Amber SmartShift VPP review (2026): rewards, batteries & how to join

About Amber SmartShift

Amber Electric is a technology-focused energy retailer founded in 2017 that passes through the live wholesale electricity price instead of charging a fixed rate. Its SmartShift feature automatically charges and discharges a home battery against the spot market on your behalf.

WHAT STANDS OUT

Direct exposure to wholesale prices — large upside during peak spikes
Automated, hands-off battery optimisation
Transparent app showing real-time prices and earnings

Where it operates: Homes on the National Electricity Market — NSW, VIC, SA, ACT and South-East Queensland.

How you earn

VPP reward: paid the live wholesale spot price for energy your battery exports during peaks (can hit several $/kWh on spikes; no fixed credit). Membership: a monthly fee (around $19–22) applies. Bonus: none.

Your everyday rates — daily supply charge ($/day), usage (c/kWh) and standard feed-in — depend on your network and the specific plan. Check the operator’s official page (or Energy Made Easy) for current figures before joining.

Payment type

Wholesale

Joining

Become Amber customer

Batteries

14 connected

Lock-in

None

Available

VIC·SA·NSW·ACT·SEQLD

Updated

June 2026

Wholesale-exposed: exports are paid the live spot price during peaks rather than a fixed credit. Some brands need a specific inverter (e.g. LG/Tesla with SolarEdge, BYD with Fronius). List updated by Amber regularly.

Official Amber SmartShift page ↗ Official battery list ↗

Responsive display unit

Batteries Amber SmartShift works with

Only what Amber SmartShift officially publishes. "Pending" means a brand isn't on the current public list yet — not a judgement of the product. Tap a battery to see every VPP that accepts it.

Connected (14)

Conditional (3)

Pending connection (27)

Available in

See all VPPs and the battery rebate in each state Amber SmartShift operates.

New South Wales Victoria South Australia Australian Capital Territory Queensland

Responsive display unit

FAQ

Does Amber SmartShift require switching electricity retailer?

Yes — to join Amber SmartShift you move your electricity account to the operator. Confirm the exact terms on the official plan page.

Which home batteries work with Amber SmartShift?

Amber SmartShift officially connects 14 battery brands (plus 3 conditional). The full list, with each brand's status, is shown on this page.

How does Amber SmartShift pay you?

VPP reward: paid the live wholesale spot price for energy your battery exports during peaks (can hit several $/kWh on spikes; no fixed credit). Membership: a monthly fee (around $19–22) applies. Bonus: none.

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