VPP offers look similar on the surface but differ in the details that decide what you actually earn and how much control you keep. Run any plan through these eight checks before you sign up.
1. The reward type
Is it a fixed credit, per-event payments, or wholesale exposure? Fixed credits are predictable; wholesale plans have higher ceilings but more variance. Match the style to your appetite for risk and admin. See payment types explained.
2. Caps and throughput
Per-event plans often cap how much they’ll pay for each year (e.g. 200–400 kWh). A high headline rate with a low cap may earn less than a modest rate with no cap.
3. Lock-in and exit terms
Most Australian VPPs have no lock-in, but some run 1–3 year minimum terms or exit conditions. Know how to leave before you join.
4. Battery compatibility
Your battery has to be on the operator’s connected list — or pass its test. Check your model on our lookup tool; "pending" usually means integration isn’t finished, not that the battery is poor.
5. The reserve you keep
How much charge can you hold back for your own backup and evening use? A higher reserve protects you but lowers earnings. Make sure the minimum reserve is one you can live with.
6. Whether you must switch retailer
Many VPPs require you to move your electricity account to that retailer. That means their everyday rates — supply charge, usage and feed-in — matter as much as the VPP reward. A great VPP credit on a poor energy plan can be a net loss.
7. State and network availability
Not every VPP operates in every state, and within a state, coverage can depend on your distribution network. Regional and remote areas (e.g. Ergon in regional QLD, Horizon in WA) often have few or no retail VPP options. Check your postcode on the compare page.
8. The fine print on dispatch
How often can the operator call events, and how much of your battery can they move? Read how dispatch works so there are no surprises on a hot evening when you wanted that stored energy yourself.
Putting it together
The "right" VPP isn’t the one with the biggest headline number — it’s the one whose reward type, caps, reserve and underlying energy plan fit your home. Compare the everyday energy prices independently at Energy Made Easy (or Victorian Energy Compare in VIC), then verify the VPP terms on the operator’s official page.