Victorian Transitional Feed-in Tariff Inquiry

Following the commencement of the Victorian Transitional Feed-in Tariff in early January, Victorian Treasurer Kim Wells has directed the Victorian Competition and Efficiency Commission to conduct an inquiry into the Feed-in Tariff, as well as Arrangements and Barriers to Distributed Generation.

The commission is to consult with key interest groups and affected parties, including representatives of end-use electricity consumers.

Treasurer Kim Wells said: “This inquiry will assist the Coalition Government in developing fair and cost-effective arrangements for the future, which is particularly important ahead of the implementation of a national carbon price.”

The terms of reference for the inquiry require the Victorian Competition and Efficiency Commission to:

  • Consider how efficient and effective feed-in tariffs are as a greenhouse gas reduction program
  • Provide a recommendation as to whether feed-in tariffs should be continued, changed or phased out
  • Identify barriers to a network of distributed renewable and low emission generation in Victoria, including co-generation and tri-generation.

From 1 January 2012, eligible Victorian customers with small-scale solar PV systems have received credits for their excess energy fed back into the grid through the Victorian Transitional Feed-in Tariff.

The Victorian Transitional Feed-in Tariff, which  replaced the closed Premium Feed-in Tariff, offers eligible properties with a solar PV system of 5 kW or less a credit of at least 25 cents per kilowatt hour for excess electricity fed back into the grid.

The Author

Darryn Van Hout

I developed an interest in the Australian energy and construction sectors more than a decade ago and have since closely followed the trends, technologies and developments shaping both industries. My involvement in the Australian solar market began in 2008, and over the years I have built strong connections with professionals, businesses and organisations across the construction, solar and renewable energy sectors in Australia and internationally. These connections include solar panel and inverter manufacturers, electrical and construction industry professionals, software developers creating tools to quote, monitor and manage solar power systems, and media organisations that closely follow developments across energy, construction and renewable technologies. Today, I continue to contribute as an industry advocate, author and commentator, sharing practical insights and information to help Australian consumers and businesses better understand solar power, energy technologies, construction-related developments and the changing Australian energy landscape.