne CBD)
- Reposit “No bill”
- ShineHub
- sonnenConnect
- WATTBANK VPP by Diamond Energy
VPP Programs New South Wales (NSW)
- AGL “Bring Your Own Battery”
- Amber SmartShift
- Charge Force VPP by Powershop
- Discover Energy VPP
- Energy Australia “Battery Ease / PowerResponse”
- ENGIE New Battery VPP
- ENGIE BYO Battery VPP
- Globird ZEROHERO
- Origin Loop Virtual Power Plant (within 50km of Sydney CBD)
- Reposit “No bill”
- ShineHub
- sonnenConnect
- WATTBANK VPP by Diamond Energy
NSW Government Virtual Power Plant (VPP)
The NSW VPP battery incentive will increase. When you connect your battery to a participating Virtual Power Plant, you will be eligible for a one-off payment based on the battery size from 1 July 2025.
- Up to $550 for a 10 kWh battery,
- Up to $1,500 for a 27 kWh battery.
Your exact incentive payout will vary based on several criteria, including:
- The provider of the virtual power plants you select
- The agreement you sign with your Virtual Power Plant provider outlines the terms of your collaboration. This can include when the Virtual Power Plant can access your battery and how much you are paid for your excess electricity.
VPP Programs Queensland (QLD)
- AGL “Bring Your Own Battery”
- Amber SmartShift (SE QLD only)
- Discover Energy VPP (SE QLD only)
- Energy Australia “Battery Ease / PowerResponse”
- ENGIE New Battery VPP
- ENGIE BYO Battery VPP
- Globird ZEROHERO (Energex region only)
- Origin Loop Virtual Power Plant (within 50km of Brisbane CBD or Gold Coast metro)
- Reposit “No bill”
- ShineHub
- sonnenConnect
- WATTBANK VPP by Diamond Energy (Energex region only)
VPP Programs South Australia (SA)
- AGL “Bring Your Own Battery”
- Amber SmartShift
- Discover Energy VPP
- Energy Australia “Battery Ease / PowerResponse”
- ENGIE New Battery VPP
- ENGIE BYO Battery VPP
- Globird ZEROHERO
- Reposit “No bill”
- South Australia’s Virtual Power Plant (SA VPP)
- ShineHub
- sonnenConnect
- WATTBANK VPP by Diamond Energy
South Australia’s Virtual Power Plant (SA VPP)
South Australia’s Virtual Power Plant (SA VPP) is a pioneering initiative launched in 2018, aiming to aggregate up to 50,000 homes equipped with solar panels and Tesla Powerwall batteries into a cohesive, decentralised energy network. As of late 2024, approximately 7,000 households are participating, contributing a combined capacity of 35 MW.
Eligibility criteria:
- Housing SA tenants: Eligible tenants are offered free installation and maintenance of solar and battery systems.
- Private homeowners: Residents owning their homes can join by enrolling in the Tesla Energy Plan, which requires ownership of a Tesla Powerwall and a compatible solar system.
- Community housing residents: Tesla and housing providers may collaborate to invite tenants in community housing to participate.
VPP Programs Western Australia (WA)
- Plico Energy VPP (SWIS grid)
- Horizon Power Community Wave (Regional WA)
- Synergy Battery Rewards (SWIS grid)
VPP Programs Australian Capital Territory (ACT)
- Amber SmartShift
- SolarHub VPP
- Discover Energy VPP
- Evergen
- Reposit “No bill”
- sonnenConnect
VPP Programs Tasmania (TAS)
There are no household VPPs available in Tasmania.
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Harnessing the sun's power: How VPPs revolutionise Australia's home solar
Imagine thousands of homes across Australia, each equipped with a gleaming solar power system, not just generating clean energy for themselves, but working together as one giant virtual power plant (VPP). That’s the exciting reality of VPPs in Australia, transforming how we think about home solar.
Here’s how it works: When you install solar panels on your roof, your home becomes a mini power station. Any excess energy you generate is usually exported back to the grid, often at a low feed-in tariff. But with a VPP, your home solar system joins a network of other solar-powered homes. A central platform monitors and coordinates this network, strategically drawing on your stored solar power at peak times when the grid needs it most. This can happen during solar installation, or even later through a solar panel installation company that offers VPP services. Read more about How a Virtual Power Plant (VPP) Works.
The benefits are multifold. For you, it means earning more for your solar power and potentially even reducing your electricity bills. VPPs provide backup and stability for the grid, especially during hot summer days when rooftop solar generation dips. And for Australia, it’s a giant leap towards a cleaner, more resilient energy future.
So, if you’re considering solar panel installs or already have a home solar system, look into VPPs. It’s a win-win for you, the grid, and the planet. Let’s harness the sun’s power together, one rooftop at a time!
Our professional solar installers will assess and determine your energy needs. We customise a solar panel system to fit the roof size of your property, ensuring you receive the most suitable solar panel system for your home, and meeting the property’s energy requirements.
Energy Matters has been Australia’s trusted source of renewable energy news and education since 2005. We offer free services: providing free solar quotes, free battery quotes, and connecting home and business owners with local and pre-vetted installers.
“Energy Matters believes in a clean energy future. Australia’s road to electrification will be paved with solar, battery, and other renewable energy tech adoption – from households to industry. Our goal is to see Australia move towards net-zero” – Roshan Ramnarain, CEO of Energy Matters
Find out more information about solar across Australia:
Solar Panels Brisbane, Solar Panels Melbourne, Solar Panels Sydney, Best Solar Panels Canberra, Reputable Solar Companies Perth, Solar Panels Darwin, Solar Panels Hobart, and Solar Panels Adelaide.
