Daily electricity supply charges: why solar does not remove every bill item

A solar system changes how much electricity you buy and export. Your bill can still include a daily supply charge for having a grid connection. Understanding that distinction helps you judge a quote and compare electricity plans realistically.

Separate fixed charges from energy use

Usage is normally measured in kilowatt-hours (kWh). A daily supply charge is charged for each day in the billing period, independently of how much electricity you import. Check the actual units: cents per day and dollars per day can look deceptively similar on a quick read.

Check a bill in three steps

1. Find the number of billed days and multiply it by the daily supply rate.
2. Read imported energy separately, including any time bands, controlled loads or demand charges.
3. Identify export credits, rebates and adjustments rather than treating them as reduced consumption.

If a billing period changes length, the total fixed charge changes too. Comparing two bills by total dollars alone can therefore give a misleading impression of system performance.

What to compare before changing plans

Ask whether a lower daily charge comes with higher usage rates or a lower feed-in tariff. Use your own consumption and export history to compare the total annual outcome. Energy Made Easy is a free government comparison service available to eligible Queensland households and small businesses.

Questions worth asking

Does the quote distinguish estimated energy savings from the entire bill? Which tariff is assumed? Are seasonal changes and daytime occupancy included? What happens if the retailer changes its rates?

Solar and batteries should be assessed against your household needs. A promise that every grid-connected household will have no bills overlooks charges and conditions that need checking.

Read the Australian Government tariff guide · Compare plans with Energy Made Easy

Discuss your energy goals with Greenbank Solar · Solar installation information

Reviewed 2 October 2026. Check your current retailer plan; this guide is general information.