Plico has secured up to $35 million in finance from the Clean Energy Finance Corporation (CEFC) through the Household Energy Upgrades Fund™ (HEUF), meaning Plico's combined solar, battery and Virtual Power Plant (VPP) offering is backed by this landmark finance.
This major investment will make solar + battery solutions even more affordable and accessible for Aussie households, to help them save on their energy bills and fast-track the clean energy transition. It will also accelerate the rollout of our VPP—unlocking VPP Rewards for households and supporting grid stability.
Plico member Nanda Pillay at his home with Plico CEO Robbie Campbell, Assistant Minister for Climate Change and Energy Hon Josh Wilson MP and Clean Energy Finance Corporation's Head of Consumer Finance Grace Tam.
Working together to support households and the grid
The CEFC’s latest commitment brings total HEUF investments to more than $380 million, supporting innovative energy models that lower bills, reduce emissions, and support a cleaner energy future.
With this CEFC investment, more Australians can access Plico’s simple weekly-instalment solar and battery plans - helping families protect themselves from rising energy prices while contributing to a stronger, cleaner grid. The investment will be passed directly to Plico customers to make solar + battery finance more affordable.
CEFC CEO Ian Learmonth highlighted the critical importance of consumer energy resources in the nation’s transition:
“As Australia transitions to a more decentralised and decarbonised energy system, new consumer energy models like VPPs are essential. By tapping into the dispatchable energy capacity of households, coordinated technologies like rooftop solar, home batteries and other consumer energy resources can help stabilise the grid, reduce energy costs, improve system reliability, and maximise the value of renewable energy investments.”
He also emphasised that CEFC investment in companies like Plico
“supports long-term energy system efficiency and highlights the role of smart, flexible technology in delivering better outcomes for both consumers and the grid.”
Nanda Pillay with his Plico battery at his Beeliar home in Western Australia.
Making clean energy more accessible with lower-cost finance
A key component of the CEFC Household Energy Upgrades Fund is removing big upfront costs to allow more Australians to adopt clean energy technology at their home.
Plico’s payment model aligns perfectly with this mission: households can access solar, battery and VPP services for a low weekly instalment, while Plico manages installation, monitoring and maintenance for the life of their membership. The model ensures equity in household clean energy, removing barriers to entry and providing a level playing field through lower cost finance and easy weekly payments.
CEFC Head of Consumer Finance, Grace Tam, said the collaboration is designed to empower households:
“The HEUF is making clean energy more accessible and affordable for Australians. Through our commitment to Plico, we’re helping households take control of their energy use in a way that’s simple, flexible and cost-effective. When households join a VPP, they’re not only lowering their own bills, they’re also helping to support wider grid stability.”
With cost of living and energy prices a major pain point for families, the CEFC finance allows more households to access solar + battery technology and unlock ongoing savings on their energy bills.
Helping households save more than $1,200 a year
Households with solar + battery are estimated to save more than $1,200 each year on their energy bill. Through small changes in behaviour, energy monitoring, home electrification and smart scheduling, households stand to save even more.
And with Plico’s VPP, households can earn money for the energy in their batteries.
Households are also future proofing their energy and protecting themselves from energy price increases when they can generate, store and use their own clean energy day and night.
Plico CEO Robbie Campbell said the CEFC finance is a pivotal milestone in Plico’s mission to democratise clean energy:
“Plico is committed to democratising energy through Plico’s affordable solar and battery plans, with generous VPP rewards and active participation in grid stability using a model that provides direct and meaningful benefits. There is a real sense that VPP contribution makes a difference to Plico members, both through household earnings, and how they support the greater community through energy resilience.”
He added:
“Working with the CEFC enables Plico to bring these benefits to even more Australians, making solar and battery even more affordable.”
Assistant Minister for Climate Change and Energy, Hon Josh Wilson MP with Plico Chief Executive Officer Robbie Campbell.
The importance of batteries and VPPs in the energy system
The uptake in rooftop solar in Australia spearheaded the shift to renewable energy in the grid network. But solar panels only do half the job. Batteries address the key downside to rooftop solar - that energy can only be used when the sun is shining, which is often when it’s needed least. Batteries store this energy to be used at nighttime and during cloudy periods. VPPs take that advanced technology to the next level, coordinating these assets so they can be used to send more clean energy to the grid when it’s needed most.
The Australian Energy Market Operator (AEMO) found that without effective integration of consumer energy resources (CERs), up to $4.1 billion of additional grid-scale investment would be required to support the National Electricity Market (NEM).
That’s where the Plico’s VPP can assist.
By connecting thousands of home batteries utilising energy generated from rooftops across Australia, the Plico VPP reduces the need for major energy infrastructure and upgrades. Providing these essential grid services, together with other VPPs, reduces the cost of energy for everyone.
Richard Braakenburg, Co-CIO at SUSI Partners (a major investor in Plico), notes:
“Innovative, smart energy solutions like Plico’s will continue to gain in importance in building clean, affordable, and resilient energy systems. By connecting an existing asset base at minimal cost to provide essential grid services, Plico’s VPP helps avoid costly investments into grid upgrades while creating a shared profit for the company and its customers.”
He added:
“This financing from the CEFC represents a significant milestone for the Plico business and we look forward to a fruitful relationship.”
More than 3,500 households are already part of the Plico community.
With the announcement of CEFC support, thousands more Australians can benefit with a Plico solar + battery + VPP solution.
If you're looking for an affordable solar + battery + VPP solution, reach out to the switched-on people at Plico on 1300 175 426 for a quote.
More information
Clean Energy Finance Corporation | Media Release
Assistant Minister for Climate Change and Energy Hon Josh Wilson MP | Media Release
Household Energy Upgrades Fund
