Retailer, distributor, generator: not the same thing
Your retailer sends the bill. Your distributor runs the poles and wires in your area. Generators produce electricity. Rooftop solar adds another layer because your home can consume power from the roof, import power from the grid and export surplus energy.
The National Electricity Market in plain English
The National Electricity Market, often called the NEM, connects eastern and southern states through wholesale electricity trading. Western Australia and the Northern Territory operate separate systems. Retail bills include energy usage, daily supply charges, network costs, environmental scheme costs and retailer margins.
Why feed-in tariffs move around
Feed-in tariffs are not the same as retail import prices. They reflect the value retailers place on exported energy at particular times, plus competitive and regulatory factors. Midday solar exports can be abundant, which can reduce the value of exports in some areas.
Time-of-use tariffs and solar
Time-of-use tariffs charge different rates at different times. Solar generation tends to peak in the middle of the day, while household demand often peaks in the evening. This is why load shifting, hot water timers and smart appliance scheduling are common education topics.
What to compare on a bill
Look at import usage, export volume, daily supply charge, tariff type, controlled load, demand charges if present and meter read periods. Avoid judging a plan by one headline number. This is education only, not a recommendation to choose a specific plan.
Quick FAQ
Why can export prices be lower than import prices?
Retail prices include network, retail and policy costs. Export payments usually reflect a narrower value for energy sent back to the grid.
Does rooftop solar affect the grid?
Yes. It can reduce daytime demand but also creates technical challenges such as voltage management and export congestion.
What is a smart meter?
A smart meter records interval data and supports more detailed billing, exports and tariff structures.