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Distributed Energy Buyback Scheme

August 31 2020

Energy Minister Bill Johnston today announced the Distributed Energy Buyback Scheme (DEBS), which will introduce buyback payments for energy exported from eligible home batteries and electric vehicles.

DEBS also introduces higher export payments for electricity between 3 pm and 9 pm, which is when it’s in high demand for most Horizon Power customers.  This will encourage households to make the most of this solar resource by using or storing the electricity they produce during the middle of the day and to produce more renewable energy later in the day, when households need it most, by installing west-facing panels. 

The new scheme will apply to eligible customers – households, schools and other educational institutes, and not-for-profits – installing an eligible new solar PV system or battery, or upgrading the size of their existing PV system (up to a 5kW maximum size).  It will also apply to some customers moving into a premise with existing solar PV installed.

Under DEBS, from 6 November:

  • Electricity exported between 3 pm and 9 pm will earn 10c/kWh; and
  • Electricity exported before 3 pm or after 9 pm will earn 3c/kWh.

For our customers in towns with high generation costs, the rates will be a higher corresponding buyback rate.

Between now and 6 November, DEBS customers will receive the current Renewable Energy Buyback Scheme (REBS) rates for their exports – including any exports from batteries, giving DEBS households time to adjust to the new pricing and switch their electricity consumption to the middle of the day where they can, to make the most of their solar generation.

REBS will continue for customers who are already signed up to it, but these customers will have the option to switch to DEBS to take advantage of the higher 3-9 pm buyback rate if they wish.

For more information, visit https://www.wa.gov.au/organisation/energy-policy-wa/energy-buyback-schemes​

 

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