Solar and battery installers, retailers and suppliers have been put on notice, as a new report shows those with the technology are paying as much as 63 per cent less each year.
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The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) said the industry must meet scrutiny as uptake of the technology increases, with new government subsidies taking effect, and ensure they are working in the interest of households.
ACCC Commissioner Anna Brakey said it was "important that the deals on offer are fair, accurate and easy to understand."
"The ACCC will be watching carefully and actively monitoring consumer complaints. We will hold solar and battery installers, retailers and suppliers accountable to ensure they comply with Australia's consumer laws," Ms Brakely said.
"Consumers looking to take advantage of the new subsidies for solar home batteries to lower their energy bills, should take their time and not feel pressured to rush in straight away," Ms Brakey said.
The government's Cheaper Home Batteries Program came into effect on July 1, 2005, and provides a discount of around 30 per cent to households, businesses and community organisations.
The ACCC's National Electricity Market report, released on August 1, analysed customer outcomes and competition for new energy services for the first time.
The report supported calls for new consumer protections to safeguard those purchasing solar and battery systems and to new services like energy-sharing virtual power plants.
"We believe additional consumer protections are needed as more Australians participate in markets for new and emerging energy services," Ms Brakey said.
Lower bills for homes with solar and battery
The report also looked at energy cost and found that households with solar and a home battery paid around 40 per cent less, $936, than the median annual residential electricity bill without rebates, $1,565.
The household with rooftop solar paid about 18 per cent less, $1,279 per year.
The biggest savings were for homes connected to an energy-sharing virtual power plant, which paid about 63 per cent less, $580, than the median household.
"Home solar and batteries continue to be a compelling option for Australians who can afford the upfront cost, with those who are connected to a virtual power plant saving up to almost $1000 off their annual bill," ACCC Commissioner Anna Brakey said.
The report also found that government rebates brought the median quarterly household power bill down by 21 per cent between the third quarter of 2023 and the third quarter of 2024, and bills would have risen by four per cent without them.
Minister for Climate Change and Energy Chris Bowen said the report showed "households are starting to reap the benefits of a fairer energy system".
"But we're not going to let any opportunity to keep on fixing the energy market pass us by," he said.
"Australians deserve a fairer go when it comes to their energy bills - whether it's cracking down on dodgy retailers or making it easier for more people to access rooftop solar and home batteries."
"In our second term, we're getting on with strengthening consumer protections, so that no household or business pays more than they should."
The ACCC said people should visit the Australian Government's Solar Consumer Guide, compare quotes and ask for personalised information when looking at installing a new system.
Ayden Dawkins
Ayden is the digital editor for ACM's Victorian mastheads.
Do you have a story that should be told? Email him at ayden.dawkins@acm.media
