If your property generates more electricity than you use (for example, from rooftop solar), the extra electricity can be sent to the national grid. We credit you for that exported electricity with a buy-back (export) credit. Below are the answers to the most common questions.
What is a buy-back rate?
A buy-back rate is the amount we credit you for each kilowatt-hour (kWh) of electricity you send back to the grid. To receive the credit, your property must have an import/export (export) meter that records how much electricity is exported.
How much is the buy-back?
We credit 12.5 cents per kWh for every eligible exported kWh. This credit is shown before GST.
Who can get the buy-back?
To receive buy-back you must meet these basic conditions:
Your property must have an export-capable meter/register (sometimes shown as an “EG” register).
We currently accept generation systems 50 kW or less. Larger generators typically need a bespoke commercial arrangement.
If you are GST-registered and your generation equipment or property are business assets, GST rules may be different — see the GST question below.
Do I get GST on the buy-back credit?
In most cases, the buy-back credit does not include GST. For tax purposes the electricity you export is usually treated as a supply from you to us and is therefore generally GST-exempt on the credit.
If you are GST-registered and your generation equipment or property are business assets, GST can apply to exported electricity. If that’s the case, please contact us and we’ll arrange the correct records and receipts.
How will the buy-back appear on my bill?
Exported electricity appears on your bill as a “Buy-Back” credit under the Current Electricity Usage section. We use the net energy measured by your export register (the kWh actually sent to the grid). We do not estimate exports — if your export meter isn’t read in a month the export will show as 0 for that month and any credit will appear once the meter is next read (the credit will roll over; you will not lose it).
How is buy-back calculated?
We credit 112.5 cents for each net kWh recorded on your export meter.
Example: if your export meter records 10 kWh in a billing period, your buy-back credit is 10 × $0.12.5 = $1.10 (before any GST adjustments, if applicable).
Note: Your solar monitor or inverter app often reports gross generation (what your panels produce). We only credit net export — the electricity left over after your household uses what it needs or stores in a battery.
Why is the buy-back lower than the price I pay for electricity?
The buy-back rate is based on the average wholesale or “raw” cost of electricity. Retail electricity prices include additional costs (distribution, retail services, levies, etc.), so the buy-back is generally lower than your retail purchase price.
How do I get set up to receive buy-back?
To start exporting and receiving buy-back you typically need:
Network approval for Distributed Generation from your local network company.
A completed solar / distributed generation application form.
Download here: DG Form.pdfAcceptance of the metering fee so we can arrange an export-capable meter.
Once those items are in place we’ll ask the meter owner to install an import/export meter.
Typical meter charges:
New import/export meter installation: usually around $210 (incl. GST).