Best VPP Plans in Victoria 2026: Providers and Earnings Compared

By Marcus Webb 17 min read

Victoria is the second-largest VPP market in Australia. If you own a home battery in Victoria and you are not enrolled in a VPP, you are missing out on $150 to $600 per year in passive income. A VPP in Victoria connects your battery to a network that exports stored energy during peak demand, earning you credits or cash. With eleven providers now operating in the state, Victorian battery owners have more choice than anywhere except South Australia.

This guide covers every VPP provider active in Victoria as of June 2026, the state-specific rebate landscape, what you will realistically earn, and which plan suits your setup.

For a broader look at how virtual power plants work, see our guide to VPPs in Australia. For a national comparison of all providers, see the best VPP plans in Australia.

The Victorian VPP Landscape in 2026

Victoria sits in a strong position for VPP participation. It has the second-highest residential battery penetration after South Australia, and every major VPP operator services the state. Eleven providers now run active VPP programs accepting Victorian customers, the highest count of any state.

The Victorian wholesale electricity market delivers moderate volatility. It sits between South Australia’s extreme price swings and NSW’s more stable baseload market. AEMO’s 2025 Electricity Statement of Opportunities noted that Victoria faces growing supply-demand tightness during summer peaks, particularly as the Yallourn coal-fired power station in the Latrobe Valley approaches its 2028 closure date (AEMO, 2025). More grid stress events translate directly to more dispatch opportunities and higher VPP earnings.

Victoria also carries some of the highest residential electricity prices in Australia. The Australian Energy Regulator’s Default Market Offer for 2025-26 set the Victorian reference price at approximately $1,800 per year for a representative household, with typical tariffs ranging from 25 to 38 cents per kWh depending on retailer and tariff structure (AER, 2025). Those tariffs make self-consumption savings from a battery substantial before VPP income is factored in.

The state’s five distribution zones (CitiPower, Powercor, Jemena, AusNet Services, and United Energy) all support smart meter exports, and Victoria was the first state to mandate smart meters. That head start means almost every Victorian home with solar already has the metering infrastructure VPP enrolment requires.

Victorian Battery Rebates and the Solar Homes Program

Two rebate pathways apply to Victorian battery buyers in 2026.

Federal Cheaper Home Batteries Program (CHBP): Approximately $372 per usable kWh, applied as a point-of-sale discount. A 13.5 kWh Tesla Powerwall 3 attracts roughly $5,022 off the installed cost. No VPP participation required. This is the primary rebate available to Victorian buyers in 2026.

Solar Homes Program (battery rebate): Victoria’s Solar Homes Program previously offered a battery rebate of up to $2,950 through Solar Victoria. This battery-specific component closed to new applications in 2024. The Solar Homes Program continues to operate for solar panel installations (up to $1,400) and hot water systems, but the battery rebate is no longer accepting new applicants. If you received a Solar Homes battery rebate before the closure, your VPP eligibility is unaffected.

Victoria does not currently offer a state-level VPP-specific incentive equivalent to the NSW VPP Incentive ($1,500). Victorian battery owners rely on the federal CHBP as their primary upfront discount. Despite this, Victoria’s higher wholesale volatility compared to NSW and the larger number of active providers make VPP participation financially attractive on ongoing earnings alone.

Best VPP Plans in Victoria: Comparison Table

ProviderCompatible BatteriesTypical Annual Earnings (VIC)Plan TypeRequires Retailer Switch
Tesla Energy PlanPowerwall 2/3 only$300–$600Wholesale retail + VPPYes
Amber ElectricMost major brands$200–$500Wholesale retail + SmartShiftYes
ShineHub VPPSolarEdge, Sungrow, Tesla$200–$450Managed optimisationDepends on plan
Simply Energy VPPPowerwall, select others$200–$400Retail plan + creditsYes
AGL VPPPowerwall, Sungrow, select others$200–$350Flat creditsNo
Origin Loop VPPPowerwall, select others$150–$350Event-based creditsNo
Diamond Energy VPPMost major brands$150–$350GreenPower retail + VPPYes
EnergyAustralia VPPPowerwall, BYD, Sungrow$150–$300Event-based creditsNo
Powershop VPPPowerwall, select others$150–$300Pack-based retail + VPPYes
OVO Energy VPPPowerwall, select others$100–$300Retail plan + creditsYes
GlobirdEnergy VPPPowerwall, limited others$100–$250Retail plan + creditsYes
Red Energy VPPPowerwall, select others$100–$250Retail plan + creditsNo

All earnings are estimates for Victoria as of June 2026, assuming a 10 to 15 kWh battery. Actual results depend on battery size, dispatch frequency, and wholesale market conditions.

Every Victorian VPP Provider Reviewed

1. Tesla Energy Plan

The highest-earning VPP option for Victorian Powerwall owners. Tesla controls the full stack from battery hardware to dispatch software. During wholesale price spikes, Tesla dispatches your battery and shares the revenue. Victorian earnings sit between SA’s top-tier returns and NSW’s more moderate range.

Compatible batteries: Powerwall 2, Powerwall 3 Typical VIC earnings: $300–$600 per year Requires retailer switch: Yes (to Tesla’s plan via Energy Locals)

Victoria’s wholesale market produces enough volatility to make Tesla Energy Plan worthwhile, particularly during summer heatwaves when demand surges across the state. Participants with larger Powerwall 3 systems (13.5 kWh) sit at the upper end of this range.

The trade-off is retailer lock-in. Tesla’s per-kWh rates may exceed your current deal. Model the full annual cost including supply charges and usage rates before switching. For Powerwall owners already considering a retailer change, this is the strongest VPP option in Victoria.

2. Amber Electric

Amber exposes you to wholesale electricity prices and uses its SmartShift feature to charge your battery when prices drop and discharge when they spike. This is automated trading, not traditional dispatch. Your battery responds to real-time market signals.

Compatible batteries: Tesla Powerwall, BYD, Sungrow, Alpha ESS, most API-accessible inverters Typical VIC earnings: $200–$500 per year Requires retailer switch: Yes (to Amber)

The standout advantage is battery compatibility. Amber works with nearly every modern home battery. If you own a non-Tesla battery in Victoria, Amber is likely your best-earning option.

The risk is wholesale exposure. When prices spike and your battery cannot cover your usage, you pay elevated rates. Battery owners who understand this dynamic manage it well. Those who want bill predictability may find it uncomfortable.

Learn more at amber.com.au.

3. ShineHub VPP

ShineHub is a solar and battery installer that runs its own VPP. It manages battery dispatch more aggressively than the big retailers, which can produce higher earnings at the cost of more frequent cycling.

Compatible batteries: SolarEdge, Sungrow, Tesla Powerwall Typical VIC earnings: $200–$450 per year Requires retailer switch: Depends on plan structure

ShineHub has operated in Victoria for several years with an established customer base. The more active management style means moderate battery cycling. For a modern LFP battery rated for 6,000-plus cycles, this sits comfortably within safe limits. If battery longevity is your primary concern, a lower-dispatch program like AGL may be a better fit.

4. Simply Energy VPP

Simply Energy bundles VPP participation into its retail electricity plans. You sign up for a Simply Energy plan and VPP participation is included. The company is owned by Engie and has a strong Victorian presence.

Compatible batteries: Tesla Powerwall, select other brands Typical VIC earnings: $200–$400 per year Requires retailer switch: Yes (to Simply Energy)

The bundled approach means you are evaluating the entire retail plan, not just VPP credits. Compare the full annual cost including supply charges, usage rates, and VPP credits against your current arrangement. Simply Energy’s Victorian footprint is well-established, and the platform is reliable.

Victorian earnings from Simply Energy can be competitive, particularly during high-demand summer periods when dispatch events are more frequent.

5. AGL VPP

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

Compatible batteries: Tesla Powerwall, Sungrow (select models) Typical VIC earnings: $200–$350 per year Requires retailer switch: No (works within existing AGL plans)

This is the best set-and-forget VPP for Victorian battery owners already with AGL. No wholesale exposure. No active management required. Credits appear on your bill. If you are not with AGL and would need to switch, check whether the retail rates plus VPP credits still beat your current arrangement.

6. Origin Loop VPP

Origin’s Loop program dispatches enrolled batteries during grid stress events and pays event-based credits. The model is similar to AGL’s but without published guaranteed minimums.

Compatible batteries: Tesla Powerwall, select other brands Typical VIC earnings: $150–$350 per year Requires retailer switch: No (works within existing Origin plans)

Earnings depend on dispatch frequency. In a year with multiple heatwave events and high grid stress, Loop can match AGL. In a mild year, it underperforms. Victoria’s summer heat and aging coal generation create enough stress events to make Loop a viable option.

Loop suits existing Origin customers who want to activate their battery without changing anything else. The sign-up process runs through the Origin app.

7. Diamond Energy VPP

Diamond Energy is a smaller Australian retailer with over 15 years in the renewables space. Its VPP combines green energy retail with battery dispatch.

Compatible batteries: Most major brands with API-accessible inverters Typical VIC earnings: $150–$350 per year Requires retailer switch: Yes (to Diamond Energy)

Diamond Energy offers GreenPower-accredited electricity, which appeals to environmentally motivated battery owners. Broad battery compatibility is a plus. Earnings are modest but competitive with Origin and EnergyAustralia.

8. EnergyAustralia VPP

EnergyAustralia’s VPP supports a wider range of batteries than most competitors, including BYD and Sungrow alongside Tesla. Victoria is one of its two active states.

Compatible batteries: Tesla Powerwall, BYD Battery-Box, Sungrow SBR Typical VIC earnings: $150–$300 per year Requires retailer switch: No (existing customers)

The BYD compatibility is notable. BYD is Australia’s most popular home battery brand, and VPP options for BYD owners are narrower than for Powerwall owners. EnergyAustralia fills that gap. The program runs a modest number of dispatch events per year, typically 10 to 15. This is a low-impact addition to your existing plan.

9. Powershop VPP

Powershop uses a pack-based pricing model where you buy electricity in advance at discounted rates. The VPP sits on top of this.

Compatible batteries: Tesla Powerwall, select other brands Typical VIC earnings: $150–$300 per year Requires retailer switch: Yes (to Powershop)

Powershop (owned by Shell Energy) has a loyal Victorian customer base. Earnings are modest. This suits existing Powershop customers rather than being a compelling reason to switch.

10. OVO Energy VPP

OVO Energy entered the Australian market through its acquisition of VPP platform interests and offers a VPP program for Victorian battery owners.

Compatible batteries: Tesla Powerwall, select other brands Typical VIC earnings: $100–$300 per year Requires retailer switch: Yes (to OVO Energy)

OVO is a newer entrant to the Victorian market. The VPP program is straightforward with event-based credits. Earnings sit in the lower-to-mid range. The platform is still building its customer base in Victoria, so check current availability and battery compatibility before enrolling.

11. GlobirdEnergy VPP

GlobirdEnergy is a Victoria-only retailer offering a VPP program exclusively in the state.

Compatible batteries: Tesla Powerwall, limited other brands Typical VIC earnings: $100–$250 per year Requires retailer switch: Yes (to GlobirdEnergy)

Being Victoria-only means GlobirdEnergy’s entire VPP operation is focused on the Victorian market. The narrow battery compatibility and lower earnings make this a niche option. Unless you are already a GlobirdEnergy customer with a Powerwall, other providers offer better value.

12. Red Energy VPP

Red Energy is a Snowy Hydro subsidiary offering a VPP program in Victoria. The program is positioned as a straightforward credit-based offering.

Compatible batteries: Tesla Powerwall, select other brands Typical VIC earnings: $100–$250 per year Requires retailer switch: No (existing Red Energy customers)

Red Energy’s VPP adds passive income to an existing arrangement without requiring any plan changes. Earnings are modest and comparable to GlobirdEnergy. This suits existing Red Energy customers who want to activate their battery without disrupting their current retail plan.

How Victorian Wholesale Prices Affect VPP Earnings

VPP earnings are tied directly to wholesale electricity prices. When wholesale prices spike, your battery exports at a premium. When prices stay flat, dispatch events are fewer and less lucrative.

Victoria’s wholesale market occupies the middle ground nationally. It is more volatile than NSW’s but less extreme than South Australia’s. AEMO data shows Victoria’s wholesale electricity price averaged $87/MWh in 2025, with multiple summer events exceeding $500/MWh and several spikes above $1,000/MWh during heatwave periods (AEMO, 2025).

The dynamics are shifting in favour of VPP participants. Yallourn Power Station in the Latrobe Valley is scheduled to close by mid-2028. As its 1,480 MW of baseload capacity progressively reduces, Victoria will face more supply gaps during peak demand. AEMO has flagged Victoria as one of the states most exposed to supply shortfalls during evening peaks in the late 2020s.

For Victorian VPP participants, this means earnings are likely to trend upward over the next two to three years. Joining now captures the current environment and positions your battery for higher returns as Yallourn exits and grid stress intensifies.

Victorian negative pricing events also benefit Amber Electric users. When wholesale prices drop below zero during midday solar oversupply, Amber’s SmartShift charges your battery at effectively no cost. That stored energy is then available for evening self-consumption or VPP dispatch when prices spike.

What You Need to Join a VPP in Victoria

Four things are required.

A compatible home battery. Not every battery works with every VPP. Tesla Powerwalls have the broadest VPP support. BYD, Sungrow, and SolarEdge batteries work with a smaller number of programs. Amber Electric has the widest non-Tesla compatibility. Check your specific battery and inverter combination before enrolling. Our home battery comparison covers all eligible models.

A smart meter. Victoria mandated smart meter rollouts earlier than any other state, so the vast majority of Victorian homes already have one. If you have solar installed, you almost certainly have a smart meter. Your distributor (CitiPower, Powercor, Jemena, AusNet Services, or United Energy) can confirm.

An internet connection. Your battery communicates with the VPP operator’s platform via your home internet. A reliable connection is essential for dispatch commands to reach your inverter.

A VPP-enrolled electricity plan. Some providers require a retailer switch (Tesla, Amber, Simply Energy, Diamond Energy, Powershop, OVO, GlobirdEnergy). Others work within your existing plan (AGL, Origin, EnergyAustralia, Red Energy). Decide whether you are willing to change retailers before shortlisting providers.

Typical VPP Earnings in Victoria

Expect $150 to $600 per year from a 10 to 15 kWh battery in Victoria. That range is wide because earnings depend on four variables.

Your provider. Tesla Energy Plan and Amber Electric sit at the top. GlobirdEnergy and Red Energy sit at the bottom. The difference can be $200 to $350 per year.

Your battery size. A 13.5 kWh Powerwall 3 earns more per event than a 5 kWh system. Most providers dispatch a percentage of stored capacity, so larger batteries export more energy per event.

Dispatch frequency. Victoria averages more dispatch events than NSW but fewer than SA. A hot summer with sustained heatwaves produces more events and higher earnings. Melbourne’s increasingly variable climate, with more frequent extreme heat days, works in favour of VPP participants. The Bureau of Meteorology recorded 12 days above 35 degrees in Melbourne during the 2024-25 summer, above the long-term average (BOM, 2025).

Wholesale price conditions. High wholesale prices during dispatch events mean higher credits. Victorian wholesale prices averaged $87/MWh in 2025 but spiked above $500/MWh during multiple summer events. Those spikes are where VPP income concentrates.

VPP income sits on top of the self-consumption savings your battery already generates. In Victoria, self-consumption savings of $800 to $1,400 per year from avoiding 25 to 38 cent grid electricity are the primary financial benefit of a battery. VPP income is the bonus.

Who Benefits Most from a VPP in Victoria

High evening usage households. If you draw heavily from the grid between 4pm and 9pm, a battery already saves you significantly through self-consumption. Adding a VPP layers extra income on top. Choose a provider that lets you set a reserve level so your battery is not fully drained during a dispatch event right when you need it most.

Solar plus battery owners. Free solar charging during the day means your battery starts every evening fully charged at zero marginal cost. That stored energy either offsets your peak usage or gets dispatched to the grid at a premium. The economics are strongest when solar covers your charging needs.

Battery owners on time-of-use tariffs. Victorian time-of-use tariffs charge 30 to 38 cents during peak periods and as low as 15 to 20 cents off-peak. A battery charges cheaply overnight or from solar and discharges during expensive peak windows. VPP dispatch events tend to coincide with peak tariff periods, so the value stacks.

Households near Yallourn’s catchment. As Yallourn reduces output through to 2028, localised grid stress in Gippsland and the Latrobe Valley could increase dispatch frequency for batteries in AusNet Services and United Energy distribution zones. This is speculative, but the supply-demand dynamics favour increased VPP activity in those areas.

Existing battery owners not yet in a VPP. The Clean Energy Council recorded over 500,000 cumulative home battery installations across Australia by end of 2025 (CEC, 2025). Victoria accounts for a significant share. Many Victorian battery owners are still not enrolled in any VPP. If you already have a battery and a smart meter, joining a VPP through your existing retailer (AGL, Origin, EnergyAustralia, Red Energy) takes minutes and requires no hardware changes.

Compare Batteries and Post-Rebate Prices

Your VPP earnings depend on your battery. Gridly’s home battery comparison shows post-rebate pricing on all eligible models in Victoria, including the federal CHBP calculation.

FAQs

How much can you earn from a VPP in Victoria?

Most Victorian VPP participants earn between $150 and $600 per year from a 10 to 15 kWh battery. Tesla Energy Plan and Amber Electric sit at the upper end. AGL, Origin, and GlobirdEnergy deliver more modest returns. Victorian earnings sit between South Australia and NSW due to moderate wholesale volatility.

Is the Victorian battery rebate still available in 2026?

The Solar Homes battery rebate closed to new applications in 2024. Victorian battery buyers can still access the federal Cheaper Home Batteries Program, which provides approximately $372 per usable kWh as a point-of-sale discount. A 13.5 kWh battery attracts roughly $5,022 off the installed price.

Do you need solar panels to join a VPP in Victoria?

You can technically join without solar, but the finances rarely stack up. VPP earnings depend on stored energy, and charging from the grid at retail rates then exporting during dispatch events produces minimal net benefit. Solar lets you charge your battery for free, making VPP participation worthwhile.

Which batteries work with VPP plans in Victoria?

Tesla Powerwall has the broadest VPP support across Victorian providers. BYD, Sungrow, SolarEdge, and Enphase batteries work with Amber Electric and ShineHub. GlobirdEnergy and Powershop have narrower compatibility lists. Always confirm your specific battery and inverter combination with the provider.

Can renters join a VPP in Victoria?

Renters need a compatible battery installed at the property and landlord agreement. Since most VPP programs require a smart meter and a battery you own or control, renting makes participation difficult. Some shared battery schemes are emerging but none operate at meaningful scale in Victoria yet.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much can you earn from a VPP in Victoria?
Most Victorian VPP participants earn between $150 and $600 per year from a 10 to 15 kWh battery. Tesla Energy Plan and Amber Electric sit at the upper end. AGL, Origin, and GlobirdEnergy deliver more modest returns. Victorian earnings sit between South Australia and NSW due to moderate wholesale volatility.
Is the Victorian battery rebate still available in 2026?
The Solar Homes battery rebate closed to new applications in 2024. Victorian battery buyers can still access the federal Cheaper Home Batteries Program, which provides approximately $372 per usable kWh as a point-of-sale discount. A 13.5 kWh battery attracts roughly $5,022 off the installed price.
Do you need solar panels to join a VPP in Victoria?
You can technically join without solar, but the finances rarely stack up. VPP earnings depend on stored energy, and charging from the grid at retail rates then exporting during dispatch events produces minimal net benefit. Solar lets you charge your battery for free, making VPP participation worthwhile.
Which batteries work with VPP plans in Victoria?
Tesla Powerwall has the broadest VPP support across Victorian providers. BYD, Sungrow, SolarEdge, and Enphase batteries work with Amber Electric and ShineHub. GlobirdEnergy and Powershop have narrower compatibility lists. Always confirm your specific battery and inverter combination with the provider.
Can renters join a VPP in Victoria?
Renters need a compatible battery installed at the property and landlord agreement. Since most VPP programs require a smart meter and a battery you own or control, renting makes participation difficult. Some shared battery schemes are emerging but none operate at meaningful scale in Victoria yet.

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Written by

Marcus Webb

Senior Energy Analyst

Marcus spent eight years as a solar and battery installer across Victoria and NSW before switching to full-time product testing and journalism. He has evaluated over 40 inverter and battery combinations in real Australian installs and writes to give households the numbers they need to make confident decisions - without the sales pitch.