The Australian Competition & Consumer Commission (ACCC) is urging battery and solar suppliers and electricity retailers to act responsibly towards consumers. This response is in line with the growing demand for home batteries and solar systems, driven by subsidy schemes and the opportunity to reduce energy bills.

The ACCC’s Electricity Inquiry Report examines emerging markets for new electricity services, in particular those supported by solar and battery systems. The report examines and compares the electricity bills of solar and battery customers with those of regular customers who draw purely from the grid.

ACCC commissioner Anna Brakey says that as more Australian households switch to battery and solar plans, it’s vital that the deals remain fair, accurate and easy to understand.

“The ACCC will be watching carefully and actively monitoring consumer complaints. We will hold solar and battery installers, retailers and suppliers to ensure they comply with Australia’s consumer laws,” she says.

The report emphasises the complexity of investing in a solar and home battery system and the need for consumers to understand whether the benefits they receive outweigh the costs, particularly when choosing system sizes. It also supports additional consumer protections and calls for an overarching consumer duty that requires companies to act in the interests of consumers.

“We believe additional protections are needed as more Australians participate in markets for new and emerging energy services,” Anna says.

“We advise consumers to read the Australian Government’s Solar Consumer Guide, compare several quotes from different providers and ask for personalised information from solar and battery sellers.”

Australian households with rooftop solar and a home battery have electricity bills that are, on average, 40% less than customers whose electricity comes entirely from the grid, based on the report.

“Home solar and batteries continue to be a compelling option for Australians who can afford the upfront cost, with those who are connected to a virtual power plant saving up to almost $1,000 off their annual bill,” Anna says.

The report also details that government rebates resulted in the median quarterly household power bill dropping by 21% between the third quarter of 2023 and the third quarter of 2024. Without rebates, the median quarterly bill would have instead risen by 4%.

“The sharpest decline across the national Electricity Market was in South East Queensland, where rebates exceeded the median bill amount,” Anna says.

The report is available on the ACCC’s website.