Controversial changes allowing energy networks to charge households with rooftop solar panels for sending surplus power back into the energy grid will apply from 2025, following official approval from the national market rule maker on Thursday.
The Australian Energy Market Commission (AEMC) says electricity networks may need to charge customers some of the time they send their solar power into the electricity grid to remove blockages that are created by an influx of power from households into the network when the sun is shining in the middle of the day.
Under the new rules, networks would probably charge households for sending power to the grid in the middle of the day, when the grid is congested with supply from rooftop panels, and offer financial incentives for customers who send power when demand is highest in the early evening.