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    Distributed Energy Buyback Scheme (DEBS)

    What is the Distributed Energy Buyback Scheme (DEBS)?


    The Distributed Energy Buyback Scheme, or DEBS for short, offers eligible customers in Western Australia a payment for the electricity that they export back to the grid. It covers energy from rooftop solar PV systems, batteries, and electric vehicles. 

    The scheme is designed to encourage homes to use or store the solar energy they generate in the middle of the day when electricity demand is low, by paying them more for the electricity they export in the afternoon and evening when electricity demand increases.

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    How does DEBS work?

     

    DEBS works by offering customers the chance to “sell” their excess energy back to the grid. It offers different buyback rates, depending on what time the electricity is exported. 

    Customers will need to install a bi-directional meter to measure how much electricity they are consuming and exporting from the grid. 

    The buyback rates you receive is provided as a credit on your electricity bill for all of the energy you’ve exported during the billing period. 

     

    Who is eligible for DEBS?

    DEBS is open to homes that consume less than 50 MWh of electricity annually, plus schools, universities, and other educational institutions, as well as not-for-profit businesses in WA. Energy retailers are not obligated to buy back all the excess electricity you generate.

     

    How do you apply for DEBS?

    If you are installing a new system or upgrading your existing system, then you or your solar installer needs to apply through your retailer (Synergy or Horizon Power) for the buyback rate via the retailer’s website. There is a small Distributed Energy Buyback Scheme application fee.

    What are the DEBS rates?

    The DEBS rates vary depending on the time of day you export your electricity to the grid. From 1st July 2024, the DEBS buyback rates were set as follows: Electricity exported at peak times (between 3pm and 9pm) will earn 10c/kWh, while electricity exported at all other times will earn 2c/kWh.

    The rates are reviewed and adjusted each year and have been declining.

     

    Why are the rates different depending on the time of day?

    The rates are different due to the changes in electricity demand and supply. At peak periods, like the afternoon and evening, there’s more demand for electricity, so it’s technically worth more. Overnight and during the middle of the day, when fewer people are using electricity, the demand is lower, so this is reflected in the price. Excess solar on the grid also poses challenges for grid stability, which is a reason why DEBS payments during times of lower electricity demand have been declining. 

    How much electricity can you sell back to the grid? 


    Energy companies are only obligated to buy back 50 kWh per day, per account.

     

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    What is the difference between DEBS and REBS?

    The Renewable Energy Buyback Scheme (REBS) is an older scheme, which DEBS has been implemented to replace. REBS offered a flat buyback rate, regardless of the time of day, and it focused primarily on electricity from solar PV systems. 

    DEBS has a wider scope and is broadly seen as an upgrade in terms of managing supply and demand on the grid. Existing REBS customers can apply to switch to DEBS.

    What does DEBS mean for Plico customers?

    DEBS payments are provided as credits on your electricity bill. Plico signs you up to receive DEBS payments through our standard approvals process. Plico also has a different payment model from other solar providers. We offer no big upfront costs* and one low weekly instalment. So you can save from day one and receive the benefit of DEBS from your first electricity bill. 

    If you have any questions, about solar or battery rebates, how much you can expect to save or anything else solar + battery, give the switched-on Plico team a call on 1300 175 426. They can provide you with details specific to your situation and help you save with a clean energy solution.

    * On standard installations.

    SAVINGS CALCULATOR

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    How to calculate your MONTHLY electricity bill?

    To instantly calculate your potential solar savings, simply input your MONTHLY electricity bill below (remember, bills often appear in two monthly instalments, so make sure you’re only entering the monthly amount.) Potential savings are calculated inclusive of the Plico weekly instalments.

     
     
     
     
     

     

    You could save $5201 annually by installing a Plico System and creating your own power from the sun! You'll be off coal and able to stay powered up if the grid goes down.

    Our savings calculator is based off the Energy Creator 5 system. The calculation is an example and not a prediction of exact savings. Once a site visit with a sales representative is completed, you will be issued with a proposal detailing exact savings.

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