FAQ
Energy Questions Answered: Electricity, Solar and Your Bill
Short, sourced answers to the questions Australians ask most about power bills, meters and solar. Each one links to the regulator or government source behind it.
Questions answered here
Each page gives the direct answer first, then the detail and the rules behind it.
- What is a good price per kWh for electricity in Australia?A good rate beats your area's regulated reference price on both the usage rate and the supply charge.
- How many kWh does an average house use per day in Australia?Daily use ranges from about 8 kWh for one person to over 30 kWh for a big family in Hobart.
- How do I read my electricity meter?Reading your own meter takes a minute and lets you check an estimated bill or track your use.
- Can you negotiate electricity prices in Australia?You cannot haggle over a published rate, but one phone call often moves you onto a cheaper plan.
- What is net metering for solar?Net metering lets your panels power the house first and sends only the surplus to the grid.
- Can I put solar panels on a rental property?Renters need their landlord's agreement, but Queensland and Victoria now pay landlords to put solar on rental homes.
- Will my power be cut off if my retailer goes bust?If your retailer fails, the lights stay on.
- What is a Basic Plan Information Document?Every electricity and gas plan has a standard fact sheet with its rates, fees and conditions.
More common questions
These are answered in full on our main guides.
- How much does electricity cost per kWh?Electricity cost calculator
- How can I reduce my electricity bill?How to reduce your electricity bill
- Who is the cheapest electricity provider?Cheapest retailers by state
- What uses the most electricity in a home?Home energy audit
- How long does it take to switch provider?Switching electricity provider
- What is the Default Market Offer?The DMO explained
- What is the Victorian Default Offer?The VDO explained
- What is controlled load?Controlled load tariffs
- How do I get an electricity rebate?Rebate finder
- What happens if I cannot pay my bill?Hardship programs
- Is solar worth it?Solar payback by city
- How many solar panels do I need?Solar system sizing
- What is a feed-in tariff?Feed-in tariffs by state
- Do I need a smart meter for solar?Smart meters
- What is the Solar Sharer Offer?Solar Sharer Offer
- Is a home battery worth it?Are batteries worth it