Comparisons
Pi vs a standard electricity retailer plan
Updated 14 June 2026
Quick answer
- Standard retailer plans have variable rates, peak/off-peak tiers, and no backup during outages.
- Pi gives a fixed $0.26/kWh, plus on-site solar and battery and blackout protection.
- Pi's energy is supplied via an AER-authorised retail partner, so standard consumer protections still apply.
A standard electricity retailer just sells you grid power. Pi gives you generation, storage and a fixed rate. Here's how they stack up for a South East Queensland home.
Pi vs a standard retailer — at a glance
| Standard retailer | Pi | |
|---|---|---|
| Rate structure | Variable, often with peak/off-peak tiers | Flat $0.26/kWh, anytime |
| Rate changes | Can rise with the market | Fixed |
| Solar & battery | Not included | Installed at no equipment cost |
| Blackout backup | None — you lose power | Essential loads stay on |
| Consumer protections | NERL / NERR / ACL | Same — via an AER-authorised retail partner |
Do I keep my consumer protections with Pi?
Yes. Pi's energy is supplied through a licensed, AER-authorised retail energy partner, so you keep full protections under the National Energy Retail Law, National Energy Retail Rules and Australian Consumer Law — including energy-ombudsman dispute resolution. See the pricing disclosure.
What's the catch?
There isn't one — Pi makes money by owning the system and managing energy across a virtual power plant, which is why it can install solar and battery at no equipment cost. You simply pay a fixed rate for the energy you use.
Frequently asked questions
Pi's flat $0.26/kWh has no peak/off-peak tiers, and you also self-consume your own solar and battery energy, which most standard retailer plans can't match. Your exact saving depends on your current plan and usage.
See if your home qualifies
Pi's no-cost solar & battery offer currently serves the Gold Coast to Brisbane corridor on the Energex network, with expansion planned.