Solar and Battery Deals Under Scrutiny as Household Savings Surge: ACCC Puts Electricity Industry on Notice

Published: 1 August 2025

By Bane Legal Services — Australia’s Trusted Legal Matchmaker for Business Owners

Source: ACCC Media Release

The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) has issued a strong warning to electricity retailers and solar and battery suppliers: treat consumers fairly, or risk enforcement action.

This alert comes as the Cheaper Home Batteries Program fuels a sharp rise in demand for subsidised solar and battery systems, with Australian households seeing major savings on their electricity bills — some slashing costs by up to 63% by connecting to virtual power plants.

⚠️ Bane Legal Services is not a law firm and does not provide legal advice. However, we work with a network of commercial lawyers who understand the legal and regulatory issues surrounding energy, solar and battery agreements. If you're a business exploring solar solutions or entering into energy contracts, we can connect you with the right legal expert.

What Did the ACCC Say?

In its 13th Electricity Market Monitoring Report, the ACCC analysed electricity billing data from mid-2023 to mid-2024. The findings were clear:

• Households with solar and battery systems paid 40% less on average than traditional electricity users.

• Those connected to virtual power plants (VPPs) paid 63% less, with median annual bills falling to just $580.

• Even basic rooftop solar alone shaved 18% off annual bills, showing the wide appeal of renewable setups.

But as the market grows, so do the risks. ACCC Commissioner Anna Brakey said misleading deals and hard-sell tactics won’t be tolerated.

“As more Australian households switch to battery and solar plans, it’s important that the deals on offer are fair, accurate and easy to understand,” Ms Brakey said.

A Caution for Consumers – and Businesses

While the savings are real, so are the risks of getting locked into complex or misleading energy plans. The ACCC is particularly concerned about:

• Inadequate disclosure about costs, savings, or system sizing

• High-pressure sales techniques targeting subsidised battery buyers

• Lack of tailored advice for consumers based on their usage or needs

The ACCC is also supporting stronger consumer protections and has called for a new consumer duty that would require energy providers to act in the customer’s best interests — much like in financial services.

Business Takeaway: Know What You’re Signing

If you're a business owner looking to invest in solar and battery systems — or partner with energy technology providers — make sure your contracts are watertight and compliant with Australian Consumer Law (ACL).

You should:

• Compare multiple quotes

• Request personalised performance modelling

• Understand the true payback period and cost of ownership

• Be cautious with VPP agreements and battery leasing plans

Need Help Understanding Energy Contracts?

Whether you're:

• A commercial landlord installing rooftop solar,

• A franchisor rolling out green initiatives across your network, or

• A business buying into a VPP or storage-as-a-service model,

We can connect you with experienced commercial lawyers who specialise in energy and consumer law.

At Bane Legal Services, we’ve spent over 30 years navigating the legal and commercial minefields of Australian business. We're not a law firm — we’re your trusted legal matchmaker.

Want to explore your legal options around solar or battery investments?

Let us match you with the right legal partner.

👉 Get Matched with a Lawyer Today

Source:

Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC), "Electricity industry on notice as more households invest in subsidised batteries and solar", 1 August 2025.

Read the full media release here