Solar feed-in tariff programs end soon. So what happens next?

This time next year, Victoria, South Australia and New South Wales will terminate a number of their rooftop solar feed-in tariff programs, putting to an end the premium tariffs in these three states. For the households currently on these premium tariffs, now is a good time to start thinking about what this means, and what they should do.
First, a look at the tariffs that will be scrapped – and when:

• Victoria’s Transitional and Standard Net metering programs end on 31 December 2016,
• South Australia’s Customer Group 4 Net metering program ends on 30 September 2016 and
• New South Wales $0.60/kWh and $0.20/kWh Solar Bonus Scheme ends on 31 December 2016.

It’s important to note that Victoria and South Australia are only ending a select few of their feed-in tariff payments; this is not the completion of these state’s entire feed-in-tariff program. Victoria’s Premium Net metering program will last until 31 December 2024 and South Australia’s Customer Group 1 Net metering program lasts until 30 June 2028.
Even more importantly, South Australia and Victoria have opted for net metering policies, which means that, when the feed-in tariff programs end, no metering changes are necessary. In these cases, the net meter can continue to operate as normal and customers can negotiate with their retailers to sell back exported energy at an agreed rate.

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