Best VPP Plans Australia 2026 Compared

A Virtual Power Plant (VPP) is a network of home batteries coordinated by a single operator to discharge stored energy into the grid during peak demand. You earn credits for participating. If you own a home battery in Australia and you are not enrolled in a VPP, you are leaving money on the table. The question is which plan gives you the best return for the least hassle. This article ranks every major VPP provider in Australia for 2026 so you can find the best VPP Australia has available right now.

Ten providers are running active VPP programs as of June 2026. We assessed each on annual earnings potential, battery compatibility, state availability, plan flexibility, and the real impact on battery wear. The short version: the Tesla Energy Plan pays the most if you own a Powerwall in South Australia, Amber Electric offers the best flexibility for non-Tesla batteries, and AGL gives you the simplest set-and-forget option.

The Australian Energy Market Operator (AEMO) reported that VPP capacity reached 900 MW across the National Electricity Market by Q1 2026, up from approximately 350 MW in early 2024 (AEMO, 2026). Meanwhile, the Clean Energy Council recorded over 500,000 cumulative home battery installations by end of 2025, meaning roughly one in three battery owners are now enrolled in some form of VPP program (Clean Energy Council, 2026).

For a detailed explainer on how VPPs work mechanically, see our guide to virtual power plants in Australia.

Comparison Table: Best VPP Plans in Australia 2026

Provider	States	Compatible Batteries	Typical Annual Earnings	Plan Type	Battery Wear Impact
Tesla Energy Plan	SA, VIC, QLD, NSW	Powerwall 2/3 only	$500–$1,000+ (SA)	Wholesale retail + VPP	Low (10–30 events/yr)
Amber Electric	SA, VIC, QLD, NSW, ACT	Most major brands	$200–$600	Wholesale retail + SmartShift	Low–Moderate
AGL VPP	SA, VIC, QLD	Powerwall, Sungrow, select others	$200–$350	Flat credits	Low
Origin Loop VPP	SA, VIC, QLD	Powerwall, select others	$150–$350	Event-based credits	Low
EnergyAustralia VPP	SA, VIC	Powerwall, BYD, Sungrow	$150–$300	Event-based credits	Low
Simply Energy VPP	SA, VIC	Powerwall, select others	$200–$400	Retail plan + credits	Low
ShineHub VPP	SA, VIC, QLD, NSW	SolarEdge, Sungrow, Tesla	$250–$500	Managed optimisation	Moderate
Diamond Energy VPP	SA, VIC, QLD	Most major brands	$150–$350	GreenPower retail + VPP	Low
Powershop VPP	SA, VIC	Powerwall, select others	$150–$300	Pack-based retail + VPP	Low
GlobirdEnergy VPP	VIC	Powerwall, limited others	$100–$250	Retail plan + credits	Low

All earnings figures are estimates as of June 2026 and vary by battery size (10–15 kWh assumed), location, and grid conditions.

Every VPP Provider Reviewed

1. Tesla Energy Plan (via Energy Locals)

The Tesla Energy Plan remains the highest-earning VPP in Australia. It is exclusively available to Powerwall 2 and Powerwall 3 owners, and it requires switching your electricity retailer to Tesla’s plan, which is administered through Energy Locals.

States: SA, VIC, QLD, NSW Compatible batteries: Tesla Powerwall 2, Powerwall 3 Typical annual earnings: $500–$1,000+ in SA; $300–$600 in VIC, QLD, NSW Plan type: Wholesale-linked retail plan with integrated VPP dispatch

Tesla controls the full stack from hardware to dispatch software. The Powerwall was built for this. During wholesale price spikes, Tesla dispatches your battery to the grid and shares the revenue. South Australian participants consistently report the highest earnings due to SA’s volatile wholesale market.

The catch is retailer lock-in. You must be on Tesla’s retail plan, and the per-kWh rates may be higher than your current deal. Model the full annual cost before switching. For most SA Powerwall owners, the maths work clearly in their favour. For NSW customers on competitive market offers, the margin is tighter.

Verdict: The gold standard for Powerwall owners, especially in SA. If you own a Powerwall and live in South Australia, this is the best VPP plan available.

2. Amber Electric (SmartShift + VPP)

Amber takes a different approach. Rather than dispatching your battery on a schedule, Amber exposes you to wholesale electricity prices and uses its SmartShift feature to automatically buy low and sell high. Your battery charges when wholesale prices drop (sometimes to negative) and discharges when prices spike.

States: SA, VIC, QLD, NSW, ACT Compatible batteries: Tesla Powerwall, BYD Battery-Box, Sungrow SBR, Alpha ESS, most batteries with API-accessible inverters Typical annual earnings: $200–$600 Plan type: Wholesale retail with automated battery optimisation

The biggest advantage is battery compatibility. Amber works with nearly every modern home battery. That makes it the default pick for non-Powerwall owners who want VPP income.

The risk is wholesale price exposure. On days when prices spike and your battery cannot cover your usage, you will pay elevated rates. Battery owners who understand this dynamic manage it well. Those who expect flat-rate simplicity may find surprises on their bill.

Verdict: Best all-rounder for non-Tesla batteries. Highest earning potential outside the Tesla Energy Plan, but requires comfort with wholesale pricing.

3. AGL VPP (Bring Your Own Battery)

AGL runs a structured VPP with flat annual credits rather than market-linked earnings. You enrol your battery, AGL dispatches it during 10 to 20 peak events per year, and you receive predictable credits on your bill.

States: SA, VIC, QLD Compatible batteries: Tesla Powerwall, Sungrow (select configurations), some legacy LG RESU systems Typical annual earnings: $200–$350 Plan type: Flat annual benefit plus event-based credits

AGL’s approach is simple. No wholesale exposure, no active monitoring required. Credits appear on your bill quarterly. For battery owners who want passive income without complexity, AGL delivers.

Earnings are capped and modest compared to Tesla or Amber. The battery compatibility list is narrower than Amber’s, weighted toward Powerwall. NSW is not currently included.

Verdict: Best set-and-forget option. Lower earnings than Amber or Tesla, but zero complexity. Suits existing AGL customers who want to activate their battery without switching retailers.

4. Origin Loop VPP

Origin’s Loop program follows a similar model to AGL. You enrol a compatible battery, Origin dispatches it during grid stress events, and you earn credits.

States: SA, VIC, QLD Compatible batteries: Tesla Powerwall, select other brands Typical annual earnings: $150–$350 Plan type: Event-based bill credits

Origin has not published guaranteed annual minimums in the way AGL has. Earnings depend on how many dispatch events occur in a given year. In a volatile year, Loop can match AGL. In a quieter year, it may underperform.

Loop suits existing Origin customers with a compatible battery who want VPP income without changing retailers. The sign-up process is straightforward through the Origin app.

Verdict: Reasonable for existing Origin customers. Less predictable than AGL, but no retailer switch required if you are already with Origin.

5. EnergyAustralia VPP

EnergyAustralia’s VPP program is available in South Australia and Victoria. It supports a wider range of batteries than some competitors, including BYD and Sungrow alongside the expected Powerwall compatibility.

States: SA, VIC Compatible batteries: Tesla Powerwall, BYD Battery-Box, Sungrow SBR Typical annual earnings: $150–$300 Plan type: Event-based credits

The program runs a modest number of dispatch events per year, typically 10 to 15. Credits are applied to your electricity bill. EnergyAustralia positions this as a low-impact addition to your existing plan rather than a high-earning optimisation tool.

BYD compatibility is a genuine differentiator. The BYD Battery-Box is Australia’s most popular home battery, and VPP options for BYD owners are more limited than for Powerwall owners. EnergyAustralia fills that gap in SA and VIC.

Verdict: Solid option for BYD and Sungrow owners in SA or VIC. Modest earnings but good battery compatibility.

6. Simply Energy VPP

Simply Energy offers a VPP program bundled with its retail electricity plans in South Australia and Victoria. The VPP component is integrated into the retail offering, so you sign up for a Simply Energy plan and the VPP participation is included.

States: SA, VIC Compatible batteries: Tesla Powerwall, select other brands Typical annual earnings: $200–$400 Plan type: Retail plan with integrated VPP credits

Simply Energy’s earnings can be competitive, particularly in SA where dispatch frequency is higher. The bundled approach means you are evaluating the entire retail plan, not just the VPP credits in isolation. Compare the full annual cost (supply charges, usage rates, VPP credits) against your current arrangement.

One consideration: Simply Energy is owned by Engie, a large international energy company. The retail plan and VPP are well-supported, though Simply Energy’s brand recognition is lower than AGL or Origin.

Verdict: Worth comparing for SA and VIC battery owners. The bundled retail-plus-VPP structure can offer good value, but you need to assess the full plan cost.

7. ShineHub VPP

ShineHub operates differently from the big retailers. It is a solar and battery installer that also runs its own VPP, managing dispatch and optimisation for customers who purchased systems through ShineHub or enrolled their existing batteries.

States: SA, VIC, QLD, NSW Compatible batteries: SolarEdge, Sungrow, Tesla Powerwall Typical annual earnings: $250–$500 Plan type: Managed optimisation with VPP dispatch

ShineHub’s model involves more active optimisation than AGL or Origin. The platform manages your battery more aggressively, which can produce higher earnings but also means more frequent cycling. Battery wear is moderate rather than low. For a newer LFP battery rated for 6,000-plus cycles, this is well within safe operating range.

The broader state coverage (including NSW) is an advantage over some competitors. ShineHub’s four-state availability makes it one of the more accessible programs geographically.

Verdict: Good option for SolarEdge and Sungrow owners. Higher earnings potential than the big retailer programs, with the trade-off of more active battery management.

8. Diamond Energy VPP

Diamond Energy is a smaller Australian retailer that has operated in the renewables space for over 15 years. Its VPP program combines green energy retail with battery dispatch, and the company positions itself as a genuine renewable-first retailer.

States: SA, VIC, QLD Compatible batteries: Most major brands with API-accessible inverters Typical annual earnings: $150–$350 Plan type: GreenPower retail plan with VPP credits

Diamond Energy offers GreenPower-accredited electricity, which appeals to environmentally motivated battery owners. The VPP component runs alongside the retail plan with event-based credits.

Battery compatibility is reasonably broad. Diamond Energy works with most major brands, though confirming your specific inverter compatibility before signing up is essential. The company’s installer network is smaller than AGL’s or Origin’s.

Verdict: Appeals to environmentally conscious battery owners who want a smaller, renewables-focused retailer. Earnings are modest but the GreenPower component adds non-financial value.

9. Powershop VPP

Powershop uses a unique pack-based pricing model where you buy electricity in advance at discounted rates. Its VPP program sits on top of this, dispatching enrolled batteries during peak events and crediting participants.

States: SA, VIC Compatible batteries: Tesla Powerwall, select other brands Typical annual earnings: $150–$300 Plan type: Pack-based retail with VPP credits

Powershop is owned by Shell Energy, and the platform has a loyal customer base that appreciates the transparency of pack-based pricing. The VPP earnings are modest and comparable to Origin Loop.

The limitation is state coverage. SA and VIC only, with no announced expansion plans for 2026. Battery compatibility is also narrower than Amber’s or Diamond Energy’s.

Verdict: Suits existing Powershop customers in SA or VIC. Not a compelling reason to switch retailers, but a useful add-on if you are already there.

10. GlobirdEnergy VPP

GlobirdEnergy is a Victoria-only retailer offering a VPP program for battery owners in the state. It is the most geographically limited provider on this list.

States: VIC only Compatible batteries: Tesla Powerwall, limited other brands Typical annual earnings: $100–$250 Plan type: Retail plan with VPP credits

GlobirdEnergy’s VPP earnings sit at the lower end of the range. Victoria’s wholesale market is less volatile than SA’s, which caps the earning potential for any VPP operating there. The program is straightforward and low-friction for existing GlobirdEnergy customers.

The narrow battery compatibility and single-state coverage make this a niche option. Unless you are already a GlobirdEnergy customer in Victoria with a Powerwall, other providers will likely offer better value.

Verdict: Only relevant for existing GlobirdEnergy customers in Victoria. Other programs offer better earnings and broader compatibility.

How We Chose the Best VPP Plans

We evaluated each provider against five criteria:

Annual earnings potential. Based on published rates, user reports, and estimated dispatch frequency for a 10 to 15 kWh battery system. SA earnings weighted as the high end, VIC and NSW as midrange.
Battery compatibility. Programs that support multiple battery brands scored higher. Powerwall-only programs were penalised for limited accessibility.
State availability. Broader geographic coverage ranked higher. Single-state programs were noted as limitations.
Plan flexibility. Programs that do not require a retailer switch, or that bundle competitive retail rates with VPP credits, ranked above those with retailer lock-in and uncompetitive base rates.
Battery wear impact. Programs with fewer annual dispatch events and lower cycling demands scored higher for long-term battery health. All programs assessed are within safe cycling limits for modern LFP batteries.

Pricing data was gathered from provider websites, installer quotes, and community forums as of June 2026. Earnings estimates are indicative and will vary by household.

What to Look for in a VPP Plan

Check the full retail plan cost, not just VPP credits. Some programs require switching retailers. If the new retailer charges higher per-kWh rates or supply charges, the VPP credits may not offset the increase. Always model the full annual bill before and after switching.

Confirm your battery and inverter are compatible. A battery listed as “compatible” may still require a specific inverter brand or firmware version. Contact the VPP provider directly before enrolling and confirm your exact hardware setup.

Understand dispatch timing. Most dispatch events occur during late afternoon and evening peaks, typically 4pm to 9pm. This is exactly when many households draw from their battery. If you have high evening consumption, a VPP that drains your battery at 6pm may cost you more in grid electricity than you earn in credits.

Ask about reserve settings. Some programs let you set a minimum battery level that the VPP cannot dispatch below. A 20% reserve ensures you always have backup power for your own use. Not all programs offer this. Ask before you enrol.

Factor in your state. South Australia consistently produces the highest VPP earnings due to wholesale market volatility. Victoria and Queensland are moderate. NSW and ACT tend to be lower. Your expected earnings should be benchmarked against your state’s typical performance, not the national headline figures.

The federal government’s battery rebate of approximately $372 per usable kWh from 1 July 2025 has accelerated battery uptake nationally. More batteries means more VPP capacity, which could moderate wholesale price spikes over time and gradually reduce per-battery earnings. Joining a VPP sooner rather than later captures the current earnings environment.

FAQs

How much can you earn from a VPP plan in Australia?

Earnings range from $100 to over $1,000 per year depending on your provider, battery size, and state. Tesla Energy Plan participants in South Australia report the highest returns. Amber Electric and AGL sit in the $200 to $600 range for most households with a 10 to 15 kWh battery.

Does joining a VPP void my battery warranty?

No. Major battery manufacturers including Tesla, BYD, and Sungrow all permit VPP participation under their standard warranties. Dispatch events add extra cycles, but the typical 10 to 30 events per year represent less than 5% of annual cycling for most batteries. The wear impact is minimal on modern LFP chemistry.

Can I join a VPP with any home battery?

Not every plan supports every battery. Tesla Energy Plan only works with Powerwalls. Amber Electric has the broadest compatibility, supporting most batteries with API-accessible inverters. AGL and Origin favour Powerwall and select other brands. Check your specific battery and inverter combination before signing up.

Which Australian state earns the most from VPPs?

South Australia leads by a wide margin. Higher wholesale price volatility and more frequent grid stress events mean SA batteries are dispatched more often at higher rates. Victoria and Queensland follow. NSW typically earns less due to a more stable wholesale market and higher baseload capacity.

Do I have to switch electricity retailers to join a VPP?

Some plans require it and others do not. Tesla Energy Plan and Simply Energy VPP both require you on their retail plan. Amber Electric is a retailer switch but offers wholesale pricing. ShineHub and Diamond Energy operate as standalone retailers. AGL and Origin VPPs work within their existing customer bases.

Best VPP Plans in Australia 2026: Every Provider Compared