Introduction
Switching electricity retailers can reduce bills, but only if you read the fine print. For solar households, both feed-in tariffs (FiTs) and import rates matter. This checklist highlights what to compare before making the change.
Step 1 — Check Feed-in Tariffs (FiTs)
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Is it flat or time-of-export?
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Are there caps or tiers?
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Does it apply to all exports?
See details at Compare FiT by State and Retailer Rates.
Step 2 — Review Daily Supply Charge
A retailer with a high FiT may also have a higher daily supply charge. Even a $0.20/day difference adds up.
Example 1
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Retailer A: 90c/day supply charge × 365 = $328/year
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Retailer B: $1.10/day × 365 = $401/year
$73/year higher before any usage or FiT benefits.
Step 3 — Compare Import Rates
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Flat vs TOU: Does your usage match the cheaper periods?
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Example:
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Flat import = 30c/kWh
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TOU import = 20c off-peak, 45c peak
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If 60% of your use is peak, TOU costs more overall.
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Use the TOU vs Flat Modeling Tool for tailored results.
Step 4 — Consider Discounts & Contract Terms
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Are discounts guaranteed or conditional (e.g., pay on time)?
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Is there an exit fee?
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Is it a fixed or variable tariff?
Track updates with the Rate Change Tracker.
Step 5 — Estimate Total Savings
Work out net savings, not just FiT income.
Example 2
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Retailer A: FiT = 8c, Import = 30c, Supply = $1.00/day
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Retailer B: FiT = 12c, Import = 32c, Supply = $1.20/day
For 4,000 kWh imports + 2,500 kWh exports:
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Retailer A = ($1,200 import – $200 FiT) + $365 supply = $1,365/year
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Retailer B = ($1,280 import – $300 FiT) + $438 supply = $1,418/year
Despite higher FiT, Retailer B is more expensive overall.
Estimate your results with the Solar ROI Calculator and Postcode Estimator.
FAQs
Q1. Should I always pick the retailer with the highest FiT?
Not necessarily—import and supply charges often offset the benefit.
Q2. How often can I switch retailers?
In most states, you can switch at any time with no penalty (unless on a locked contract).
Q3. How do I know if TOU is right for me?
Check your usage pattern or model it with inverter/smart meter data.
Q4. Can my FiT change after I switch?
Yes, retailers can adjust rates. Monitor using the Rate Change Tracker.
Conclusion
A high FiT looks attractive, but the net outcome depends on import tariffs, supply charges, and your usage profile. Use calculators like the FiT Savings Calculator and compare offers by postcode before switching.