NSW electricity tariff optimization 2026
Bottom line — as of 20 July 2026 Verified Answer #1
For this unusually large-load NSW household, the most likely cheapest risk-adjusted tariff archetype is an EV-specific, smart-meter plan with a very cheap overnight whole-of-house/general-usage window, combined with active battery control: Verified Answer #1
charge the EV in the super-off-peak window; Verified Answer #1
charge the home battery overnight only when tomorrow’s solar is unlikely to fill it; Verified Answer #1
keep enough battery headroom to absorb the 10 kW solar system during the day; Verified Answer #1
discharge the battery to eliminate expensive afternoon/evening imports; and Verified Answer #1
normally avoid demand tariffs unless an interval-data simulation proves that the battery can reliably cap grid demand. Verified Answer #1
The first plans I would price for the actual NMI are OVO’s EV Plan/Basic EV Plan, AGL Night Saver EV, Origin EV Power Up, and GloBird EASYEV. Verified Answer #1
If the EV is normally home during the day and the property can produce at least about 10–12 kWh/day of actual metered grid import during a free midday period, after allowing for its own solar, then an OVO Free 4 or regulated Solar Sharer Offer can beat the overnight-EV archetype. Verified Answer #1
That condition is much harder to satisfy for a house already producing up to roughly 10 kW at midday than the “free electricity” headline suggests. Verified Answer #1
A wholesale plan such as Amber for Batteries may have the highest upside for a well-automated 32 kWh battery, but it has variable-price risk and should be chosen only after an actual historical back-test. Verified Answer #1
A VPP can add value, including a possible NSW connection incentive, but “VPP” by itself is not a guarantee of the lowest bill: the base import tariff, lost self-consumption, dispatch rules and battery degradation can outweigh the VPP payment. Verified Answer #1
There cannot be one reliable statewide winner without the NMI, distributor, retail tariff assignment, import/export interval data, EV availability and battery/inverter data. Verified Answer #1
The AER’s 2026–27 comparison prices themselves illustrate the network difference: $1,899 flat-rate in Ausgrid, $2,328 in Endeavour and $2,604 in Essential Energy at each area’s much lower benchmark consumption. Verified Answer #1
Those figures are comparison prices—not estimates for this 60–70 kWh/day household. (aer.gov.au) Verified Answer #1
The critical ambiguity: what does “60–70 kWh/day” mean? Verified Answer #1
This must be resolved before comparing plans: Verified Answer #1
If 60–70 kWh/day is gross behind-the-meter household load, solar and battery may reduce billed grid imports to perhaps 8–15 MWh/year, depending on season and dispatch. Verified Answer #1
If 60–70 kWh/day is the import shown on the retailer bill, annual grid imports are about 21.9–25.6 MWh and the import tariff is overwhelmingly important. Verified Answer #1
The sensitivity is simple: Verified Answer #1
At 23,725 kWh/year of imports, every 1 c/kWh difference changes the annual bill by $237. Verified Answer #1
At 13,000 kWh/year of imports, every 1 c/kWh changes it by $130. Verified Answer #1
A 50 c/day difference in supply charge is $182.50/year. Verified Answer #1
At only 2,000 kWh/year of exports, every 1 c/kWh of feed-in tariff is worth just $20/year. Verified Answer #1
Even at 8,000 kWh/year of exports, every 1 c/kWh is worth $80/year. Verified Answer #1
Thus, for a high-consumption, battery-equipped household, a plan with a modest feed-in tariff but very cheap flexible imports will normally beat a “solar” plan with an attractive FiT but expensive imports—unless annual exports are genuinely large. Verified Answer #1
IPART’s 2026–27 all-day NSW solar-FiT benchmark is 3.4–6.5 c/kWh, but IPART also warns that high-FiT plans can carry higher import prices or conditions and that the entire plan must be compared. (ipart.nsw.gov.au) Verified Answer #1
Current plans and structures worth checking first Verified Answer #1
OVO EV Plan / Basic EV Plan — strongest first check where overnight charging is possible Verified Answer #1
OVO currently advertises 4.5 c/kWh from midnight to 6 am on its EV Plan. Verified Answer #1
Its post-paid Basic EV variants are listed at 4.72 c/kWh. Verified Answer #1
OVO requires an EV and communicating smart meter; the EV window applies to general usage and excludes controlled load. (pages.ovoenergy.com.au) Verified Answer #1
For the current Ausgrid post-paid Basic EV Plan TOU variant, OVO’s pricing page lists, including GST: Verified Answer #1
EV rate: 4.72 c/kWh; Verified Answer #1
other off-peak: 25.2367 c/kWh; Verified Answer #1
peak: 63.2016 c/kWh; Verified Answer #1
supply: $1.851349/day; and Verified Answer #1
solar FiT: 1 c/kWh, stated excluding GST. (pages.ovoenergy.com.au) Verified Answer #1
Why it can suit this house Verified Answer #1
The cheap window appears to apply to the site’s general usage, not merely a separately metered charger. Verified Answer #1
That means the customer may be able to schedule the EV, dishwasher, clothes dryer and—subject to the contract and inverter settings—the home battery in the same six-hour window. Verified Answer #1
The battery can then prevent imports at the very high peak rate. Verified Answer #1
Main drawbacks Verified Answer #1
High peak and supply charges punish poor battery scheduling. Verified Answer #1
The FiT is low. Verified Answer #1
Prepaid/bill-smoothing and post-paid variants have different prices and payment terms. Verified Answer #1
Charging the battery fully every night may crowd out free solar charging the following day. Verified Answer #1
Practical verdict: likely the best first plan to model if the EV is home overnight and the battery can reliably eliminate peak imports. Verified Answer #1
AGL Night Saver EV — simpler alternative with a less extreme tariff spread Verified Answer #1
AGL’s current Night Saver EV plan charges 8 c/kWh from midnight to 6 am, requires an EV and digital meter, and applies the special rate to general usage; controlled-load usage is excluded. Verified Answer #1
AGL currently lists a 3 c/kWh FiT and an address-dependent rate outside the EV window. Verified Answer #1
Its advertised $150 electricity credit is a one-off new/moving-customer incentive and should not be treated as recurring value. (agl.com.au) Verified Answer #1
At 6,000 kWh/year in the cheap window: Verified Answer #1
OVO Basic EV at 4.72 c costs about $283; Verified Answer #1
AGL at 8 c costs $480; Verified Answer #1
the difference is about $197/year. Verified Answer #1
But AGL can still win if its ordinary rate, supply charge, FiT or tariff assignment is sufficiently better. Verified Answer #1
Obtain the address-specific AGL rates rather than comparing only the 8 c headline. Verified Answer #1
Practical verdict: check immediately after OVO; it may be preferable where the customer wants simpler terms, a better FiT or lower non-EV rates. Verified Answer #1
Origin EV Power Up — useful when only EV charging needs the special price Verified Answer #1
Origin advertises an 8 c/kWh EV Power Up rate, subject to eligibility and smart-control requirements. Verified Answer #1
Unlike an ordinary site-wide time band, the benefit is associated with managed EV charging, so the underlying Origin retail plan still matters for the house and battery. (originenergy.com.au) Verified Answer #1
Practical verdict: particularly worth checking if the EV is compatible and the customer does not want to move all household usage onto a tariff with extreme peak/off-peak rates. Verified Answer #1
It may be less valuable than OVO or AGL if the goal is also to grid-charge the 32 kWh home battery cheaply. Verified Answer #1
GloBird EASYEV — useful but watch the 20 kWh/day limit Verified Answer #1
GloBird’s EASYEV plan provides low-price periods between midnight–6 am and 11 am–2 pm, but only for the first 20 kWh per day across those periods, excluding controlled load. Verified Answer #1
GloBird publishes separate Ausgrid, Endeavour and Essential Energy Basic Plan Information Documents, so the actual price must be obtained for the NMI. (globirdenergy.com.au) Verified Answer #1
At a 20 kWh/day cap, the maximum discounted volume is 7,300 kWh/year. Verified Answer #1
That may be sufficient for a normal EV, but could be restrictive if the customer expects to charge both the EV and a large home battery from the grid every day. Verified Answer #1
Practical verdict: a strong candidate if the household’s combined flexible charging is normally under 20 kWh/day; less attractive if the customer wants to move 30–50 kWh into cheap windows. Verified Answer #1
OVO Free 4 and the regulated Solar Sharer Offer — potentially cheapest, but only if there is real midday grid import Verified Answer #1
OVO’s Free 4 provides 0 c/kWh from 11 am to 3 pm. Verified Answer #1
OVO’s current fair-use policy specifically excludes charging a battery during the free period where the intent or effect is later export for financial benefit. Verified Answer #1
Self-consumption is a different use case, but the customer should obtain written confirmation if planning substantial battery charging. (pages.ovoenergy.com.au) Verified Answer #1
The new regulated Solar Sharer Offer, effective from 1 July 2026, gives NSW smart-meter customers up to 24 kWh/day free from 11 am to 2 pm, after which excess usage is charged at the plan’s cheapest non-free rate. Verified Answer #1
It is an opt-in standing offer with elevated rates outside the free period. (energymadeeasy.gov.au) Verified Answer #1
For an existing 10 kW solar system, however, running an appliance at noon is not automatically valuable under a free-import plan: the appliance may simply consume the household’s own solar, creating no metered free grid import. Verified Answer #1
The plan becomes valuable only where total simultaneous EV, battery and household charging exceeds instantaneous solar production, or on cloudy/winter days. Verified Answer #1
Practical verdict: potentially the actual winner if the EV is home during the day and the customer can consistently create more than roughly 10–12 kWh/day of net metered import in the free window. Verified Answer #1
Otherwise, the high outside-window rates can make it much worse than an EV plan. Verified Answer #1
Cheap flat-rate plans — still a credible control case Verified Answer #1
A battery already removes much of the reason for accepting a punishing TOU peak rate. Verified Answer #1
A low flat market offer can therefore win if: Verified Answer #1
most EV charging cannot be scheduled; Verified Answer #1
the battery is kept primarily for backup and is not actively controlled; Verified Answer #1
residual imports occur throughout the day rather than in one cheap window; or Verified Answer #1
the EV/Free plan has unusually high supply and general-usage rates. Verified Answer #1
OVO’s current Ausgrid One Plan, for example, lists 29.491 c/kWh, $1.32957/day and a 3 c/kWh FiT. Verified Answer #1
This is not necessarily the cheapest flat offer in Ausgrid; it is used below as a same-retailer comparison against OVO’s special tariffs. (pages.ovoenergy.com.au) Verified Answer #1
Practical verdict: always include the cheapest three flat market offers returned by Energy Made Easy as controls. Verified Answer #1
Do not assume TOU must win merely because the house has a battery. Verified Answer #1
Demand tariffs — generally avoid unless peak shaving is proven Verified Answer #1
Demand tariffs can have low energy prices but charge for the highest grid demand recorded during specified windows. Verified Answer #1
A 7–11 kW EV charger operating simultaneously with cooking, heating or air conditioning can establish an expensive monthly demand level in one interval. Verified Answer #1
A battery can make demand pricing viable only if its controller has reliable grid-import peak shaving, sufficient discharge power, reserve state of charge and no communication failures. Verified Answer #1
For a 30-minute meter, interval demand in kW is: Verified Answer #1
interval kW = interval import kWh × 2 Verified Answer #1
For a five-minute meter it is: Verified Answer #1
interval kW = interval import kWh × 12 Verified Answer #1
Endeavour’s 2026–27 network schedule, for example, contains separate flat, seasonal TOU, demand, transitional-demand, controlled-load, prosumer and storage tariffs. Verified Answer #1
Its residential demand tariff includes network demand components in addition to energy charges, although the retailer determines how these underlying charges appear in the retail offer. (endeavourenergy.com.au) Verified Answer #1
Practical verdict: exclude demand offers initially. Verified Answer #1
Add them only as a second-pass simulation after confirming that the battery would have capped every historical demand interval. Verified Answer #1
High solar-FiT plans — usually secondary for this load profile Verified Answer #1
AGL Solar Savers currently advertises 8 c/kWh for the first 8 kWh exported each day. Verified Answer #1
The cap means the headline rate has limited annual value: relative to a 3 c FiT, the maximum extra value on that first block is approximately: Verified Answer #1
(8 − 3)c × 8 kWh × 365 = $146/year Verified Answer #1
assuming at least 8 kWh is exported every day. Verified Answer #1
The import and supply rates can therefore outweigh the FiT benefit. (agl.com.au) Verified Answer #1
A high-FiT plan becomes more important where the battery is often full by noon, the export limit is generous, and exports remain several MWh/year after self-consumption. Verified Answer #1
Use annual exported kWh—not panel size—as the comparison input. Verified Answer #1
Practical verdict: probably not the primary winner for a 60–70 kWh/day house with 32 kWh storage, but include one high-FiT plan as a control. Verified Answer #1
Battery/VPP and wholesale plans — potentially valuable overlays, not automatic winners Verified Answer #1
Origin currently offers Battery Lite and Battery Maximiser through Origin Loop, subject to compatible batteries, inverters, smart metering, internet availability and plan-specific conditions. Verified Answer #1
NSW’s general VPP incentive information says that from 1 July 2026 batteries up to 50 kWh may be eligible, while Origin’s own July 2026 incentive material describes its implementation using a lower payable-capacity limit. Verified Answer #1
A 32 kWh owner should therefore obtain written confirmation of eligible usable capacity before relying on an advertised incentive. (energy.nsw.gov.au) Verified Answer #1
The correct VPP calculation is: Verified Answer #1
VPP value = recurring dispatch/export credits + one-off joining incentive amortised over the intended stay − higher base-plan cost − lost self-consumption value − additional battery degradation − value of any reduced backup reserve Verified Answer #1
AGL’s Battery Rewards page still describes a 29 c/kWh evening export product, but its published sign-up and stay conditions ended in June 2026. Verified Answer #1
It should not be treated as a current July 2026 offer unless AGL supplies a new BPID or written quote. (agl.com.au) Verified Answer #1
Amber exposes customers to actual wholesale import and export prices and offers battery automation. Verified Answer #1
That can allow large earnings during occasional high-price events, but it also exposes the customer to variable outcomes; a statement such as “up to $19/kWh” is an event-price ceiling, not an expected average FiT. (amber.com.au) Verified Answer #1
Practical verdict: Verified Answer #1
Origin or another conventional VPP: check if the one-off incentive and dispatch payments exceed the cost of the attached retail plan. Verified Answer #1
Amber: back-test as a higher-upside/higher-complexity alternative, not as the default “value-for-money” recommendation. Verified Answer #1
Distributor and postcode variation Verified Answer #1
Ausgrid Verified Answer #1
Ausgrid’s 2026–27 schedule contains flat, TOU, demand, controlled-load, export and trial/dynamic tariff structures. Verified Answer #1
An export tariff has been assigned to export-capable customers on relevant cost-reflective tariffs since July 2025; the retailer may absorb, repackage or pass through these underlying network signals. (ausgrid.com.au) Verified Answer #1
For this house, the main Ausgrid question is whether the retail plan has: Verified Answer #1
a high evening peak that the battery can reliably avoid; Verified Answer #1
an overnight EV window applying to all general usage; Verified Answer #1
a demand component; and Verified Answer #1
retail treatment of network export charges/rewards. Verified Answer #1
Endeavour Energy Verified Answer #1
Endeavour’s current network schedule includes N70 flat, N71 seasonal TOU, N72 demand, N73 transitional demand, N50/N54 controlled load, N61 prosumer and N95 storage structures. Verified Answer #1
Retail prices will not equal these network-only figures, but tariff assignment can materially alter which retail variants are available. (endeavourenergy.com.au) Verified Answer #1
As of 20 July 2026, flexible exports are not yet a universally available standard offer. Verified Answer #1
Endeavour says they are to be phased in from late 2026, allowing eligible single-phase systems to export up to 10 kW most of the time rather than the usual lower fixed limit. Verified Answer #1
Existing eligible trial customers may already have access. (endeavourenergy.com.au) Verified Answer #1
Essential Energy Verified Answer #1
Essential’s Sun Soaker network tariff is the default for relevant new connections and customers making meter, solar or battery changes. Verified Answer #1
It is designed around cheap solar-soak imports and includes an export price signal during the solar-heavy part of the day. (essentialenergy.com.au) Verified Answer #1
Essential says flexible export limits of approximately 1.5–10 kW per phase are to become available for new and upgraded systems from late 2026. Verified Answer #1
Until then, fixed limits continue; Essential’s published connection process has commonly applied a 5 kW export limit to single-phase urban systems above 5 kW and up to 10 kW. (essentialenergy.com.au) Verified Answer #1
This means Essential customers may obtain a different result from Sydney customers: a standard Sun Soaker/TOU offer, battery charged during the solar-soak period and evening peak avoidance may compete strongly with a branded EV plan. Verified Answer #1
Why postcode alone may be insufficient Verified Answer #1
A postcode can contain or border more than one distributor area. Verified Answer #1
Energy Made Easy asks for the distributor where necessary; the NMI is the definitive input because it lets EME retrieve the actual meter and distributor data. (energymadeeasy.gov.au) Verified Answer #1
Illustrative annual bill model — Ausgrid example Verified Answer #1
This is a reproducible illustration, not a prediction for the unidentified property. Verified Answer #1
Assumed metered annual profile Verified Answer #1
Gross household load: approximately 65 kWh/day or 23,725 kWh/year. Verified Answer #1
After solar and battery: 13,000 kWh grid imports. Verified Answer #1
Exports: 2,000 kWh/year. Verified Answer #1
Peak imports after battery dispatch: 500 kWh/year. Verified Answer #1
Flexible EV/battery imports: 6,000 kWh/year, where the chosen tariff permits. Verified Answer #1
Remaining imports: 6,500 kWh/year. Verified Answer #1
No controlled load, demand charge, late fee, signup credit or battery-degradation allowance. Verified Answer #1
The following rates are the current OVO Ausgrid examples discussed above; OVO states that usage and supply rates include GST unless otherwise stated. (pages.ovoenergy.com.au) Verified Answer #1
Calculations Verified Answer #1
13,000 × $0.29491 [Verified Answer #1](/isr/c5607a84-3e4e-4ac8-85cb-d8fa8c04bb32)
− 2,000 × $0.03 = approximately $4,259/year [Verified Answer #1](/isr/c5607a84-3e4e-4ac8-85cb-d8fa8c04bb32)
OVO Basic EV TOU = 365 × $1.851349 [Verified Answer #1](/isr/c5607a84-3e4e-4ac8-85cb-d8fa8c04bb32)
6,000 × $0.0472 [Verified Answer #1](/isr/c5607a84-3e4e-4ac8-85cb-d8fa8c04bb32)
6,500 × $0.252367 [Verified Answer #1](/isr/c5607a84-3e4e-4ac8-85cb-d8fa8c04bb32)
500 × $0.632016 [Verified Answer #1](/isr/c5607a84-3e4e-4ac8-85cb-d8fa8c04bb32)
− 2,000 × $0.01 = approximately $2,895/year [Verified Answer #1](/isr/c5607a84-3e4e-4ac8-85cb-d8fa8c04bb32)
OVO Basic Free 4 TOU, high free-window utilisation = 365 × $2.036496 [Verified Answer #1](/isr/c5607a84-3e4e-4ac8-85cb-d8fa8c04bb32)
6,000 × $0.00 [Verified Answer #1](/isr/c5607a84-3e4e-4ac8-85cb-d8fa8c04bb32)
6,500 × $0.264957 [Verified Answer #1](/isr/c5607a84-3e4e-4ac8-85cb-d8fa8c04bb32)
500 × $0.663663 [Verified Answer #1](/isr/c5607a84-3e4e-4ac8-85cb-d8fa8c04bb32)
− 2,000 × $0.01 = approximately $2,777/year [Verified Answer #1](/isr/c5607a84-3e4e-4ac8-85cb-d8fa8c04bb32)
OVO Basic Free 4 TOU, low free-window utilisation = 365 × $2.036496 [Verified Answer #1](/isr/c5607a84-3e4e-4ac8-85cb-d8fa8c04bb32)
2,000 × $0.00 [Verified Answer #1](/isr/c5607a84-3e4e-4ac8-85cb-d8fa8c04bb32)
10,500 × $0.264957 [Verified Answer #1](/isr/c5607a84-3e4e-4ac8-85cb-d8fa8c04bb32)
500 × $0.663663 [Verified Answer #1](/isr/c5607a84-3e4e-4ac8-85cb-d8fa8c04bb32)
− 2,000 × $0.01 = approximately $3,837/year [Verified Answer #1](/isr/c5607a84-3e4e-4ac8-85cb-d8fa8c04bb32)
OVO Ausgrid Solar Sharer standing offer, high free-window utilisation = 365 × $1.764105 [Verified Answer #1](/isr/c5607a84-3e4e-4ac8-85cb-d8fa8c04bb32)
6,000 × $0.00 [Verified Answer #1](/isr/c5607a84-3e4e-4ac8-85cb-d8fa8c04bb32)
6,500 × $0.275596 [Verified Answer #1](/isr/c5607a84-3e4e-4ac8-85cb-d8fa8c04bb32)
500 × $0.637176 [Verified Answer #1](/isr/c5607a84-3e4e-4ac8-85cb-d8fa8c04bb32)
− $0 solar credit = approximately $2,754/year [Verified Answer #1](/isr/c5607a84-3e4e-4ac8-85cb-d8fa8c04bb32)
OVO Ausgrid Solar Sharer standing offer, low free-window utilisation = 365 × $1.764105 [Verified Answer #1](/isr/c5607a84-3e4e-4ac8-85cb-d8fa8c04bb32)
2,000 × $0.00 [Verified Answer #1](/isr/c5607a84-3e4e-4ac8-85cb-d8fa8c04bb32)
10,500 × $0.275596 [Verified Answer #1](/isr/c5607a84-3e4e-4ac8-85cb-d8fa8c04bb32)
500 × $0.637176 [Verified Answer #1](/isr/c5607a84-3e4e-4ac8-85cb-d8fa8c04bb32)
− $0 solar credit = approximately $3,856/year ``` [Verified Answer #1](/isr/c5607a84-3e4e-4ac8-85cb-d8fa8c04bb32)
Interpretation [Verified Answer #1](/isr/c5607a84-3e4e-4ac8-85cb-d8fa8c04bb32)
Under this illustrative profile: [Verified Answer #1](/isr/c5607a84-3e4e-4ac8-85cb-d8fa8c04bb32)
| Structure | Modelled annual bill | Result | |---|---:|---| | Flat | $4,259 | Expensive because all 13 MWh is near 29.5 c/kWh | | Basic EV | $2,895 | Saves about $1,364 against the same-retailer flat plan | | Free 4, 6 MWh genuinely imported free | $2,777 | About $118 cheaper than Basic EV | | Solar Sharer, 6 MWh genuinely imported free | $2,754 | Similar to Free 4 and marginally cheapest in this example | | Free 4, only 2 MWh imported free | $3,837 | Much worse than Basic EV | | Solar Sharer, only 2 MWh imported free | $3,856 | Much worse than Basic EV | [Verified Answer #1](/isr/c5607a84-3e4e-4ac8-85cb-d8fa8c04bb32)
For this particular set of rates and assumptions, the free-midday structures need approximately **4.0 MWh/year**, or about **11 kWh/day**, of actual metered free-window import to break even against the Basic EV structure. [Verified Answer #1](/isr/c5607a84-3e4e-4ac8-85cb-d8fa8c04bb32)
That is not 11 kWh of appliance consumption: it is 11 kWh imported from the grid **after subtracting simultaneous rooftop-solar generation**. [Verified Answer #1](/isr/c5607a84-3e4e-4ac8-85cb-d8fa8c04bb32)
That distinction explains the likely answer: [Verified Answer #1](/isr/c5607a84-3e4e-4ac8-85cb-d8fa8c04bb32)
**EV away during the day:** overnight EV plan probably wins. [Verified Answer #1](/isr/c5607a84-3e4e-4ac8-85cb-d8fa8c04bb32)
**EV home most days plus large battery charge demand:** Free 4/Solar Sharer may win. [Verified Answer #1](/isr/c5607a84-3e4e-4ac8-85cb-d8fa8c04bb32)
**Little active scheduling:** a low flat market offer may win. [Verified Answer #1](/isr/c5607a84-3e4e-4ac8-85cb-d8fa8c04bb32)
The precise threshold changes with distributor, rates, exports and peak leakage, so it must be recalculated from the property’s actual BPIDs. [Verified Answer #1](/isr/c5607a84-3e4e-4ac8-85cb-d8fa8c04bb32)
Recommended battery and EV control strategy [Verified Answer #1](/isr/c5607a84-3e4e-4ac8-85cb-d8fa8c04bb32)
On an overnight EV plan [Verified Answer #1](/isr/c5607a84-3e4e-4ac8-85cb-d8fa8c04bb32)
Schedule EV charging entirely inside the EV window where practical. [Verified Answer #1](/isr/c5607a84-3e4e-4ac8-85cb-d8fa8c04bb32)
Use a charger current limit so EV plus battery plus background load does not exceed the service/phase limit. [Verified Answer #1](/isr/c5607a84-3e4e-4ac8-85cb-d8fa8c04bb32)
Do not automatically fill the home battery to 100% every night. [Verified Answer #1](/isr/c5607a84-3e4e-4ac8-85cb-d8fa8c04bb32)
On a sunny forecast, start the morning at perhaps a modest state of charge so rooftop solar has battery headroom. [Verified Answer #1](/isr/c5607a84-3e4e-4ac8-85cb-d8fa8c04bb32)
On a cloudy, very hot or very cold forecast, grid-charge enough overnight to avoid expensive morning/evening imports. [Verified Answer #1](/isr/c5607a84-3e4e-4ac8-85cb-d8fa8c04bb32)
Discharge primarily during the retail peak, then shoulder/general periods. [Verified Answer #1](/isr/c5607a84-3e4e-4ac8-85cb-d8fa8c04bb32)
Retain a customer-chosen backup reserve. [Verified Answer #1](/isr/c5607a84-3e4e-4ac8-85cb-d8fa8c04bb32)
At 90% assumed round-trip efficiency, a 4.72 c/kWh grid charge costs about: [Verified Answer #1](/isr/c5607a84-3e4e-4ac8-85cb-d8fa8c04bb32)
`4.72 / 0.90 = 5.24 c per delivered kWh` [Verified Answer #1](/isr/c5607a84-3e4e-4ac8-85cb-d8fa8c04bb32)
before battery degradation. [Verified Answer #1](/isr/c5607a84-3e4e-4ac8-85cb-d8fa8c04bb32)
That is attractive when displacing 25–63 c/kWh imports, but unnecessary grid charging can crowd out solar and add battery wear. [Verified Answer #1](/isr/c5607a84-3e4e-4ac8-85cb-d8fa8c04bb32)
On a free-midday plan [Verified Answer #1](/isr/c5607a84-3e4e-4ac8-85cb-d8fa8c04bb32)
Keep battery headroom available before 11 am. [Verified Answer #1](/isr/c5607a84-3e4e-4ac8-85cb-d8fa8c04bb32)
Charge the EV during the free period only when home. [Verified Answer #1](/isr/c5607a84-3e4e-4ac8-85cb-d8fa8c04bb32)
Charge the battery from the grid only to the extent permitted by the contract and useful for later self-consumption. [Verified Answer #1](/isr/c5607a84-3e4e-4ac8-85cb-d8fa8c04bb32)
Do not export energy charged under a free period where prohibited by fair-use terms. [Verified Answer #1](/isr/c5607a84-3e4e-4ac8-85cb-d8fa8c04bb32)
Ensure combined solar, battery and EV charger settings do not cause connection-limit trips. [Verified Answer #1](/isr/c5607a84-3e4e-4ac8-85cb-d8fa8c04bb32)
Measure actual grid import in the free interval; inverter-reported “energy used” is not enough. [Verified Answer #1](/isr/c5607a84-3e4e-4ac8-85cb-d8fa8c04bb32)
On a VPP or wholesale plan [Verified Answer #1](/isr/c5607a84-3e4e-4ac8-85cb-d8fa8c04bb32)
The dispatch hierarchy should consider the opportunity cost of stored energy: [Verified Answer #1](/isr/c5607a84-3e4e-4ac8-85cb-d8fa8c04bb32)
First cover otherwise expensive household peak imports. [Verified Answer #1](/isr/c5607a84-3e4e-4ac8-85cb-d8fa8c04bb32)
Export only where the VPP/wholesale payment exceeds the future avoided-import value plus degradation. [Verified Answer #1](/isr/c5607a84-3e4e-4ac8-85cb-d8fa8c04bb32)
Preserve backup reserve if that service is valuable to the customer. [Verified Answer #1](/isr/c5607a84-3e4e-4ac8-85cb-d8fa8c04bb32)
Apply the actual site export-power cap. [Verified Answer #1](/isr/c5607a84-3e4e-4ac8-85cb-d8fa8c04bb32)
A 32 kWh battery behind a 5 kW export constraint can export at most 20 kWh during a four-hour event, regardless of its nominal energy capacity. [Verified Answer #1](/isr/c5607a84-3e4e-4ac8-85cb-d8fa8c04bb32)
Controlled load [Verified Answer #1](/isr/c5607a84-3e4e-4ac8-85cb-d8fa8c04bb32)
Controlled load remains relevant mainly for an existing separately metered resistance water heater or similar eligible appliance. [Verified Answer #1](/isr/c5607a84-3e4e-4ac8-85cb-d8fa8c04bb32)
It should be compared using: [Verified Answer #1](/isr/c5607a84-3e4e-4ac8-85cb-d8fa8c04bb32)
```text Controlled-load annual benefit = CL kWh × (alternative general rate − CL rate) − 365 × additional CL daily charge ``` [Verified Answer #1](/isr/c5607a84-3e4e-4ac8-85cb-d8fa8c04bb32)
OVO and GloBird expressly exclude controlled-load energy from their EV/free special windows. [Verified Answer #1](/isr/c5607a84-3e4e-4ac8-85cb-d8fa8c04bb32)
Thus, placing an EV or flexible hot-water system on controlled load can prevent it from benefiting from a 0–8 c general-usage period. ([agl.com.au](https://www.agl.com.au/residential/energy/compare-plans/night-saver-ev-plan?utm_source=openai)) [Verified Answer #1](/isr/c5607a84-3e4e-4ac8-85cb-d8fa8c04bb32)
Likely conclusions: [Verified Answer #1](/isr/c5607a84-3e4e-4ac8-85cb-d8fa8c04bb32)
Keep an existing high-energy resistance water heater on CL if the annual calculation is positive. [Verified Answer #1](/isr/c5607a84-3e4e-4ac8-85cb-d8fa8c04bb32)
A heat-pump water heater may be better scheduled on the general circuit during solar/free periods. [Verified Answer #1](/isr/c5607a84-3e4e-4ac8-85cb-d8fa8c04bb32)
Do not assume a separate controlled-load circuit is advantageous merely because its nominal usage rate is low; include its extra supply charge and loss of scheduling flexibility. [Verified Answer #1](/isr/c5607a84-3e4e-4ac8-85cb-d8fa8c04bb32)
Inputs that most affect the answer [Verified Answer #1](/isr/c5607a84-3e4e-4ac8-85cb-d8fa8c04bb32)
In approximate order of importance: [Verified Answer #1](/isr/c5607a84-3e4e-4ac8-85cb-d8fa8c04bb32)
**Whether 60–70 kWh/day is gross load or billed grid import.** [Verified Answer #1](/isr/c5607a84-3e4e-4ac8-85cb-d8fa8c04bb32)
**Annual imports by half-hour/five-minute interval.** [Verified Answer #1](/isr/c5607a84-3e4e-4ac8-85cb-d8fa8c04bb32)
**How many imported kWh can genuinely occur in an EV/free window.** [Verified Answer #1](/isr/c5607a84-3e4e-4ac8-85cb-d8fa8c04bb32)
**EV energy per year and when the car is physically at home.** [Verified Answer #1](/isr/c5607a84-3e4e-4ac8-85cb-d8fa8c04bb32)
**Battery usable capacity, charge/discharge power, efficiency and reserve.** [Verified Answer #1](/isr/c5607a84-3e4e-4ac8-85cb-d8fa8c04bb32)
**Actual afternoon/evening grid imports after battery discharge.** [Verified Answer #1](/isr/c5607a84-3e4e-4ac8-85cb-d8fa8c04bb32)
**NMI/distributor and network tariff code.** [Verified Answer #1](/isr/c5607a84-3e4e-4ac8-85cb-d8fa8c04bb32)
**Whether a demand charge applies.** [Verified Answer #1](/isr/c5607a84-3e4e-4ac8-85cb-d8fa8c04bb32)
**Annual exports—not nominal solar-panel size.** [Verified Answer #1](/isr/c5607a84-3e4e-4ac8-85cb-d8fa8c04bb32)
**Static/flexible export limit and whether solar and battery share it.** [Verified Answer #1](/isr/c5607a84-3e4e-4ac8-85cb-d8fa8c04bb32)
**Whether grid charging is enabled and contractually permitted.** [Verified Answer #1](/isr/c5607a84-3e4e-4ac8-85cb-d8fa8c04bb32)
**Battery degradation cost per throughput kWh.** [Verified Answer #1](/isr/c5607a84-3e4e-4ac8-85cb-d8fa8c04bb32)
**Retailer compatibility with the inverter, battery and EV.** [Verified Answer #1](/isr/c5607a84-3e4e-4ac8-85cb-d8fa8c04bb32)
**Whether promotional credits are recurring or first-year only.** [Verified Answer #1](/isr/c5607a84-3e4e-4ac8-85cb-d8fa8c04bb32)
Step-by-step verification with interval data [Verified Answer #1](/isr/c5607a84-3e4e-4ac8-85cb-d8fa8c04bb32)
Step 1 — identify the connection and tariff [Verified Answer #1](/isr/c5607a84-3e4e-4ac8-85cb-d8fa8c04bb32)
From the bill or retailer portal record: [Verified Answer #1](/isr/c5607a84-3e4e-4ac8-85cb-d8fa8c04bb32)
NMI; [Verified Answer #1](/isr/c5607a84-3e4e-4ac8-85cb-d8fa8c04bb32)
distributor: Ausgrid, Endeavour or Essential; [Verified Answer #1](/isr/c5607a84-3e4e-4ac8-85cb-d8fa8c04bb32)
meter type; [Verified Answer #1](/isr/c5607a84-3e4e-4ac8-85cb-d8fa8c04bb32)
current network/retail tariff code; [Verified Answer #1](/isr/c5607a84-3e4e-4ac8-85cb-d8fa8c04bb32)
controlled-load register, if any; [Verified Answer #1](/isr/c5607a84-3e4e-4ac8-85cb-d8fa8c04bb32)
demand tariff status; [Verified Answer #1](/isr/c5607a84-3e4e-4ac8-85cb-d8fa8c04bb32)
solar/battery connection approval; and [Verified Answer #1](/isr/c5607a84-3e4e-4ac8-85cb-d8fa8c04bb32)
agreed export limit in kW. [Verified Answer #1](/isr/c5607a84-3e4e-4ac8-85cb-d8fa8c04bb32)
Do not infer the distributor solely from a broad postcode. [Verified Answer #1](/isr/c5607a84-3e4e-4ac8-85cb-d8fa8c04bb32)
Step 2 — download a full 12 months of data [Verified Answer #1](/isr/c5607a84-3e4e-4ac8-85cb-d8fa8c04bb32)
Obtain: [Verified Answer #1](/isr/c5607a84-3e4e-4ac8-85cb-d8fa8c04bb32)
import kWh by interval; [Verified Answer #1](/isr/c5607a84-3e4e-4ac8-85cb-d8fa8c04bb32)
export kWh by interval; [Verified Answer #1](/isr/c5607a84-3e4e-4ac8-85cb-d8fa8c04bb32)
controlled-load intervals; [Verified Answer #1](/isr/c5607a84-3e4e-4ac8-85cb-d8fa8c04bb32)
demand data, where applicable; and [Verified Answer #1](/isr/c5607a84-3e4e-4ac8-85cb-d8fa8c04bb32)
meter register labels and interval duration. [Verified Answer #1](/isr/c5607a84-3e4e-4ac8-85cb-d8fa8c04bb32)
Energy Made Easy can retrieve the NMI’s latest 12 months and use actual smart-meter intervals, including solar exports and controlled load, to estimate plan costs. [Verified Answer #1](/isr/c5607a84-3e4e-4ac8-85cb-d8fa8c04bb32)
Demand plans are not shown by default and must be deliberately included. ([energymadeeasy.gov.au](https://www.energymadeeasy.gov.au/article/how-the-energy-made-easy-plan-search-works?utm_source=openai)) [Verified Answer #1](/isr/c5607a84-3e4e-4ac8-85cb-d8fa8c04bb32)
Step 3 — also download inverter/battery data [Verified Answer #1](/isr/c5607a84-3e4e-4ac8-85cb-d8fa8c04bb32)
Smart-meter data alone shows only the property’s net exchange with the grid. [Verified Answer #1](/isr/c5607a84-3e4e-4ac8-85cb-d8fa8c04bb32)
It cannot reliably reconstruct: [Verified Answer #1](/isr/c5607a84-3e4e-4ac8-85cb-d8fa8c04bb32)
gross household load; [Verified Answer #1](/isr/c5607a84-3e4e-4ac8-85cb-d8fa8c04bb32)
solar production behind the meter; [Verified Answer #1](/isr/c5607a84-3e4e-4ac8-85cb-d8fa8c04bb32)
battery charge/discharge; [Verified Answer #1](/isr/c5607a84-3e4e-4ac8-85cb-d8fa8c04bb32)
state of charge; [Verified Answer #1](/isr/c5607a84-3e4e-4ac8-85cb-d8fa8c04bb32)
curtailed solar; or [Verified Answer #1](/isr/c5607a84-3e4e-4ac8-85cb-d8fa8c04bb32)
energy lost in battery conversion. [Verified Answer #1](/isr/c5607a84-3e4e-4ac8-85cb-d8fa8c04bb32)
To simulate a different battery strategy, download inverter/controller data for solar generation, site load, battery power and state of charge. [Verified Answer #1](/isr/c5607a84-3e4e-4ac8-85cb-d8fa8c04bb32)
Without it, Energy Made Easy can compare plans for **unchanged historical behaviour**, but it cannot accurately predict a new dispatch strategy. [Verified Answer #1](/isr/c5607a84-3e4e-4ac8-85cb-d8fa8c04bb32)
Step 4 — run the NMI through Energy Made Easy [Verified Answer #1](/isr/c5607a84-3e4e-4ac8-85cb-d8fa8c04bb32)
Use EME to create the first shortlist because retailers must list generally available market offers there. [Verified Answer #1](/isr/c5607a84-3e4e-4ac8-85cb-d8fa8c04bb32)
Export or record: [Verified Answer #1](/isr/c5607a84-3e4e-4ac8-85cb-d8fa8c04bb32)
plan name and plan ID; [Verified Answer #1](/isr/c5607a84-3e4e-4ac8-85cb-d8fa8c04bb32)
BPID publication/effective date; [Verified Answer #1](/isr/c5607a84-3e4e-4ac8-85cb-d8fa8c04bb32)
supply charge; [Verified Answer #1](/isr/c5607a84-3e4e-4ac8-85cb-d8fa8c04bb32)
all import rates and time windows; [Verified Answer #1](/isr/c5607a84-3e4e-4ac8-85cb-d8fa8c04bb32)
FiT and any export cap/block; [Verified Answer #1](/isr/c5607a84-3e4e-4ac8-85cb-d8fa8c04bb32)
demand formula; [Verified Answer #1](/isr/c5607a84-3e4e-4ac8-85cb-d8fa8c04bb32)
controlled-load charge; [Verified Answer #1](/isr/c5607a84-3e4e-4ac8-85cb-d8fa8c04bb32)
membership/payment fees; [Verified Answer #1](/isr/c5607a84-3e4e-4ac8-85cb-d8fa8c04bb32)
conditional discounts; and [Verified Answer #1](/isr/c5607a84-3e4e-4ac8-85cb-d8fa8c04bb32)
contract/end-date terms. ([aer.gov.au](https://www.aer.gov.au/industry/retail/default-market-offer?utm_source=openai)) [Verified Answer #1](/isr/c5607a84-3e4e-4ac8-85cb-d8fa8c04bb32)
Note that if a retailer records multiple FiTs and EME cannot determine which applies, EME says it may use the lowest one. [Verified Answer #1](/isr/c5607a84-3e4e-4ac8-85cb-d8fa8c04bb32)
Check the BPID manually. ([energymadeeasy.gov.au](https://www.energymadeeasy.gov.au/article/how-the-energy-made-easy-plan-search-works?utm_source=openai)) [Verified Answer #1](/isr/c5607a84-3e4e-4ac8-85cb-d8fa8c04bb32)
Step 5 — shortlist at least these structures [Verified Answer #1](/isr/c5607a84-3e4e-4ac8-85cb-d8fa8c04bb32)
For the actual NMI, collect: [Verified Answer #1](/isr/c5607a84-3e4e-4ac8-85cb-d8fa8c04bb32)
cheapest three flat plans; [Verified Answer #1](/isr/c5607a84-3e4e-4ac8-85cb-d8fa8c04bb32)
cheapest three ordinary TOU plans; [Verified Answer #1](/isr/c5607a84-3e4e-4ac8-85cb-d8fa8c04bb32)
OVO EV/Basic EV; [Verified Answer #1](/isr/c5607a84-3e4e-4ac8-85cb-d8fa8c04bb32)
AGL Night Saver EV; [Verified Answer #1](/isr/c5607a84-3e4e-4ac8-85cb-d8fa8c04bb32)
Origin EV Power Up plus its underlying plan; [Verified Answer #1](/isr/c5607a84-3e4e-4ac8-85cb-d8fa8c04bb32)
GloBird EASYEV; [Verified Answer #1](/isr/c5607a84-3e4e-4ac8-85cb-d8fa8c04bb32)
OVO Free 4; [Verified Answer #1](/isr/c5607a84-3e4e-4ac8-85cb-d8fa8c04bb32)
at least one Solar Sharer Offer; [Verified Answer #1](/isr/c5607a84-3e4e-4ac8-85cb-d8fa8c04bb32)
one high-FiT solar plan; [Verified Answer #1](/isr/c5607a84-3e4e-4ac8-85cb-d8fa8c04bb32)
compatible VPP offers; [Verified Answer #1](/isr/c5607a84-3e4e-4ac8-85cb-d8fa8c04bb32)
Amber/wholesale if acceptable; and [Verified Answer #1](/isr/c5607a84-3e4e-4ac8-85cb-d8fa8c04bb32)
demand variants only for the second-pass analysis. [Verified Answer #1](/isr/c5607a84-3e4e-4ac8-85cb-d8fa8c04bb32)
Step 6 — calculate each plan interval by interval [Verified Answer #1](/isr/c5607a84-3e4e-4ac8-85cb-d8fa8c04bb32)
The core formula is: [Verified Answer #1](/isr/c5607a84-3e4e-4ac8-85cb-d8fa8c04bb32)
```text Annual bill = number of days × daily supply charge [Verified Answer #1](/isr/c5607a84-3e4e-4ac8-85cb-d8fa8c04bb32)
Σ(import interval kWh × applicable import rate) [Verified Answer #1](/isr/c5607a84-3e4e-4ac8-85cb-d8fa8c04bb32)
− Σ(export interval kWh × applicable FiT) [Verified Answer #1](/isr/c5607a84-3e4e-4ac8-85cb-d8fa8c04bb32)
controlled-load charges [Verified Answer #1](/isr/c5607a84-3e4e-4ac8-85cb-d8fa8c04bb32)
demand charges [Verified Answer #1](/isr/c5607a84-3e4e-4ac8-85cb-d8fa8c04bb32)
recurring fees [Verified Answer #1](/isr/c5607a84-3e4e-4ac8-85cb-d8fa8c04bb32)
− recurring credits ``` [Verified Answer #1](/isr/c5607a84-3e4e-4ac8-85cb-d8fa8c04bb32)
Calculate one-off signup credits separately. [Verified Answer #1](/isr/c5607a84-3e4e-4ac8-85cb-d8fa8c04bb32)
Report both: [Verified Answer #1](/isr/c5607a84-3e4e-4ac8-85cb-d8fa8c04bb32)
**first-year bill including one-off credit**; and [Verified Answer #1](/isr/c5607a84-3e4e-4ac8-85cb-d8fa8c04bb32)
**ongoing annual bill without it**. [Verified Answer #1](/isr/c5607a84-3e4e-4ac8-85cb-d8fa8c04bb32)
Step 7 — transform flexible EV load [Verified Answer #1](/isr/c5607a84-3e4e-4ac8-85cb-d8fa8c04bb32)
Using required EV kWh and plug-in availability: [Verified Answer #1](/isr/c5607a84-3e4e-4ac8-85cb-d8fa8c04bb32)
remove historical EV charging where it is identifiable; [Verified Answer #1](/isr/c5607a84-3e4e-4ac8-85cb-d8fa8c04bb32)
reinsert it into the cheapest eligible intervals; [Verified Answer #1](/isr/c5607a84-3e4e-4ac8-85cb-d8fa8c04bb32)
respect charger kW, EV battery capacity, departure state-of-charge target and service limit; and [Verified Answer #1](/isr/c5607a84-3e4e-4ac8-85cb-d8fa8c04bb32)
apply any daily discounted-kWh cap such as GloBird’s 20 kWh. [Verified Answer #1](/isr/c5607a84-3e4e-4ac8-85cb-d8fa8c04bb32)
Step 8 — simulate the home battery [Verified Answer #1](/isr/c5607a84-3e4e-4ac8-85cb-d8fa8c04bb32)
For every interval, enforce: [Verified Answer #1](/isr/c5607a84-3e4e-4ac8-85cb-d8fa8c04bb32)
minimum and maximum SOC; [Verified Answer #1](/isr/c5607a84-3e4e-4ac8-85cb-d8fa8c04bb32)
charge/discharge power; [Verified Answer #1](/isr/c5607a84-3e4e-4ac8-85cb-d8fa8c04bb32)
charging and discharging efficiencies; [Verified Answer #1](/isr/c5607a84-3e4e-4ac8-85cb-d8fa8c04bb32)
backup reserve; [Verified Answer #1](/isr/c5607a84-3e4e-4ac8-85cb-d8fa8c04bb32)
site import limit; [Verified Answer #1](/isr/c5607a84-3e4e-4ac8-85cb-d8fa8c04bb32)
site export limit; [Verified Answer #1](/isr/c5607a84-3e4e-4ac8-85cb-d8fa8c04bb32)
no simultaneous grid charging and prohibited export arbitrage; [Verified Answer #1](/isr/c5607a84-3e4e-4ac8-85cb-d8fa8c04bb32)
solar forecast or an equivalent historical-day rule; and [Verified Answer #1](/isr/c5607a84-3e4e-4ac8-85cb-d8fa8c04bb32)
VPP dispatch instructions where relevant. [Verified Answer #1](/isr/c5607a84-3e4e-4ac8-85cb-d8fa8c04bb32)
Run at least four strategies: [Verified Answer #1](/isr/c5607a84-3e4e-4ac8-85cb-d8fa8c04bb32)
current historical behaviour; [Verified Answer #1](/isr/c5607a84-3e4e-4ac8-85cb-d8fa8c04bb32)
solar-only battery charging; [Verified Answer #1](/isr/c5607a84-3e4e-4ac8-85cb-d8fa8c04bb32)
price-optimised grid plus solar charging; and [Verified Answer #1](/isr/c5607a84-3e4e-4ac8-85cb-d8fa8c04bb32)
VPP/wholesale export optimisation. [Verified Answer #1](/isr/c5607a84-3e4e-4ac8-85cb-d8fa8c04bb32)
Step 9 — model demand plans correctly [Verified Answer #1](/isr/c5607a84-3e4e-4ac8-85cb-d8fa8c04bb32)
For every billing month and defined demand window: [Verified Answer #1](/isr/c5607a84-3e4e-4ac8-85cb-d8fa8c04bb32)
convert interval kWh to kW; [Verified Answer #1](/isr/c5607a84-3e4e-4ac8-85cb-d8fa8c04bb32)
find the chargeable maximum or average of maxima specified by the BPID; [Verified Answer #1](/isr/c5607a84-3e4e-4ac8-85cb-d8fa8c04bb32)
apply seasonal demand prices and billing-day multipliers; and [Verified Answer #1](/isr/c5607a84-3e4e-4ac8-85cb-d8fa8c04bb32)
test failure cases where the battery is empty, offline or reserved for backup. [Verified Answer #1](/isr/c5607a84-3e4e-4ac8-85cb-d8fa8c04bb32)
Reject the demand plan if one plausible EV-plus-house interval can erase the projected saving. [Verified Answer #1](/isr/c5607a84-3e4e-4ac8-85cb-d8fa8c04bb32)
Step 10 — run sensitivity cases [Verified Answer #1](/isr/c5607a84-3e4e-4ac8-85cb-d8fa8c04bb32)
At minimum vary: [Verified Answer #1](/isr/c5607a84-3e4e-4ac8-85cb-d8fa8c04bb32)
EV charging: ±25%; [Verified Answer #1](/isr/c5607a84-3e4e-4ac8-85cb-d8fa8c04bb32)
solar output: ±15%; [Verified Answer #1](/isr/c5607a84-3e4e-4ac8-85cb-d8fa8c04bb32)
free-window grid imports: 0, 5, 10, 15 and 20 kWh/day; [Verified Answer #1](/isr/c5607a84-3e4e-4ac8-85cb-d8fa8c04bb32)
annual exports: low, current and high; [Verified Answer #1](/isr/c5607a84-3e4e-4ac8-85cb-d8fa8c04bb32)
battery round-trip efficiency; [Verified Answer #1](/isr/c5607a84-3e4e-4ac8-85cb-d8fa8c04bb32)
backup reserve; [Verified Answer #1](/isr/c5607a84-3e4e-4ac8-85cb-d8fa8c04bb32)
; [Verified Answer #1](/isr/c5607a84-3e4e-4ac8-85cb-d8fa8c04bb32)
battery degradation cost; and [Verified Answer #1](/isr/c5607a84-3e4e-4ac8-85cb-d8fa8c04bb32)
loss of VPP or introductory credits. [Verified Answer #1](/isr/c5607a84-3e4e-4ac8-85cb-d8fa8c04bb32)
Step 11 — switch and verify the first bill [Verified Answer #1](/isr/c5607a84-3e4e-4ac8-85cb-d8fa8c04bb32)
After switching: [Verified Answer #1](/isr/c5607a84-3e4e-4ac8-85cb-d8fa8c04bb32)
confirm the expected network and retail tariff codes; [Verified Answer #1](/isr/c5607a84-3e4e-4ac8-85cb-d8fa8c04bb32)
confirm the special EV/free rate is being applied to the correct register; [Verified Answer #1](/isr/c5607a84-3e4e-4ac8-85cb-d8fa8c04bb32)
verify controlled load remains connected; [Verified Answer #1](/isr/c5607a84-3e4e-4ac8-85cb-d8fa8c04bb32)
check demand line items; [Verified Answer #1](/isr/c5607a84-3e4e-4ac8-85cb-d8fa8c04bb32)
compare retailer interval charges with a spreadsheet; and [Verified Answer #1](/isr/c5607a84-3e4e-4ac8-85cb-d8fa8c04bb32)
re-run the model after four to eight weeks of actual operation. [Verified Answer #1](/isr/c5607a84-3e4e-4ac8-85cb-d8fa8c04bb32)
Final practical recommendation [Verified Answer #1](/isr/c5607a84-3e4e-4ac8-85cb-d8fa8c04bb32)
Most likely winner [Verified Answer #1](/isr/c5607a84-3e4e-4ac8-85cb-d8fa8c04bb32)
**An EV-specific overnight plan with a 4.5–8 c/kWh general-usage window, active battery peak avoidance and forecast-based battery charging.** Start with: [Verified Answer #1](/isr/c5607a84-3e4e-4ac8-85cb-d8fa8c04bb32)
**OVO EV Plan / Basic EV Plan**; [Verified Answer #1](/isr/c5607a84-3e4e-4ac8-85cb-d8fa8c04bb32)
**AGL Night Saver EV**; [Verified Answer #1](/isr/c5607a84-3e4e-4ac8-85cb-d8fa8c04bb32)
**Origin EV Power Up**, if compatible; [Verified Answer #1](/isr/c5607a84-3e4e-4ac8-85cb-d8fa8c04bb32)
**GloBird EASYEV**, especially if flexible load stays within 20 kWh/day. [Verified Answer #1](/isr/c5607a84-3e4e-4ac8-85cb-d8fa8c04bb32)
Plan that could beat it [Verified Answer #1](/isr/c5607a84-3e4e-4ac8-85cb-d8fa8c04bb32)
**OVO Free 4 or a Solar Sharer Offer**, but only if the meter will record roughly 10–12 kWh/day or more of real grid imports during the free period. [Verified Answer #1](/isr/c5607a84-3e4e-4ac8-85cb-d8fa8c04bb32)
A 10 kW solar system makes this conditional on the EV being home, substantial battery headroom and/or poor solar weather. [Verified Answer #1](/isr/c5607a84-3e4e-4ac8-85cb-d8fa8c04bb32)
Plans to treat cautiously [Verified Answer #1](/isr/c5607a84-3e4e-4ac8-85cb-d8fa8c04bb32)
**Demand tariffs:** avoid unless battery peak shaving is rigorously demonstrated. [Verified Answer #1](/isr/c5607a84-3e4e-4ac8-85cb-d8fa8c04bb32)
**High-FiT solar plans:** compare annual dollar credit, not the headline rate. [Verified Answer #1](/isr/c5607a84-3e4e-4ac8-85cb-d8fa8c04bb32)
**VPP plans:** count the base tariff and lost self-consumption, not just the joining incentive. [Verified Answer #1](/isr/c5607a84-3e4e-4ac8-85cb-d8fa8c04bb32)
**Wholesale plans:** potentially excellent for a 32 kWh battery, but back-test and accept volatility. [Verified Answer #1](/isr/c5607a84-3e4e-4ac8-85cb-d8fa8c04bb32)
**Controlled load:** retain only where its full annual calculation beats scheduled general usage. [Verified Answer #1](/isr/c5607a84-3e4e-4ac8-85cb-d8fa8c04bb32)
Distributor-specific qualification [Verified Answer #1](/isr/c5607a84-3e4e-4ac8-85cb-d8fa8c04bb32)
**Ausgrid:** branded EV/free-window plans are likely to dominate if dispatch is controlled. [Verified Answer #1](/isr/c5607a84-3e4e-4ac8-85cb-d8fa8c04bb32)
**Endeavour:** check prosumer/storage assignment, demand structure and the site’s current fixed/flexible export eligibility. [Verified Answer #1](/isr/c5607a84-3e4e-4ac8-85cb-d8fa8c04bb32)
**Essential:** model the Sun Soaker structure carefully; it may make an ordinary TOU/battery strategy unusually competitive. [Verified Answer #1](/isr/c5607a84-3e4e-4ac8-85cb-d8fa8c04bb32)
The economically correct answer is therefore not “choose the highest FiT” or simply “join a VPP.” It is: [Verified Answer #1](/isr/c5607a84-3e4e-4ac8-85cb-d8fa8c04bb32)
> **Choose the plan that minimises the cost of the household’s remaining grid imports after optimising the EV and battery, then subtract realistic export/VPP revenue. [Verified Answer #1](/isr/c5607a84-3e4e-4ac8-85cb-d8fa8c04bb32)
For the stated load and storage, that will most often be an EV super-off-peak plan, unless the property can make unusually heavy net use of the new free midday window.** [Verified Answer #1](/isr/c5607a84-3e4e-4ac8-85cb-d8fa8c04bb32)
Key sources [Verified Answer #1](/isr/c5607a84-3e4e-4ac8-85cb-d8fa8c04bb32)
Australian Energy Regulator. (2026). *Default Market Offer 2026–27 and comparison prices.* ([aer.gov.au](https://www.aer.gov.au/industry/retail/default-market-offer)) [Verified Answer #1](/isr/c5607a84-3e4e-4ac8-85cb-d8fa8c04bb32)
Energy Made Easy. (2026, June 30). *The Solar Sharer Offer: What you need to know.* ([energymadeeasy.gov.au](https://www.energymadeeasy.gov.au/hot-topics/solar-sharer-offer-what-you-need-to-know)) [Verified Answer #1](/isr/c5607a84-3e4e-4ac8-85cb-d8fa8c04bb32)
Energy Made Easy. *How the plan search works and how interval data is used.* ([energymadeeasy.gov.au](https://www.energymadeeasy.gov.au/article/how-the-energy-made-easy-plan-search-works)) [Verified Answer #1](/isr/c5607a84-3e4e-4ac8-85cb-d8fa8c04bb32)
OVO Energy. *Current Basic Plan Information and pricing; EV, Free 4 and fair-use terms.* ([pages.ovoenergy.com.au](https://pages.ovoenergy.com.au/pricing)) [Verified Answer #1](/isr/c5607a84-3e4e-4ac8-85cb-d8fa8c04bb32)
AGL. *Night Saver EV Plan.* ([agl.com.au](https://www.agl.com.au/residential/energy/compare-plans/night-saver-ev-plan)) [Verified Answer #1](/isr/c5607a84-3e4e-4ac8-85cb-d8fa8c04bb32)
Origin Energy. *EV Power Up and Origin Loop battery plans.* ([originenergy.com.au](https://www.originenergy.com.au/electric-vehicles/calculator/fuel-savings/)) [Verified Answer #1](/isr/c5607a84-3e4e-4ac8-85cb-d8fa8c04bb32)
GloBird Energy. *EASYEV and NSW tariff documents.* ([globirdenergy.com.au](https://www.globirdenergy.com.au/offers-rates/all-tariffs/all-tariffs-resident/)) [Verified Answer #1](/isr/c5607a84-3e4e-4ac8-85cb-d8fa8c04bb32)
IPART. (2026). *NSW solar feed-in tariff benchmark ranges 2026–27.* ([ipart.nsw.gov.au](https://www.ipart.nsw.gov.au/Home/Industries/Energy/Retail-prices/Solar-Energy)) [Verified Answer #1](/isr/c5607a84-3e4e-4ac8-85cb-d8fa8c04bb32)
Ausgrid. (2026). *Network Price List 2026–27.* ([ausgrid.com.au](https://www.ausgrid.com.au/about-us/regulation-and-compliance/network-prices)) [Verified Answer #1](/isr/c5607a84-3e4e-4ac8-85cb-d8fa8c04bb32)
Endeavour Energy. (2026). *Network Price List and Flexible Exports information.* ([endeavourenergy.com.au](https://www.endeavourenergy.com.au/working-with-us/retailers)) [Verified Answer #1](/isr/c5607a84-3e4e-4ac8-85cb-d8fa8c04bb32)
Essential Energy. (2026). *Network pricing, Sun Soaker and flexible-export information.* ([essentialenergy.com.au](https://www.essentialenergy.com.au/our-network/network-pricing-and-regulatory-reporting/network-pricing)) [Verified Answer #1](/isr/c5607a84-3e4e-4ac8-85cb-d8fa8c04bb32)