Virtual Power Plant
Be a part of the future of energy
in New Zealand.
What is a VPP?
A network of decentralised generation and load sources we can combine and control to benefit you and help support the local electricity network.
VPPs will be critical to effectively manage the increased electrification of New Zealand. By storing energy, particularly energy produced by solar panels, and using it at critical times we can help defer costly electricity network upgrades, enable the uptake of more electric vehicles, and facilitate a major increase in renewable generation, generation critical to New Zealand reaching our NetZero 2050 targets.
Our VPP also includes smart devices that can be controlled to move consumption away from peak network periods e.g. hot water control & EV charging. This holistic approach provides the maximum benefit from new energy technologies.
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Ecotricity VPP
How does it benefit you?
Time-of-Use pricing
We will be able to shift load to enable you to take advantage of Time-of-Use pricing and can also program devices to discharge into the house or the local network during peak network periods.
Get a $30 energy credit
Receive a $30 energy credit monthly for a 12-month term.*
Eco BATTERY Price Plan
If you have solar installed by one of our trusted solar partners, you will get access to competitive solar buyback rates.
NZ's best buy-back rate
Export your solar for 21c/kWh during peak periods and 12c/kWh during off peak periods.
*SolarZero systems are already part of the VPP and are being used to subsidize and reduce SolarZero battery prices. SolarZero customers are therefore not eligible for additional payment.
Pricing Products
Competitive Price Plans
Our Virtual Power Plant works perfectly in conjunction with our eco price plans. Contact us or your local solar installer to get set up today.
ecoSAVER
Lower off peak rates.
No exit fees.
Includes lines losses.
Ideal for customers with an EV.
ecoBATTERY
NZ's leading buyback rate during Peak hours at - 21 c/kWh (5kWh < solar battery installed).
No exit fees & excludes lines losses.
ecoWHOLESALE
Direct access to half-hourly Spot prices.
No exit fees & excludes lines losses.
Ideal for customers with an EV and a home battery.
How It Works
What you need to know
- The trial will be running for an initial 12-month term. After the trial concludes, we will launch our final VPP product to market.
- We will control your devices at certain times of the day to maximise benefits to you, the network and the grid.
- There are no penalties if you decide to leave within the 12-month trial period, just let us know via email 30-days in advance.
- You will receive a $30 energy credit per month for the 12-month trial term which works to offset consumption on your monthly energy invoices.
- Ideally your battery system will have at least 5kWh of storage capacity, contact us to discuss eligible devices and manufacturers.
FAQs
Upon sign up with Ecotricity, your energy rates and buyback prices are fixed for a 12-month term. This trial programme does not change these terms of agreement. We want to provide our customers with as much protection from the volatility of the energy market as possible.
Once the trial is coming to an end, we will liaise with you regarding future developments of the platform. If you decide to remove yourself from the programme at any point, we will pass all control of battery and inverter devices back to you.
There are no penalties if you decide to leave. We just need notice via email 30-days in advance.
We are committed to offering an excellent experience. However, if you have any questions or concerns, please reach out to Clara at solar@ecotricity.co.nz, or alternatively contact the Utilities Disputes on 0800 22 33 40
We will not be cycling batteries more than they would be cycled normally. We have worked with our hardware partners to ensure that our cycling is not at odds with their standard functionality.