Being green
Renewable Energy Buyback Scheme
If you’re sourcing power from your own renewable energy system, you could be generating more power than you actually need.
The Renewable Energy Buyback Scheme (REBS) gives you the chance to make money from the excess wind, solar or hydro power you generate. If your system is connected to the main grid, you can feed this energy back to us, and we’ll pay you for it.
We buy this at a flat buyback rate of 7c kWh for residential customers. If you’re on a green energy option, our payment to you doesn’t include the premium.
REBS doesn’t interrupt or affect your power supply. Whenever you need it, you can draw power from your back-up battery or the main grid. There’s no set amount or schedule for selling your excess power — so if your system isn’t generating enough energy, you don’t have to sell any power at all.
It should be noted that whilst Synergy has a Photovoltaic solution available to customers, purchasing a renewable energy system from Synergy is not a prerequisite for participating in the Renewable Energy Buyback Scheme or Feed in Tariff. Customers are encouraged to obtain a number of different quotes from a range of solar suppliers.
Availability and conditions
- REBS is available to home renewable energy systems between 500 watts and 5 kilowatts in generating capacity, connected to the South West Interconnected System (SWIS).
- If you’re signed up to REBS, you’ll be billed for your net import and credited for your net export of power, over the billing period. You can choose between either the A1 tariff or SmartPower tariff.
- REBS offers a flat buyback rate of 7c kWh for residential customers.
- If you’re also subscribed to NaturalPower or EarthFriendly, our payment to you doesn’t include the premium
- For multi-residential properties, each home must be connected to the renewable energy system in the acceptable capacity range, to be eligible. To join REBS in this situation, changes to the property’s power meters may also be needed at additional expense.
- As well as home users, REBS is also open to non-profit organisations and educational institutions. The buyback rate is equivalent to the applicable tariff rate, minus the GST component, that your business is currently on.
- REBS is not available to K1 tariff customers.
Applying for REBS
If you meet all the conditions listed above, the next step is to download the REBS information pack* containing the full terms and conditions and technical requirements.
If you have any questions call 13 13 53, or if you’re ready to join REBS, download the application form today.
