A virtual energy network (VEN) is a digital platform that enables households and small businesses to buy and sell solar energy through the existing electricity grid. It enables solar producers to sell surplus energy at favourable rates, consumers to access locally generated solar energy at competitive prices and community-wide utilisation of renewable energy.
Whether you rent, run a small business or live in a shaded home, you can still benefit. The VEN gives everyone access to lower cost renewable energy, not just those with panels.
The study is entitled The Benefits of Hyper-utilisation of Consumer Energy Resources (CERs) through a Virtual Energy Network (VEN). Our study will fully explore the benefits to consumers and service providers of using a ‘smart’ trading platform to match solar generation with flexible off-take use. It is anticipated that hyper-utilising excess solar with flexible use, e.g. electric vehicle or forklift recharging, will deliver benefits to consumers and providers.
Our research aims to:
You’re eligible if you live in the National Energy Market (NSW, ACT, QLD, VIC, SA, TAS), have a smart meter and are an Energy Locals/Enosi member. Solar panels aren’t required – renters, apartment dwellers, battery owners and those with controlled loads can all join. The study will run for approximately six months, and you can exit or change providers at any time.
VEN enables you – the participant – to buy and sell solar energy through a smart, flexible trading platform, backed by retailer Energy Locals and powered by Enosi’s Powertracer software. There are two main participant types:
Smart system integration makes energy trading simple. Smart meters track your energy use and solar production every five to 30 minutes, while Powertracer software automatically matches trades based on your chosen rules. You’ll see a clear breakdown of your energy usage, trades and savings on your monthly bill.
Maybe, it all depends on the type of embedded network operating. Please contact Energy Locals to discuss your specific circumstances.
It’s free to participate in the study, in fact Deakin will provide a small amount of compensation to those selected to participate in the study as an incentive. There may also be the potential benefit of buying or selling electricity at more favourable rates.
A smart meter is required to take part in the study. If you don’t currently have one, you can reach out to your energy retailer – keep in mind that while some retailers offer upgrades at no cost, others may charge a fee.
No. Single, 2 or 3-phase power is okay.
Smart software (Enosi’s Powertracer) matches VEN generation and off-take based on simple trade rules set up by you. You can change your rules at any time. Trading credits are then reported as a single line item on your monthly bills.
There are two trading options that can be setup in parallel or stand alone:
Peer to peer trades
In this type of trade, the trading parties are connected in a secure chat and agree to trade by specifying the sell and buy prices. If accepted and there is a match, PowerTracer does the rest.
Community trades
In this type of trade, the trading parties are anonymous, and the software is guided by the sellers pre-set sell and buy prices. If there is a match PowerTracer does the rest. If there is not a match, standard Energy Local’s rates apply.
Export limits are determined by your local service provider (distributor) and will not change as a result of joining the study.
Off-takers who consume electricity during the solar hours (when the sun is shining) are likely to be well suited to the study as this is when electricity is likely to be the cheapest.
Generators can optimise their solar excess benefit by matching with off-takers during solar hours.
Peer-to-peer trading with people in different geographical locations through the VEN can represent additional diversification benefits. For example, it might be sunny in Queensland but cloudy in Victoria, meaning that Victorians can access solar energy from Queensland when the sun isn't shining in Victoria.
Yes, you can adjust peer-to-peer or community pricing as often as you like. Once peer-to-peer trades are set up they will need to be cancelled and resubmitted.
Notifications are sent in a peer-to-peer trade, so they can be reviewed and approved before trading commences.
Community trade rules can be adjusted at any time without a notification sent.
You can trade with households, communities and businesses on the Energy Locals/Enosi platform.
The Virtual Energy Network research study is open to residents and small businesses across multiple states. Participants will have the opportunity to trade energy virtually and share surplus or stored energy with one another. The study will run for approximately six months, and you can exit or change providers at any time.
The virtual energy network (VEN) helps boost daytime solar use, maximise the value of rooftop systems, support smarter local energy consumption and reduce pressure on the electricity grid. Whether you have solar panels or not, the VEN offers real advantages.
For solar generators: You’ve already invested in solar – now get more from it. Instead of exporting excess energy to the grid for just a few cents per kilowatt-hour, you can sell it to others in your community, like neighbours or local organisations, often at better value.
For off-takers (without solar): Even if you don’t have panels, you can still access the benefits of clean, locally generated solar energy, often at lower rates than standard electricity. It’s a smarter way to power your home using energy shared across your community.
Meet Chris – an early adopter of the virtual energy network in regional Australia. By trading her excess solar power through the VEN, she’s saving money, lowering emissions and contributing to a cleaner, more connected energy future. Her story shows just how easy – and impactful – it can be to take part.
This joint initiative unites experts from academia, industry and community organisations to conduct a thorough and impactful study on the benefits of virtual energy networks.
Dr Andrea La Nauze is the project lead of the Virtual Energy Network research study. Andrea is an associate professor of economics and an energy and environmental economist who uses data and a behavioural economics lens to study the decision-making of individuals.
Professor Flavio Menezes is a professor of economics at The University of Queensland. He works in the fields of market design and auction theory, incentives, regulation and competition.
Have a technical question or experiencing an issue? Email the team and we’ll get back to you with the answers.
The Virtual Network Energy research study is a collaboration between Deakin and industry partners, including:
This research is approved by Deakin’s Human Research Ethics Committee (HREC). You will need to provide consent to participate. Your data will be kept secure and confidential.
Register your interest to learn more about the Virtual Energy Network research study, find out how to get involved or to request a copy of our detailed FAQ document. If you need a printout, download the brochure (PDF, 375KB).
