Ergon’s Feed-In Tariff

Thinking about how Ergon’s feed-in tariff might change this year? Every financial year, the solar export rate for eligible regional Queensland customers is reviewed. Here’s when changes usually land, what could influence the rate, and how to prepare your household or business for the next update.

What is Ergon’s feed-in tariff?

Ergon’s feed-in tariff (FiT) is the per‑kilowatt‑hour credit you receive for any excess solar energy you export to the grid if you’re an eligible customer in regional Queensland supplied by Ergon Energy Retail. Unlike south east Queensland—where retailers set their own FiTs—the regional FiT is set annually for standard contract customers and appears as a credit on your Ergon bill.

In most cases, the regional FiT is a single (flat) rate for every kWh you export, credited on your electricity bill.

What’s changing and when?

Annual reset from 1 July

The regional solar FiT is reviewed each financial year and typically changes on 1 July. You’ll usually see a draft determination in late autumn, followed by a final determination just before the new financial year. In practice, the new export rate takes effect from 1 July, with details confirmed shortly beforehand.

Why updates happen

• Wholesale prices shift: Solar export value tracks expected wholesale energy prices, which can fluctuate year to year.
• Network and loss factors: Adjustments account for technical factors such as distribution losses in regional networks.
• Policy and market conditions: Broader energy market trends and regulatory settings can also influence the outcome.

While the FiT can rise or fall year to year, the best strategy is the same: maximise solar self‑consumption and treat the FiT as a helpful offset for surplus generation.

How the rate is set (and why it moves)

In regional Queensland, the solar FiT is set through an annual regulatory process. Put simply, the regulator estimates the wholesale value of exported energy (after accounting for losses and other factors), then publishes a cents‑per‑kWh rate for the coming financial year.

Key influencers include:

• Forecast wholesale energy prices: When expected daytime wholesale prices are higher, FiTs tend to increase, and vice versa.
• Loss factors and costs: Technical adjustments that reflect electricity lost on the network and administrative costs.
• Solar supply dynamics: More daytime solar generation can push wholesale prices lower at certain times, affecting export value.

Eligibility, metering, and export limits

To receive Ergon’s FiT, you generally need to be an eligible small customer in regional Queensland on a standard retail contract with an approved solar PV connection. You’ll also need a compatible metering setup—typically a digital (smart) meter that can separately measure solar exports.

Export limits and technical rules are set by the distribution network (Energy Queensland via Ergon Energy Network). These determine how much your inverter can export at your premises. If you’re upgrading your system or adding a battery, always seek approval to ensure your connection stays compliant.

How to prepare and maximise value

1) Confirm your meter and connection

• Check that you have a smart meter configured to record exports correctly.
• Ensure your solar connection approval matches your current inverter size and export settings.

2) Optimise self‑consumption

• Run flexible loads (dishwasher, washing machine, pool pump) during the middle of the day.
• Use appliance timers or smart home controls to align usage with solar generation.

3) Consider storage and efficiency

• A battery can shift excess solar into evening use, reducing imports during peak periods.
• Energy‑efficient appliances and insulation help you get more from every kWh you generate.

4) Watch for the annual announcement

• Look out for the draft and final determinations in the lead‑up to 1 July.
• Compare your expected exports and bill impact under the new rate once it’s announced.

Quick FAQs

When will the new FiT apply?
Typically from 1 July each year, with details confirmed shortly before that date.

Will Ergon move to time‑varying FiTs?
In regional Queensland, the regulator sets a single FiT for standard contract customers. Some retailers in other areas may offer time‑varying FiTs, but Ergon’s regional FiT is generally a flat rate. Keep an eye on official updates for any future changes.

Does a higher FiT always mean lower bills?
Not necessarily. The biggest savings usually come from using your own solar on site to avoid paying retail import prices. Treat the FiT as a bonus for unavoidable exports.

Where to find official updates

• Ergon Energy Retail: ergon.com.au
• Queensland Competition Authority (QCA): qca.org.au
• Queensland Government energy info: qld.gov.au
• Australian Energy Regulator (AER): aer.gov.au
• Energy Queensland (network technical guidance): energyqueensland.com.au

Tip: Bookmark the QCA and Ergon sites in May–June to catch the draft and final determinations ahead of 1 July.