Horizon Power :: Renewable Energy Buy-back Scheme (REBS)

Related Information

What is the Renewable Energy Buy-back Scheme (REBS)?

If you install a renewable energy generation system, such as solar panels or wind turbines, to generate electricity for your home, you can sell any excess renewable electricity back to Horizon Power through Horizon Power’s Renewable Energy Buy-back Scheme (REBS).

Most home renewable energy systems will produce more energy than is required at certain times during the day and less than is required at other times. For example, if you are not at home during the day, and therefore not using a lot of power, you are likely to generate more electricity than you are using. This excess can be fed back into the electricity network and Horizon Power will pay you. This electricity is then supplied to other community members in your area.

During times when the renewable energy system is not producing enough electricity to meet your needs, you can still draw power from Horizon Power’s network.

Who can apply for REBS?

The Renewable Energy Buy-back scheme is available to all Horizon Power residential customers on an A2 Residential tariff. Your power bill will tell you which tariff you are on.

Other eligible customers including non-profit organisations and educational institutions (schools, TAFE, universities) can apply for REBS also.

How much will it cost you to apply for REBS?

Horizon Power has removed all fees incurred when applying for REBS, so the only costs you will incur are for meter re-programming and meter replacement if required.

REBS meters and metering costs

Horizon Power will install and re-program appropriate bi-directional meters to measure the amount of imported and exported electricity. The cost of metering is calculated and itemised separately. Metering costs are listed in the Terms and Conditions for purchase of Renewable Source Electricity.

What size system can you install?

The Scheme applies to renewable energy systems from 500 watts to 10 kilowatts (for single phase) and from 500 watts to 30 kilowatts (for three phase) in generating capacity. Systems greater than five kilowatts will require a network impact study to ensure the network capacity can accept the system.

How much will Horizon Power pay for your excess electricity?

Residential customers are offered renewable energy buy-back rates equal to their electricity tariff rate (A2 tariff) less the GST component (10%).

For other customers, including educational institutions and non-profit organisations that are registered for GST, Horizon Power will pay the applicable tariff rate without deducting the GST amount.

REBS customers are billed for the electricity they consume from Horizon Power (net import) and credited for the excess electricity they generate and sell back to Horizon Power (net export) each billing cycle.

How do you apply to connect to the Renewable Energy Buy-back Scheme?

To apply to have your renewable energy system connected to Horizon Power’s network, you will need to:

1. Complete the Application Form;
2. Read and agree to the Terms and Conditions; and
3. Ensure your system design complies with the Technical Requirements for Renewable Energy Systems connected to the low voltage (LV) network via inverters. (Your chosen system installer can assist with this).

Once your application has been assessed by Horizon Power, you will be advised in writing if it is successful. You will also receive on invoice for the meter re-programming fee. If you also require a new meter, the fee for this will be included on this invoice.

After approval has been given and you have paid your invoice, Horizon Power will arrange for your meter to be re-programmed. If required, Horizon Power will also arrange installation of a new bi-directional meter.

Once installation has been completed and the Certificate of Commissioning sent to Horizon Power by your installer, your electricity account will be updated and your next power bill will reflect your net imports from, and exports to, the Horizon Power network.

How much do renewable energy systems cost?

The cost of installing renewable energy systems varies on the size and type of installation you choose. The amount of electricity your household uses will also affect if, and how much excess generation you are able to feed back into the network, and therefore how much you will receive from the REBS program. You can find out more about renewable energy systems from your local installer.

There is a list of installers on the Clean Energy Council website.

How do you find out more about renewable energy systems?

A local installer will be able to provide you with information on renewable energy systems that suit your location and budget. There is a list of installers on the Clean Energy Council website.

You may also like to contact the Sustainable Energy Development Office:

Phone: 08 9420 5600
Fax: 08 9420 5699
Email: sedo@energy.wa.gov.au
Web: www.sedo.energy.wa.gov.au

Horizon Power contact information

If you have any further questions, please contact the Horizon Power Product Manager – REBS on 08 6310 1000.

Renewable Energy Buy-back Scheme (REBS)