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Danny O'Brien highlighted solar feed-in changes spark concerns over household savings and energy market certainty in Victoria

From 1 July 2025, Victoria's minimum solar feed-in tariff will be removed, prompting calls for households to review energy plans and use solar power during the day to maximise savings.

By news@gippsland - 25th July 2025 - Back to News

From 1 July 2025, amendments to the Electricity Industry Act 2000 mean the Essential Services Commission (ESC) is no longer required to set a minimum solar feed-in tariff in Victoria. This change means electricity retailers can now offer any feed-in rate at or above zero cents per kilowatt hour for excess solar energy exported to the grid.

Danny O'Brien urged households to maximise savings by using solar power during the day when it's being generated, reducing electricity bills

Solar savings uncertain

The Nationals Member for Gippsland South, Danny O'Brien said people had understandably invested in solar panels with an expectation that they would save money on their energy bills. "Many local families and businesses are still paying off their solar systems and relied on the feed-in tariff to help reduce their costs."

"The removal of a guaranteed minimum rate creates uncertainty for these households and likely impacts the financial benefits they expected when they decided to invest in solar," Mr O'Brien said.

Mr O'Brien highlighted that with this change now in place, it's important for households to review their energy plans and make sure they are getting the best possible feed-in rates. "In spite of this change, solar panels can still help reduce your energy bill. Shopping around and comparing offers can help households find better rates including competitive feed-in tariffs."

Balancing energy needs

Mr O'Brien also highlighted the value of using solar energy as it is generated. "With no guaranteed minimum rate, households with solar will save more by using their solar power during the day. Running appliances like washing machines or dishwashers when the sun is shining can make a real difference to electricity bills."

Mr O'Brien noted that while he acknowledges renewable energy has a part to play in Victoria's energy future, there is a crucial need for a reliable and affordable baseload energy supply. "I support renewable energy, but it must be balanced with reliable and affordable baseload power to keep the system stable and energy prices reasonable."

Pictures from Danny O'Brien MP Instagram page.

Source: http://gippsland.com/

Published by: news@gippsland.com

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  Life Saving Victoria warns Victorians to stay alert over Easter holidays, urging safety at beaches, pools, and waterways after last year’s record 13 drowning deaths nationwide.
• Life Saving Victoria 2024-25 Drowning Report reveals alarming increases, with 52 deaths and 123 non-fatal incidents
  Life Saving Victoria’s 2024-25 Drowning Report reveals 52 deaths and 123 non-fatal incidents, exceeding 10-year averages, with rises among youth, seniors, multicultural communities, and during traditionally cooler months.
• Tim Bull says Victoria can’t manage current parks, criticising government plans to further expand network
  Tim Bull says expanding Victoria’s national parks is irresponsible, arguing existing parks are neglected, understaffed and overrun by pests, weeds and feral animals, with reduced funding making effective land management increasingly impossible.
• Life Saving Victoria launches 2030 Strategic Plan and 2024/25 Annual Report, advancing water safety across Victoria
  Life Saving Victoria launches its 2030 Strategic Plan and 2024/25 Annual Report, highlighting achievements, community impact, and a bold vision to prevent drowning and enhance water safety statewide.
• Life Saving Victoria launches multilingual campaign to protect older adults around water, heat and rip currents
  Life Saving Victoria has launched a multilingual campaign to help older adults, especially from multicultural communities, stay safe around water and during extreme heat across Victoria.
• Life Saving Victoria report reveals alarming 52 deaths, 123 drownings, urgent water safety action needed
  Life Saving Victoria’s 2024-25 Drowning Report reveals 52 deaths and 123 non-fatal drownings, with rising incidents among youth, seniors, multicultural communities, and outside traditional summer months, urging urgent water safety action.
• Baw Baw Shire Council adopts 2025 - 2029 Road Management Plan, updating registers for safe, sustainable, community-focused roads and footpaths
  Baw Baw Shire Council has endorsed the 2025-2029 Road Management Plan, updating public road and footpath registers, removing recreational Walhalla Road sections, and ensuring safe, sustainable local road management.
• Life Saving Victoria urges water safety precautions as heatwave drives crowds to beaches and pools
  Life Saving Victoria warns Victorians to prioritise water safety during this week’s 40°C heatwave, swim at patrolled locations, supervise children, avoid alcohol, and always swim with a friend.
• Life Saving Victoria warns of ongoing water safety risks following busy patrol season and fatalities
  Life Saving Victoria urges continued vigilance over Autumn and Winter water safety risks as patrol season ends, highlighting rescues, drownings, and prevention advice.
• Peri Urban Councils Victoria urges federal action on black and grey telecommunication spots to support regional sustainability and growth
  Peri Urban Councils Victoria urges federal action on black and grey telecommunication spots, highlighting risks to communities, emergency warnings, and the need for essential infrastructure recognition and targeted investment.
• Melina Bath celebrates Victorian farmers’ dedication and contributions during National Agriculture Week 2025
  The Nationals’ Melina Bath highlights Victorian farmers’ hard work, resilience, and vital contributions during National Agriculture Week, urging support for primary producers and celebrating their role in communities and the economy.
• Bass Coast Shire Council joins Victorian councils urging review of mandatory separate kerbside glass recycling bin policy
  Bass Coast Council joins 35 Victorian councils urging the State Government to review mandatory glass recycling bins, seeking flexibility, transparency, cost-effectiveness and alignment with existing Container Deposit Scheme initiatives.
• Melina Bath urges eastern Victoria residents to prepare properties and plans for heightened bushfire risk this summer
  The Nationals’ Melina Bath urges eastern Victoria residents to prepare properties, review Bushfire Survival Plans, and stay informed to reduce risk and protect families, pets, and communities this summer.
• Field and Game petition exceeds 12,000 signatures, prompting Victorian Parliament debate on firearm laws and community safety concerns
  A Field and Game Australia petition, supported by Melina Bath, surpasses 12,000 signatures, prompting Victorian Parliament debate on firearm laws, urging evidence-based policy and protecting law-abiding gun owners.
• Melina Bath warns diesel crisis threatens regional Victoria, urging Allan government to prioritise agriculture, transport and food
  Melina Bath warned regional Victoria faces a diesel crisis, urging the Allan government to prioritise fuel for farms, transport, and households to protect food supply and regional economic stability.
• East Gippsland Water offers free emergency water tokens to bushfire-affected residents, ensuring essential household supply
  East Gippsland Water is providing free emergency water tokens to bushfire-affected residents, ensuring safe household water for drinking, hygiene, and essential use, with collection available across multiple regional standpipe locations.
• Warragul Leisure Centre to receive $2.29M pool heating upgrade, cutting emissions and energy costs significantly
  Warragul Leisure Centre will receive a $2.29 million pool heating upgrade, funded by Council and government, cutting carbon emissions by 80% and saving approximately $308,000 in annual energy costs.
• Tim Bull says rising retail crime reflects Victoria’s weak approach, despite claims of toughest bail laws
  Retail theft is surging in East Gippsland, with repeat offenders emboldened. Tim Bull calls for tougher penalties, accountability, and support for struggling households to protect businesses and local communities.
• Baw Baw Shire Council introduces FOGO green bin service from July 2026, reducing landfill, creating compost and supporting a circular economy
  From July 2026, Baw Baw residents can use green bins for food and garden waste, reducing landfill, creating compost, and supporting a circular economy under the new FOGO service.