Energy Done Right

04/08/2026

Thinking about upgrading your home with solar, a battery, or energy-efficient appliances to slash your power bills? ⚡🏠

The NSW Government’s Home Energy Saver program is offering zero-interest loans AND upfront discounts to help eligible households lower the cost of energy-saving upgrades!

Here is everything you need to know about what’s on offer, eligibility, and how to apply:

💡 What Financial Support Is Available?
Upfront Discount (Up to $4,000): A direct price reduction for eligible lower-income households and concession card holders. (Note: Discount applications aren’t available just yet!)
Zero-Interest Loan (Up to $15,000): Borrow up to $15,000 per property with 0% interest. Repay only what you borrow over a loan of up to 10 years with no hidden fees.

Eligible Upgrades: Rooftop solar, household batteries, heat pump water heaters, reverse-cycle air conditioning, switchboard upgrades, EV chargers, induction cooktop, ceiling insulation, and more.

💡 Planning to apply for both? If you want to use both a discount and a loan for the same purchase, the NSW Government recommends waiting and applying for the discount first. That way, your loan only needs to cover the remaining balance!

💰 Government Funding Pool
Total Investment: The NSW Government has committed $557 million to the Home Energy Saver program.

Loan Allocation: $480 million is dedicated specifically to zero-interest loans, designed to support over 32,000 households.

Discount Allocation: $77 million is allocated to targeted upfront discounts.

✅ Eligibility Criteria
For Zero-Interest Loans (Open Now):
Combined annual taxable household income of up to $210,000.

Own the NSW property as an owner-occupier or landlord (social housing and short-stay rentals excluded).

Must be an Australian citizen or permanent resident.

Satisfy finance checks with participating program lenders (Brighte or Plenti).

For Upfront Discounts (Opening Soon):
Must be the owner of the property OR a tenant named on the lease.

Meet at least one of the following:
Combined annual household income of up to $80,000.

Hold an eligible concession card (Health Care Card, Low Income Health Care Card, Pensioner Concession Card, or Veteran Gold Card).

📅 When Does Funding End?
Loan applications are open now.
There is no fixed calendar end date; funding will remain available until the $480M loan pool and $77M discount pool are fully allocated. Getting in early ensures you don't miss out!

🔗 Where to Go for More Info & How to Prepare
Check the official NSW Government portal for full program guidelines and updates on when discount applications open: energy.nsw.gov.au/home-energy-saver.

Get quotes from accredited suppliers for your chosen energy upgrades.

If applying for the loan stream, work with your chosen accredited installer to submit your finance application through Brighte or Plenti.

24/06/2026

Why is the DMO going down, but my power bill is still going up? 🤯📈

If you've seen the headlines recently, you may have heard that the Default Market Offer (DMO) is decreasing for many customers in the new financial year.

So why are some households still receiving notices that their electricity prices are increasing?

At first glance, it seems confusing. But the answer lies in understanding what the DMO is—and what influences the price you actually pay.

What is the DMO? : The Default Market Offer (DMO) is the benchmark price set annually by the Australian Energy Regulator (AER). It acts as a reference price and a safety net for customers on standing offers, but it isn't necessarily the price most households pay.

Market offers from retailers can be above or below the DMO depending on your location, usage and the retailer's pricing.

Why is the DMO changing?

Lower wholesale electricity costs: Australia is generating more electricity from renewable sources, and large-scale batteries are helping store energy and supply it when demand is higher. These developments have contributed to lower wholesale electricity costs at certain times of the day.

Annual AER review: Each year, the AER reviews the DMO based on several cost components, including wholesale energy costs, network costs and retailer operating costs. The result is an updated benchmark price for the coming year.

So why are some retailers still increasing prices?

Retailers buy energy differently: Retailers manage their energy costs in different ways. Some purchase electricity well in advance and may still be managing the impact of higher costs from previous years.

Network costs still matter: Delivering electricity to homes and businesses requires ongoing investment in poles, wires and other infrastructure. Changes in these network costs vary by region and are one factor that can influence the prices retailers charge customers.

Your current plan may have changed: Promotional offers and discounts don't last forever. If you've been on the same plan for a while, your rates may have changed, or there may now be newer offers available in the market.

The bottom line

A lower DMO doesn't automatically mean everyone's electricity bill will fall. The DMO is a benchmark, not a guarantee of the price you'll pay. Electricity prices vary depending on where you live, how much energy you use and the plan you're on.

If you've recently received a price increase notice, it may be worth reviewing your current plan and comparing available options. Even small differences between plans can add up over time because when it comes to electricity prices, staying on the same plan isn't always the cheapest option. Compare your electricity bill here: https://www.econnex.com.au/energydoneright 🔌

Struggling with rising bills? Energy Done Right helps you compare utility plans with ease - so you can switch smarter and start saving.

28/05/2026

HUGE news for electricity bills starting July 1st! 📉

For the first time since 2021, electricity prices are decreasing for the vast majority of households and small businesses.

Thanks to an influx of daytime solar and big batteries smoothing out evening peaks, wholesale energy costs have plunged.

Here is how the combined price changes (across flat rate and time-of-use plans) stack up for each region:

🔹 NEW SOUTH WALES
• 🏠 Residential: DOWN 3.4% to 7.7%
• 💼 Small Business: DOWN 9.0% to 20.9%

🔹 SOUTH EAST QUEENSLAND
• 🏠 Residential: DOWN 7.2% to 10.7%
• 💼 Small Business: DOWN 10.4% to 14.0%

🔹 SOUTH AUSTRALIA
• 🏠 Residential: -1.1% to +1.4% (Flat rates face a tiny bump due to local network costs, but standard Time-of-Use is dropping!)
• 💼 Small Business: DOWN 6.8% to 12.1%

VICTORIA
🏠 Residential: DOWN ~2.0% to 3.0%
💼 Small Business: DOWN ~4.0% to 5.0%

No change to Tasmania’s pricing.

Residents in Ergon Energy’s area in Queensland, the price impact hasn’t been released yet.

👉 WHAT THIS MEANS FOR YOU:
If you are on a standard standing offer, relief is automatically on the way this July. However, if you are looking to truly maximize these drops, switching to a Time-of-Use plan—and shifting your heavy appliances to the middle of the day when solar generation is peaking—is where you will unlock the biggest savings.

Get ready to review your plans this winter and make sure you're getting your fair share of these lower grid costs. Energy done right means keeping more money in your pocket! ⚡️

02/05/2026

Understanding Your Electricity Bill: Where Does the Money Go?

Ever wondered why your electricity bill is so complex? In the National Electricity Market (NEM)—which covers most of Australia—your bill is a combined invoice from four different sectors.

Here is a breakdown of what you are paying for and where those costs hide on your statement.

1. Generation (The Producers)

These are the power plants and wind/solar farms that create the electricity.

Where it hits your bill: Included in your Usage Charges (c/kWh). The more energy you use, the more you pay the generators.

2. Transmission (The High-Speed Highways)

These companies own the massive high-voltage towers and wires that move power across long distances.

Where it hits your bill: These costs are passed to the distributor and then the retailer. They are usually bundled into your Daily Supply Charge, though a portion is also linked to your Usage Charges.

3. Distribution (The Suburban Streets)

These are the poles and wires in your local neighborhood, including the meter on your house.

Where it hits your bill: This makes up a significant chunk of your Daily Supply Charge (to maintain the hardware) and your Meter Service Fee. They also charge a "network use" fee hidden inside your Usage Charges.

4. Retailers (The Billing Service)

Retailers are the companies that send you the bill. They buy power at wholesale prices and sell it to you.

Where it hits your bill: They either charge a fixed membership fee or add a margin (markup) onto both your supply and usage rates to cover their operating costs and profit.

Quick Tips for Choosing a Better Plan

Check the "Daily Supply Charge": This is a fixed cost you pay regardless of how much power you use. If you have a small household, aim for the lowest daily rate possible.

Know Your Timing:

If you use power mainly at night, a Flat Rate tariff is usually best.

If you use power during the day (or have a battery), a Time of Use tariff can save you more.

Solar & Batteries: If you have solar, look for a high Feed-in Tariff. If you have a battery and want to maximise its value with minimal effort, consider joining a VPP (Virtual Power Plant).

Avoid Hidden Fees: Always scan the fine print for credit card surcharges or exit fees.

12/04/2026

As home battery rebates continue to scale back in 2026, your EV’s massive battery—typically 5 to 8 times larger than a standard home unit—is the smartest way to bridge the gap.

However, hardware approval is only half the battle. To protect your battery warranty, you need to choose a manufacturer that explicitly supports Vehicle-to-Grid (V2G) in Australia.

V2G Warranty Leaders (Approved for 2026)

While many EVs have the hardware to do this, only a few currently have the legal "green light" from their Australian headquarters:

Mitsubishi (Outlander & Eclipse Cross PHEV): The gold standard for V2G in Australia. Mitsubishi explicitly covers bidirectional use with CEC-approved chargers under their Drive Battery Capacity Care Program.

Nissan (Leaf): Long-term supporters of the technology. Nissan honours the battery warranty for V2G, particularly when the vehicle is integrated into a recognised Virtual Power Plant (VPP) or smart-charging program.

Volvo (EX90) & Polestar (3): These new-generation "software-first" EVs were designed specifically to act as home batteries. Their warranties are built to handle bidirectional cycling, provided you use their native smart-charging software to manage battery health.

BYD (Atto 3 & Seal): While BYD is heavily involved in V2G trials with retailers like Origin and AGL, ensure your specific participation is part of an official partner program. BYD typically validates the warranty for V2G only when the discharge is managed by an approved energy partner.

The "Warranty-Safe" Strategy

To ensure you don’t void your coverage while trying to save on your energy bills:

Stick to DC-to-DC: Use one of the three CEC-approved DC chargers (Sigenergy, V2Grid Numbat, or StarCharge Halo). Manufacturers are far more likely to honour warranties with these regulated DC units than with uncertified AC-to-AC setups.

Join a VPP: Many brands (especially Hyundai, Kia, and BYD) are transitioning to "VPP-only" warranty support. By letting a provider like Amber or AGL manage the export, the manufacturer is assured the battery isn't being stressed beyond safe limits.

Check the Addendum: Before installing, ask your dealer for a V2G Warranty Addendum. This document confirms that bidirectional use—when paired with a certified charger—won't impact your battery guarantee.

Bottom Line: If you own a Mitsubishi, Nissan, or a high-end Volvo/Polestar, you are already in the clear to turn your car into a revenue-generating asset and bypass the need for a standalone home battery.

08/04/2026

Thinking about using Amber as your retailer, well you will want to know about the likelihood of price spike events which can cover those admin fees and supply charges.

Over the last two years, the National Electricity Market (NEM) has shifted from a period of extreme crisis in 2022 to a "volatile transition" phase. While average wholesale prices have generally trended downward, the frequency of extreme spikes (prices exceeding $5.00/kWh) has become more concentrated and tied to specific regional stress events.

1. Historical Look: Volume & Reasons (FY24 - FY26)

- NSW had high spikes in FY24 and moderate in FY25/26. These price spikes were caused by coal unreliability & demand: Retirement of Liddell and outages at remaining coal plants (Eraring/Bayswater) combined with extreme humidity-driven demand.

- QLD had high spikes in FY24 and low/moderate in FY25/26. Humidity & Storms: Summer 23-24 saw record peak demand. 2025 has been calmer, though gas costs remain a floor for spike prices.

- SA had moderate spikes in FY24 and high in FY25/26. Wind Droughts: Spikes occur when "wind lulls" coincide with the evening peak, forcing high-cost gas to set the price.

- VIC had low spikes for both years. Transmission Faults: Most spikes were caused by storm damage to transmission lines (Feb 2024) rather than a lack of generation.

- TAS had minimal spikes both years. Drought: Low hydro levels caused high average prices in early 2024, but rarely result in $5kWh spikes.

Key Trend: In the last 12 months, the NEM saw a record number of negative prices (over 6,000 intervals). We are seeing a "Barbell Effect": prices are at the floor (-$1.00/kWh) during the day and spike ($15.00/kWh) during the evening "ramp."

2. Forecast for FY27 (July 2026 – June 2027)

The forecast for FY27 suggests a "tightening" of the market as we approach major coal exits.

Timing of Spikes

Summer Peak (Dec 2026 – Feb 2027): This remains the highest risk period. Expect spikes between 5:30 PM and 8:30 PM. As rooftop solar continues to grow, it "hollows out" daytime prices but makes the evening ramp steeper and harder for the grid to manage.

Winter Peak (June – July 2026): High risk for the southern states (VIC/SA). Spikes are likely during mornings (7:00 AM - 9:00 AM) on cold, still days when wind generation is low and heating demand is high.

Frequency Forecast

NSW (Highest Frequency): Expect an increase in spike frequency in early 2027. Although the Eraring closure was extended to August 2027, the plant’s reliability usually dips in its final months, and NSW is increasingly reliant on imports from QLD and VIC.

SA (Most Volatile): SA will likely see the most frequent "mini-spikes" ($1.00 - $3.00/kWh). These occur almost weekly during the shoulder seasons (Spring/Autumn) when wind output is unpredictable.

VIC & QLD (Stable but Extreme): Lower frequency, but when they do spike, they are likely to hit the Market Price Cap (which increases to $20.70/kWh on July 1, 2026).

3. Why the Spikes Are Changing

The "Price Cap" Escalation: The AEMC is aggressively raising the price cap to encourage new investment. By FY27, a single spike will be 25% more expensive than it was two years ago.

Battery Mitigation: The massive rollout of big batteries (Waratah Super Battery, etc.) will likely reduce the total number of spikes, as they can "shave" the top off the price. However, they cannot yet prevent spikes caused by major transmission failures.

Gas Dependence: Until more storage is online, gas remains the "price setter" for spikes. With international gas prices remaining high, the "floor" for these spikes is unlikely to drop.

Strategic Recommendation

If you are running home automation or a VPP-linked battery, FY27 will be a year of high-value, low-frequency events.

This means you need:
- a good export limit set by your DNSP,
- good inverter size: this limits how much you can export per hour,
- battery capacity to export during these events in the evenings or early morning and
- great self driven automation, VPP or swift manual intervention,
to capitalise on wholesale spikes.

If you are in Tassie, I wouldn’t be suggesting Amber but for NSW and SA there could be a real benefit.

08/04/2026

The Traditional Path: Stability & "Free" Windows

Retailers like GloBird or OVO are great if you want predictability. They often offer:

Structured "Free" Power: Some plans offer 2–3 hours of free electricity during the day. This is perfect for "top-up" charging your battery or running heavy appliances for $0.

Fixed Rates: You know exactly what you’ll pay per kWh, regardless of what’s happening on the energy market.

Best for: Homes with smaller batteries that might run out by 8 PM, or people who want to "set and forget" their energy bill.

The Wholesale Path: High Risk, High Reward

Amber Electric works differently. They pass through the real-time wholesale price of energy.

Smart Automation: They use "SmartShift" technology to automate your battery—charging it when prices are negative (yes, you can sometimes get paid to charge!) and selling it back when the grid is stressed and prices spike (sometimes up to $15–$19/kWh).

The Monthly Fee: Instead of a markup on your power, you usually pay a flat monthly subscription fee (around $25).

Best for: Homes with "excess" battery capacity and those who love tech. If your battery is large enough to cover your evening peak and still have 30% left to sell, wholesale can be a massive earner.

3 Tips for the Comparison Hunt

Check the "Daily Supply Charge": If your battery makes you 90% self-sufficient, the usage rate barely matters—the daily supply charge becomes your biggest cost. Look for the lowest daily "service to property" fee.

Beware the "Solar Admin Fee": Some retailers sneak in a daily fee just for having solar or a smart meter. Always read the "Energy Price Fact Sheet."

Align with your Lifestyle: If you have an EV or a pool pump, a retailer with a "Super Off-Peak" rate between midnight and 6 AM might save you more than a high solar feed-in tariff ever could.

The Bottom Line: If you have a big battery and want to play the market, go Wholesale. If you have a standard setup and want a guaranteed $0 bill, look for Traditional plans with free midday windows.

Confused by the fine print? Drop a comment below and let’s chat about your setup! 🔋⚡️

29/03/2026

🧛 Is There a "Vampire" in Your Home Sucking Your Bank Account Dry?

As we move into 2026, electricity prices remain a top priority for every household. But one of the drains on your wallet isn’t when you’re using your appliances—it’s when they are "off."

Meet the Vampire Load (also known as Standby Power).

❓ What is a Vampire Load?

A vampire load is the electricity consumed by an electronic device while it is switched off or in standby mode.

If it has a remote control, a digital clock, a glowing LED light, or an "instant-on" feature, it is actively "sipping" power 24/7. While a few watts here and there don't seem like much, the average Australian home has 20 to 30 of these devices running at once.

🏆 The "Heavy Hitters": Which devices draw the most?

Not all vampires are equal. Some are much thirstier than others. Based on recent 2026 data, here are the top offenders:

High-End Gaming Consoles: Devices like the PS5 or Xbox in "Instant On" mode can pull 10–15 watts continuously. That can add up to $60 a year just to keep a console "asleep."

Older Entertainment Systems: Large AV receivers and older plasma or high-brightness TVs can draw significant phantom loads to maintain their memory and remote sensors. Depending on the age and set up, could be up to $250 a year.

Home Office Gear: Laser printers and multi-monitor setups are notorious. A printer left on standby can cost you $30+ a year for literally doing nothing.

Microwaves & Kitchen Gadgets: If it has a digital clock you never look at, it’s costing you money. Older and cheaper microwaves can cost $14.35 just to show you the clock. If you use your microwave for 10 minutes every single day, it only costs you about $25 a year in actual cooking electricity. In fact, for many households, the cost of the 'Standby Clock' is nearly 60% of the cost of the actual cooking!

💰 The Savings: Why it’s worth the "Walk-Through"

Recent data shows that standby power accounts for 3% to 10% of the average Australian electricity bill.

The Impact: For a typical family, this is an unnecessary $100 to $170 per year.

The Solution: Turning your devices off at the wall (the "Point of Use") is the only way to kill the load 100%.

Pro Tip: Use a power board for your entire entertainment or office setup. One switch kills 3-5 vampires at once.

🔍 Get Your Home "Done Right"

At Energy Done Right, I specialise in identifying these hidden leaks. Sometimes, the simplest habit changes provide a better ROI than expensive new hardware.

29/03/2026

🔋 NSW Homeowners: Get Paid Twice for Your Battery (The VPP Secret)

If you live in NSW, there is a "hidden" cash incentive for solar batteries that is separate from the federal hardware discount. It’s called the VPP Incentive, and if you’re looking at a larger system, you need to know where the "cliff" is.

💰 What is the NSW VPP Incentive?
This is a cash-back payment (or upfront discount) provided by the NSW Government for connecting your battery to a Virtual Power Plant.

The Rules for 2026:
* The Maximum (The 28kWh Cap): The government only pays you for a useable capacity of 28kWh. If you install a larger system many ACPs (Accredited Certificate Providers) won’t allow you to claim the rebate.
* The Value: You can claim up to $1,540 in additional savings depending on the size and brand of your system and the ACP you use.
The Best Part? You can "stack" this. You get the rebate off the price of the battery, AND the NSW incentive for joining a VPP.

🕹️ "But I don't want a retailer controlling my battery!"
This is the #1 concern I hear at Energy Done Right. The good news? You can get the cash without losing control and many retailers allow you to leave without penalty. It depends on which Retailer Type you choose:

Type 1: The "Passive" Partners (No Physical Control)
* Retailers: Nectr, GloBird, CovaU.
* How it works: You get the NSW VPP Incentive money upfront, but the retailer cannot physically pull power from your battery. Instead, they just give you a high Feed-in Tariff (e.g., 25c) during the evening peak to encourage you to export.
* Best for: Protecting your battery’s lifespan and keeping your backup power for yourself.

Type 2: The "Active" Partners (Full Control)
* Retailers: Tesla Energy Plan, AGL, Origin.
* How it works: They have the digital "remote" to your battery. They will physically push and pull power to help the grid when prices spike. In exchange, they usually offer larger ongoing bill credits.
* Best for: Maximum "set and forget" savings if you don't mind the retailer using your asset.

Type 3: Dynamic Shifting (Optimized Passive)
* Retailers: Amber
* How it works: A hybrid model. The retailer won't forcefully discharge your battery, but they will use machine learning to predict market volatility. They will "suggest" that your battery prioritise grid export rather than self-consumption for a specific 30-minute window, offering you an increased bonus if you comply.
* Best for: Clients who want to actively participate in market events without relinquishing full physical control of their device.

🔍 Is your battery "Done Right"?
If you have a large system (near that 28kWh cap), choosing the wrong VPP provider can cost you thousands in lost incentives or excessive battery wear.

With 12 years of experience in the energy sector, I help you navigate the 2026 rebate landscape to ensure you get every cent you're entitled to—without giving up control of your home’s power.

📩 Send a DM with your NMI or a recent bill. Let’s see if you’re eligible for the VPP rebate.

16/03/2026

⚡️ The "Invisible" Cost of Living: Your Power Bill in 2026

When we talk about the cost of living, we usually think of groceries and rent. But in 2026, electricity bills have become one of the most significant "unfixed" costs for Australian households.

📉 The Hard Numbers

For the average Australian family, electricity now represents a major slice of the monthly budget. Current data shows:

Average Annual Bill: Between $1,750 and $2,100 (roughly $440–$525 per quarter).

The "July Jump": Energy retailers are preparing for their annual rate reviews this July. With wholesale and network costs remaining high, many experts are predicting another potential increase in the "Default Market Offer" (the safety net price).

🏠 What’s Using All That Power?

Most households consume between 15–20 kWh per day. But where does it go?

Heating & Cooling: ~40% (The biggest culprit!)

Hot Water: ~25%

Large Appliances: ~25% (Fridges, Dryers, Washers)

💡 The "Set & Forget" Savings Strategy

The secret to lowering your bill in 2026 isn't just "turning things off"—it's shifting when you use them. With new "Solar Sponge" tariffs and midday free hours (like those from GloBird), you can save significantly without changing your lifestyle.

The Best "No-Brainer" Shifts:

Dishwashers: Don't run it after dinner. Hit the "Delay Start" button so it runs at 11 AM when power is cheapest (or free!).

Washing Machines: Set your machine to run its cycle during the day while you're at work.

Hot Water Systems and Pool Pumps: Ensure your timer is set for the 10 AM – 3 PM window to soak up that solar abundance.

EV Charging: If you’ve made the switch to electric, charging during the midday "solar peak" can practically wipe out your fuel costs.

Cooling: Run you air conditioner at a lower temperature during the solar peak (10 AM - 3 PM) and bring the temperature up to 23/22 degrees during evening peak time or off and switch to fans.

Is your current plan penalising you for using power at the "wrong" time? I can help you audit your latest bill to see if a simple shift in your appliance timers could save you hundreds before the July price hikes hit.