Plico Virtual Power Plant Rewards
The No Fuss VPP
Plico is proud to operate a low-touch, low-cycle, independent Virtual Power Plant (VPP) that puts customers first. We're already supporting over 5,000 members to get more value from their battery - without the inconvenience - ensuring that they are always better off by participating.
You can access Plico VPP Rewards for sharing excess battery energy during VPP events, plus you'll receive a $1,500 VPP discount if you choose to purchase a Plico battery system.
To participate, you'll need to:
- have or install an eligible battery system, including Sigenergy, AlphaESS or Redback Technologies; and
- join the Plico VPP (via a VPP Service Agreement); and
- be on an eligible plan with a participating electricity retailer. In NSW, this includes the Alinta Energy SunShare Plan.
When you purchase a Plico battery system, you automatically become part of our innovative VPP, and your battery can support the electricity grid when energy is needed most.
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When you join Plico, you join our innovative Virtual Power Plant (VPP). You’ll be supporting the grid and accelerating Australia's transition to a clean energy future. Once the VPP is up and running in Victoria, you will earn financial rewards just for being part of it.
With the Plico VPP, you're part of a community of clean energy change-makers!
Our VPP was the first of its kind in Western Australia, and its’s growing rapidly. We now have almost 2000 households signed up – that’s over 19 MWh in battery storage. Our community of clean energy systems acts like one mini power plant, providing essential services to the grid when required. And just like any other energy provider, you will get paid for providing these services.
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Why choose Plico's VPP?
Our community of clean energy systems acts like one mini power plant, providing energy to the grid and generating VPP Rewards for members.
We're deliberately low-touch
Plico's VPP in NSW provides a no-hassle, low-risk way to participate in the energy market. We want our members to get additional value from their battery without being inconvenienced, because we understand that your battery purchase was primarily made for your household. Our members especially like the set-and-forget experience. They don't want to have their battery drained constantly, and they don't want to participate full-time. Plico co-ordinates member batteries to participate in VPP events only when the spot price on the wholesale energy market is very high, and only for 15-minute intervals, and then shares that value through Plico VPP Rewards.
We've got skin in the game
As an independent VPP provider, we are highly concerned with helping our members get more from their battery system. And because we have skin in the game, we care about your system functioning correctly as much as you do. We understand that this is now a partnership between us, so while you are a Plico VPP Member, we provide ongoing service and communication.
Your rewards
We are happy to assure you that you're always better off with Plico VPP Rewards. In NSW, you may be eligible to earn 50c/kWh for energy exported to the grid during VPP events. Your VPP rewards are paid by Plico in addition to any solar feed-in-tariff you are eligible for on your electricity plan. Plus, receive a $1,500 VPP discount when you have a Plico system installed. Our members like the upfront battery discount for joining, and appreciate that their system is contributing to the grid when it is needed the most - and they are being rewarded directly for that.
Your impact
Being part of Plico's VPP means you can make a positive impact on the community, the grid and the planet. And with Plico's VPP discount on your battery system, and ongoing VPP Rewards, you're always ahead.
What is a Virtual Power Plant?
A Virtual Power Plant (VPP) is a network of distributed energy resources (DER), in our case household solar + battery, solar and/or battery systems, that is managed remotely to generate, store and transfer energy to and from the grid. VPPs can increase or decrease energy supply to the grid almost instantly, providing a flexible, cost-effective and clean energy solution to the support the grid.
How does a VPP support the grid?
VPPs can be managed to bring the grid back into balance under both minimum demand and peak demand scenarios. When there is minimum demand, energy supply to the grid is high and energy demand on the grid is low. This can occur in the middle of mild sunny days when solar exports to the grid are high but there is low demand from homes, business and industry. Peak demand is when the oppositive occurs; energy supply to the grid is low and demand is high. This usually occurs on hot summer evenings when energy demand increases just as solar exports start to decrease.
Both minimum demand and peak demand create a high degree of fluctuation between supply and demand at varying times in a given day, and both scenarios can cause serious issues for maintaining grid stability. The good news is that a VPP can help smooth out these fluctuations by managing supply and demand. VPPs can also help manage grid voltage and frequency, providing a low-cost clean energy solution that benefits all users of the grid.
The table and diagrams below explain the key differences between minimum demand and peak demand, and what Plico members can do to help.
How does it work?
Step 1: You'll need a Sigenergy, AlphaESS or Redback battery system. You can purchase a solar and/or battery system with Plico Finance if required and receive a $1,500 VPP discount.
Step 2: Sign a Plico VPP Service Agreement and your system will be enroled in the Plico VPP so that you can participate in VPP events.
Step 3: Join an eligible electricity plan (Alinta Energy Sunshare Plan in NSW).
Step 4: Sit back and enjoy your battery system. When there is a VPP event, Plico will coordinate your system with other Plico member batteries and you could earn rewards of 50c/kWh for your exported energy.
Step 5: Plico will pay your Plico VPP Rewards directly to you, quarterly.
What is a Virtual Power Plant?
A Virtual Power Plant (VPP) is a network of distributed energy resources (DER) - in our case household batteries - that is managed remotely to generate, store and transfer energy to and from the grid. VPPs can increase or decrease energy supply to the grid almost instantly, providing a flexible, cost-effective and clean energy solution to the support the grid.
Being part of something bigger
Plico is not an electricity company, but an independent VPP provider. We ensure that the needs of our members always come first. Hear the inspiring story of Damian and discover how joining the Plico VPP has transformed his energy journey.
Plico's Virtual Power Plant in the spotlight
Plico's Virtual Power Plant was featured in an ABC News story, which highlighted the power of VPPs in keeping the grid stable and enabling more clean energy in the grid network. Check it out below.
Have questions?
We'd love to help! Discover our Frequently Asked Questions or complete our contact form and we'll be in touch.
Plico Virtual Power Plant (VPP) Rewards are funded and paid by Plico under the Plico VPP Service Agreement. Where stated, rewards (including any cents per kWh figures) are calculated on metered electricity exported to the grid during eligible VPP events, subject to event conditions, caps and eligibility requirements. VPP events are not guaranteed and may vary in frequency and duration. VPP Rewards are separate from electricity retailer charges and solar feed-in tariffs. Electricity is supplied by your chosen retailer. Plico does not provide electricity retail services or advice.
Have questions about the Plico VPP? Contact us at hello@plicoenergy.com.au or sign up now to join WA’s largest privately-owned VPP.
Aussie born and bred
Plico is an Australian clean energy provider backed by an award-winning team. We're focused on making solar + battery affordable and accessible to all Aussies. With our low weekly instalment model, we're eliminating big upfront costs and bringing the benefits of clean energy to all.
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There are a variety of reasons why Plico can work for you. But don't take our word for it...
Hear from some of our amazing members below on why they chose to join the Plico community.
What our Members Say
"I’m happy with a much lower bill, considering we're a family of seven. Plico makes it affordable to enter the renewable energy market, especially for those that almost live day by day financially. It's a great package.”
“Plico has given me the freedom to live more comfortably by using the power I generate as much as I please and at any time of the day or night thanks to my battery. It's great knowing that the hot summer days aren't costing me anything and by powering my ACs all day, the sun is actually keeping me cool for once.”
"Ease of onboarding solar and battery without up front capital costs. High levels of customer service at every step. Knowledgeable installer who paid great attention to detail and actually rectified a design issue before installation to ensure maximum efficiency."
"We're not only saving money, but feel we are playing a small part in reducing our carbon footprint."
“I love getting electricity ‘bills’ now. Our home solar is through Plico. We are now 97% independent from the grid. I can thoroughly recommend Plico Energy for their commitment to enabling low to middle income households access to renewable energy and for their genuine and caring customer service.”
“Local people, local products, any problems easy to get hold of the team with a phone call or message. Great concept of payment. Design of system was great with options for 3 phase systems. Installation of final product looks really neat and tidy all contained neatly. I tell everyone I meet that is looking for solar to not go past this.”
"Superb service all throughout the process.”
“Fantastic product and service.”
“Very easy stress-free and professional. Loved not having large outlay $$ But I especially like my new very low bill.”
“Good people to deal with, no upfront costs and system is running well”
“We have had our system for about 3 months now and 100% love it. The Dashboard has not only increased our understanding of how we use electricity but is now changing our behaviour. Plus, we are saving money and reducing our footprint.”
“We have hit a milestone.... for the past 7 days I have been 100% powered by our system and have still put nearly 200 kW back onto the grid. This is with a pool pump going 8 hours a day.”