The Solar Bonus Scheme will end on 31 December 2016 – that’s just over a month from now. This means 146,000 households across NSW which have been getting a feed-in tariff of either 60 or 20 cents for the electricity they sell back to the grid will get a much lower feed-in tariff or no tariff at all from 1 January 2017. Many customers will need to have their meter changed to receive a feed-in tariff and manage their electricity use in the new year.
Some of these customers haven’t received an electricity bill for several years, so there’s a very real chance that could be taken by surprise when they receive their first electricity bill next year.
The Energy & Water Ombudsman NSW (EWON) is concerned that customers are not prepared for the end of the Scheme. We urge people to get ready now by following the 5 steps below. Please share this information with your networks and help your clients, customers and maybe even yourself get ready for the end of the scheme!
- Check if you’re on the Solar Bonus Scheme by looking at your bill. If you’re receiving a 60 or 20 cent feed-in tariff you’re on the Scheme.
- Call your energy provider and ask if you need a new meter. Make sure you find out the following:
- if they will charge you for a new meter if you need one
- when they will install a new meter
- what feed-in tariff they’re offering
- what the contract terms will be – including additional charges or fees, or specific contract conditions.
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If you’re not sure you’re getting the best deal, compare your retailer’s offer to others at energymadeeasy.com.au or talk to electricity retailers directly.
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Sign up to a new deal as soon as possible and before 31 December. If you do nothing, you will be worse off in the new year.
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Prepare for a higher electricity bill in the first quarter of next year – or in some cases your first bill in a long time. See our tips on saving energy and water around the home at ewon.com.au/factsheets.