Understanding On-site power supply services

Previously, we used the term Behind the Meter Services to describe solar Power Purchase Agreements and other similar services.

This term has now been changed to OPS services to better reflect the nature of these services. 

The information on this page provides an overview of an On-site power supply (OPS) services. For more detail about how it is defined in the draft AES Prescribing Regulations and who will be exempt please refer to the exposure draft and reading guide. 

What is an OPS?

An on-site power supply (OPS) service allows a customer to use all or part of the electricity from an energy system that is installed on their property. The OPS service provider owns the energy system, not the customer.

The customer also gets electricity from the grid, as well as from the OPS system.

A common example of an OPS arrangement is where a business installs its own solar system on a customer’s rooftop. The customer often does not pay anything upfront for the system. Sometimes, customers pay for the electricity (on a cents per-unit basis). In other cases, customers pay a subscription fee to use or have access to the electricity provided by the solar system.

What happens if you get electricity through an OPS service?

OPS service often offer cost savings compared to grid electricity supply and an easy way to get an on-site energy system without the upfront costs.

The main drawback is the limited access to customer protections. For example, OPS customers can’t go to the Energy and Water Ombudsman to help sort out a problem with their service provider.