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What Is a Solar Feed‑In Tariff in the ACT?
A solar feed‑in tariff (FiT) is a payment you receive when your home solar system exports excess electricity back into the grid. In the Australian Capital Territory (ACT), solar owners can still receive feed‑in tariffs offered by electricity providers — even though the government‑run buy‑back scheme is no longer active.
Unlike some states that set minimum regulated FiT rates, the ACT does not mandate minimum feed‑in tariffs — meaning rates are generally determined by the electricity retailer you choose.
Current Feed‑In Tariff Rates in the ACT
Retailers in Canberra and ACT offer a range of feed‑in tariff rates for surplus solar energy exported to the grid. Typical rates (as of 2025–26) include:
· ActewAGL and other providers: around 6 ¢ to 8 ¢ per kWh for exported solar energy.
· Competing retailer offers — for example Origin Energy’s Solar Boost plans — can offer around 12 ¢ per kWh for solar exported up to a daily limit, then lower rates thereafter.
These rates vary by plan, provider and the amount of energy you export. Some tariffs pay a higher rate for the first portion of the energy you export each day, then a lower rate for any additional export.
That means a typical Canberra household might receive ~7 ¢–12 ¢/kWh depending on the retailer and tariff structure you choose — and any special offers available at the time.
What Happened to the ACT Government Feed‑In Scheme?
The original ACT Government Feed‑In Tariff Scheme was introduced in 2009 as a gross FiT — meaning residents were paid for all energy produced by their solar system. This generous scheme closed to new participants in 2011 and is no longer available to new solar system owners.
Today’s FiT payments are made by individual power retailers, not the territory government, and depend on the electricity plan you select.
Why Feed‑In Tariffs Still Matter in the ACT
Even though FiT rates in the ACT are not regulated, they remain an important part of solar savings:
✔ Extra savings for exported solar energy: Every kWh you export can earn a credit — helping reduce your overall power bill. ✔ Competitive retailer offers: Different plans may pay higher FiT rates — especially for the first few kWh exported each day. ✔ Self‑consumption still valuable: Using your solar energy at home before exporting typically saves more than the feed‑in tariff amount you receive. (General solar economics)
Tip: Always compare both electricity usage charges and FiT rates before choosing a plan — a high feed‑in rate doesn’t always translate to lower total bills if usage rates are expensive.
How to Get the Best Feed‑In Tariff in ACT
Here are practical tips to maximise your FiT earnings:
Compare multiple electricity providers: Options now include ActewAGL, Origin Energy, EnergyAustralia, Red Energy, CovaU Energy and others. Look for tiered FiT structures: Some plans pay higher rates for the first exported kWh each day. Check for caps: Some tariffs only provide the highest rate up to a daily export limit. Review contract duration and conditions: Some elevated rates may only last for an initial period before reducing.
Conclusion – Solar Feed‑In Tariffs in the ACT
In the Australian Capital Territory, solar feed‑in tariffs are set by individual electricity retailers rather than the government. While the old government‑run buy‑back scheme closed in 2011, solar owners can still earn around 6 ¢–12 ¢ per kWh for exported energy depending on their tariff and plan.
Maximising your solar value involves choosing the right electricity plan, comparing FiT offers, and planning daily energy use to either consume or export solar power efficiently.