good timing - I was having dinner last night with our of our SR+ QLD rental car owners, he has also just moved to Amber - he thinks it is good too - thanks for the detailed video!
Swapped over from Energy Australia on October 30. Smart meter was installed today by Vector AMS on behalf of Amber. I am in NSW. We do have solar hot water. No solar PV. All electric home. No gas. All LED lights at home. Two adults and one 12 year old. On controlled load.
@chrisvanderstock does the video need an update with power shift software managing the peak selling? I’m looking for a place to sell power at great price.
To whom it may concern, or anyone that works or cares at Amber I am writing after 17 days trying to get meaningful help. Amber was super fast on 1 occasion. We filled in the form on the 20/9/23 at about 15:30 and at 16:30 we got a confirmation that we were with Amber already (so Amber could start charging us from the 20/9/23). Amber could not (and still can not) connect us fully. It took 8 days to get a reply from somebody actually working at Amber. I was told the problem is now with “battery experts”. Now, 9 days and many calls and emails later I am told the same (by email, nobody called back) I have tried to get meaningful answers (not form automated replies) but from employees of Amber. After now more than 40 emails and 30 calls to Amber, we still are not properly connected but we already got the first bill and it is incorrect.
What tariff are you on? I was put on the Demand tariff when I was given a smart meter when on Energy Australia. Would Amber charge more during peak time if moved to Time of Use? I don't have a battery but do load shifting on the water tank and charging laptops and battery drills at mid day.
Hi Chris, I can't understand why I need a different meter with my solar panels to capture and record power used in offpeak times according to my electricity provider. You think they can monitor the time and what power I consume during the day or night. I got my solar early in 2011 when the labor government had solar rebates, so my electricity feed-in tariff back to the grid is 52c per kilowatt-hour and my electricity rate is 38c per kilowatt-hour 24/7. So for me, it would be better to charge an EV when the sun doesn't shine so I make money with the excess power going back to the grid. I only have a 3.5 kW solar system but this usually pays the electricity bill and gives me anywhere between 35 to 70 dollars in credit except for the summer months where I pay an additional $50 due to running the air conditioner. So I think I have a decent deal currently.
I was a little concerned with the advert I just saw for Amber. The ad suggested power was cheap during the day because of solar and wind. It was presented in a misleading graphic of peak usage. Wind is 24 hour though added along side solar. Solar availability during the day doesn't explain the overnight off peak prices. I like the idea of renewables too and you have presented a more accurate account. Thankyou.
Good video, they need access too your power meter which unfortunately I can’t do at my apartment. They have released an API now so you can setup rules with the powers all so it you can do things automatically
Great easy to understand video, who's your pick of retailers for someone in QLD with no solar or battery but doing EV charging overnight? Happy to go on controlled load or TOU if cheaper? Cheers
Hi Chris interesting to watch your video .i am contemplating joining Amber .we have solar battery system 10.1kw plus 18 solar panels rated at 6.66kw and a 5kw Fronius Primo inverter. At the moment Amber dont answer their phone they only have a callback system. You are a clear and precise speaker..Regards Robert Adelaide S.A.
Hey @chris - are you still using Amber? Just wondering if you're using SmartSwitch? That seems to have the ability to automate your control of your PowerWall, and seems to even offer being able to put power back into the grid when prices are high. Thoughts?
No, but I'm thinking of switching back and giving them a go. It took ages for me to get on a decent EV plan with another retailer, so was very hesitant to go back to them, especially after the price hikes that occurred several years ago. I'll do the switch today and an update video in summer after its had some time to demonstrate if it's any good or not.
Hi Chris, have you used ambers smart shift program? If you have had it been worth it with your power wall? I am considering a Tesla power wall or red earth energy battery system, any input would be great. Thanks
So, we are installing a 8.5kw system - REC Alpha panels and SMA inverter . You are saying it's not really worth crossing to Amber? Currently at Energy Australia and def will be changing.
This is all well and good until things go bad. Like Texas winter 2020-2021 bad. Why am I bringing this up? Because Texas had gone to a wholesale energy system (just like Amber) before that winter and people ended up paying $9000 USD per megawatt hour. Some even ended up bankrupt as a consequence.
Nice one Chris! Cheers. We do everything possible to be green, for example buying energy efficient appliances, turning things off at the wall, turning lights off when we are not in the room, minimising water use, minimising HOT water use if sun is limited (we have solar hot water), and almost always only charging the car between midnight and 4am. However we have our 40 year old son and DIL here at the moment due medical appointments and they are the exact opposite, long showers, taps left running, lights left on, and so much more. How the hell do I re-educate them without causing a rift?
I feel for you. Darling 17 year old daughter leaves lights on most nights, takes 15 minute showers and more. Fortunately, I can play the grumpy dad card still. Maybe ask them to help pay with bills?
I am with Amber. I have solar and a big battery. My aim from my grid connection is to make money. What I found best was to set my inverter to sell during peak demand so my excess will feed during peak demand when I can get a higher rate. So far my best night was $55 in one night. It doesn't happen very often but I only need it to happen once a month to be worth it. I produce enough to be self sufficient. If it wasn't for Amber I would be off grid.
Is it possible to see the wholesale price for my area before I decide to join Amber? I'd like to estimate how much it would cost me over a month. I usually use 4.1kwh a day and pay about 60/months with powershop. I'm concerned that the monthly fee is monthly fee is going to give me less chance to reduce my bill because I'm not a big energy user.
The feed-in rates are variable, market offer only - there is no guaranteed price. Sometimes you might get a crazy $1.20 (just an example) per kilowatt hour, sometimes you might be charged $1.20 if the NEM doesn't want any energy from you. IMHO, the only people who can benefit from Amber are those who have a battery and can game the system to use their own energy (when stored), and to sell a a high feed in rate.
Hi Chris , is it true that your Tesla power wall will soon have arbitrage software which will manage the peak and low rates allowing you to sell at the highest price and consume / charge at the lower. Interested .... great video too
Chris Vanderstock , Tesla will offer it to exisiting power wall customers plus if you have a car the battery inside the vehicle can also act as additional expanded storage.
Hi Chris further to my previous comments i have now joined Amber Electric and anxiously awaiting the change to "Smartshift" as we have a 10.3kw Alpha-ESS Solar Battery ,and a Fronius 5kw Inverter .i would Love to see the $15 per month membership fee reduced as i am on the Age Pension..and the introduction of paper bills ...Regards Robert and Estrella Wales .Adelaide South Australia
@@DylanBrayshaw Hi Dylan I asked Amber Electric to change me to SmartShift but it hasn't happened because we don't have internet connection and no computer .We had a plug in WiFi and system went off line then the company who installed solar battery want to charge me around $160 every time their technician visits. us..we are just not going to continually pay around $160 every time .Therefore Amber Electric cannot put us on SmartShift because of the issues with the company who installed the solar battery. Our Electric bills are around $150 per month in Winter and less in Summer...Regards Robert
@@DylanBrayshaw Hi Dylan if we have full internet connection installed it would be only for solar battery so the internet cost would wipe out any solar battery savings. As mentioned previously we have no computer and we are not at all computer savvy. I am 70 and the whole situation is stressing me out..I hope you have better luck..Regards Robert
@@robertwales2860 Thanks Robert yes you would need internet connectivity for the smart shift program. Thanks for the answer too. Those are some good savings!
I couldn't give a shite about greenwashed garbage. I just want the cheapest power I can get, coal diesel or whatever. Because the next step is I go out and buy a genset burn rubbish and whatever else I can get and generate my own power.
There were plenty of jobs in wale hunting too. And yet we have a comparably better system than burning wale oil to keep the lights on. Switch on your brain mate, you’ll give a “rats arse” when we have floods, bushfires and more catastrophic weather events each year.
![Electric Chris [Chris Vanderstock]](http://yt3.ggpht.com/CCLFhV_pz9KAJw7gowmTp6BFzqx5YzTWE8dBMZFSkk9OA8alBg7jdkSUixdit-SB-_vTl-OF7FU=s48-c-k-c0x00ffffff-no-rj)
good timing - I was having dinner last night with our of our SR+ QLD rental car owners, he has also just moved to Amber - he thinks it is good too - thanks for the detailed video!
Thanks for sharing this information.
Swapped over from Energy Australia on October 30. Smart meter was installed today by Vector AMS on behalf of Amber. I am in NSW.
We do have solar hot water. No solar PV. All electric home. No gas. All LED lights at home. Two adults and one 12 year old. On controlled load.
@chrisvanderstock does the video need an update with power shift software managing the peak selling?
I’m looking for a place to sell power at great price.
Excellent breakdown, Chris! Thanks! 👍🏼
To whom it may concern, or anyone that works or cares at Amber
I am writing after 17 days trying to get meaningful help.
Amber was super fast on 1 occasion.
We filled in the form on the 20/9/23 at about 15:30 and at 16:30 we got a confirmation that we were with Amber already (so Amber could start charging us from the 20/9/23).
Amber could not (and still can not) connect us fully.
It took 8 days to get a reply from somebody actually working at Amber. I was told the problem is now with “battery experts”.
Now, 9 days and many calls and emails later I am told the same (by email, nobody called back)
I have tried to get meaningful answers (not form automated replies) but from employees of Amber.
After now more than 40 emails and 30 calls to Amber, we still are not properly connected but we already got the first bill and it is incorrect.
What tariff are you on? I was put on the Demand tariff when I was given a smart meter when on Energy Australia. Would Amber charge more during peak time if moved to Time of Use? I don't have a battery but do load shifting on the water tank and charging laptops and battery drills at mid day.
I tried amber with solar and battery found it a pain, paid electric bill mid summer, and went back to red energy ASAP.
Hi Chris, I can't understand why I need a different meter with my solar panels to capture and record power used in offpeak times according to my electricity provider. You think they can monitor the time and what power I consume during the day or night. I got my solar early in 2011 when the labor government had solar rebates, so my electricity feed-in tariff back to the grid is 52c per kilowatt-hour and my electricity rate is 38c per kilowatt-hour 24/7.
So for me, it would be better to charge an EV when the sun doesn't shine so I make money with the excess power going back to the grid. I only have a 3.5 kW solar system but this usually pays the electricity bill and gives me anywhere between 35 to 70 dollars in credit except for the summer months where I pay an additional $50 due to running the air conditioner. So I think I have a decent deal currently.
I was a little concerned with the advert I just saw for Amber.
The ad suggested power was cheap during the day because of solar and wind.
It was presented in a misleading graphic of peak usage.
Wind is 24 hour though added along side solar.
Solar availability during the day doesn't explain the overnight off peak prices.
I like the idea of renewables too and you have presented a more accurate account. Thankyou.
would like to have V2H with the model 3 or any EV that would give more control flexability with the Amber app.
Good video, they need access too your power meter which unfortunately I can’t do at my apartment. They have released an API now so you can setup rules with the powers all so it you can do things automatically
Great easy to understand video, who's your pick of retailers for someone in QLD with no solar or battery but doing EV charging overnight? Happy to go on controlled load or TOU if cheaper? Cheers
Hi Chris interesting to watch your video .i am contemplating joining Amber .we have solar battery system 10.1kw plus 18 solar panels rated at 6.66kw and a 5kw Fronius Primo inverter. At the moment Amber dont answer their phone they only have a callback system. You are a clear and precise speaker..Regards Robert Adelaide S.A.
Hey @chris - are you still using Amber? Just wondering if you're using SmartSwitch? That seems to have the ability to automate your control of your PowerWall, and seems to even offer being able to put power back into the grid when prices are high. Thoughts?
No, but I'm thinking of switching back and giving them a go. It took ages for me to get on a decent EV plan with another retailer, so was very hesitant to go back to them, especially after the price hikes that occurred several years ago. I'll do the switch today and an update video in summer after its had some time to demonstrate if it's any good or not.
Hi Chris, have you used ambers smart shift program? If you have had it been worth it with your power wall? I am considering a Tesla power wall or red earth energy battery system, any input would be great. Thanks
No plans sorry. We migrated away from Amber a while ago due to rising energy prices.
So, we are installing a 8.5kw system - REC Alpha panels and SMA inverter . You are saying it's not really worth crossing to Amber? Currently at Energy Australia and def will be changing.
PS - nice seeing you on Phantom Lane 4 recently!
This is all well and good until things go bad. Like Texas winter 2020-2021 bad. Why am I bringing this up? Because Texas had gone to a wholesale energy system (just like Amber) before that winter and people ended up paying $9000 USD per megawatt hour. Some even ended up bankrupt as a consequence.
Nice one Chris! Cheers.
We do everything possible to be green, for example buying energy efficient appliances, turning things off at the wall, turning lights off when we are not in the room, minimising water use, minimising HOT water use if sun is limited (we have solar hot water), and almost always only charging the car between midnight and 4am. However we have our 40 year old son and DIL here at the moment due medical appointments and they are the exact opposite, long showers, taps left running, lights left on, and so much more. How the hell do I re-educate them without causing a rift?
I feel for you. Darling 17 year old daughter leaves lights on most nights, takes 15 minute showers and more. Fortunately, I can play the grumpy dad card still. Maybe ask them to help pay with bills?
I am with Amber. I have solar and a big battery. My aim from my grid connection is to make money.
What I found best was to set my inverter to sell during peak demand so my excess will feed during peak demand when I can get a higher rate.
So far my best night was $55 in one night. It doesn't happen very often but I only need it to happen once a month to be worth it. I produce enough to be self sufficient. If it wasn't for Amber I would be off grid.
I'm heading down that road myself. Can you share details of your setup please?🙏
@@Stormbringer748 I have 6.6kW solar with a 5kW goodwe hybrid inverter and a 42kWh battery.
Is it possible to see the wholesale price for my area before I decide to join Amber? I'd like to estimate how much it would cost me over a month. I usually use 4.1kwh a day and pay about 60/months with powershop. I'm concerned that the monthly fee is monthly fee is going to give me less chance to reduce my bill because I'm not a big energy user.
No, it only provides a 12 hour + forecast. And the price come time (current) might be different compared to what was estimated.
Hey Chris why do you add the solar credits to the total charge. Shouldn't that reduce the total?
I think I did the math correctly, it's nested in the formula. But I'll double check. Cheers.
3 years ago but is it still as good?
I'm back with them, and yes and no, but you have to be on top of it! We're looking to shift away from them again, so I'll do a new video soon.
I use on average 7kw per day. For someone trying to use little energy you use heaps. The review was good. I will go with them
I got a bit confused with the solar feed in rates, on their website I could find what is it. After watching this video more confused.
The feed-in rates are variable, market offer only - there is no guaranteed price. Sometimes you might get a crazy $1.20 (just an example) per kilowatt hour, sometimes you might be charged $1.20 if the NEM doesn't want any energy from you. IMHO, the only people who can benefit from Amber are those who have a battery and can game the system to use their own energy (when stored), and to sell a a high feed in rate.
I’m in my second day with amber and it’s telling me that it’s being $28 dollars for the last 2 days 😰 I’m thinking of cancelling already
We're looking to shift away from them again, so I'll do a new video soon.
Hi Chris , is it true that your Tesla power wall will soon have arbitrage software which will manage the peak and low rates allowing you to sell at the highest price and consume / charge at the lower.
Interested ....
great video too
Thanks. I haven't heard that, but would welcome it!
Chris Vanderstock , Tesla will offer it to exisiting power wall customers plus if you have a car the battery inside the vehicle can also act as additional expanded storage.
Hi Chris further to my previous comments i have now joined Amber Electric and anxiously awaiting the change to "Smartshift" as we have a 10.3kw Alpha-ESS Solar Battery ,and a Fronius 5kw Inverter .i would Love to see the $15 per month membership fee reduced as i am on the Age Pension..and the introduction of paper bills ...Regards Robert and Estrella Wales .Adelaide South Australia
Hey Robert how did you you go with smart shift, I am interested in the program now too?
@@DylanBrayshaw Hi Dylan I asked Amber Electric to change me to SmartShift but it hasn't happened because we don't have internet connection and no computer .We had a plug in WiFi and system went off line then the company who installed solar battery want to charge me around $160 every time their technician visits. us..we are just not going to continually pay around $160 every time .Therefore Amber Electric cannot put us on SmartShift because of the issues with the company who installed the solar battery. Our Electric bills are around $150 per month in Winter and less in Summer...Regards Robert
@@DylanBrayshaw Hi Dylan if we have full internet connection installed it would be only for solar battery so the internet cost would wipe out any solar battery savings. As mentioned previously we have no computer and we are not at all computer savvy. I am 70 and the whole situation is stressing me out..I hope you have better luck..Regards Robert
@@robertwales2860 Thanks Robert yes you would need internet connectivity for the smart shift program. Thanks for the answer too. Those are some good savings!
I just remembered that i just use 3kwh per day x)
I couldn't give a shite about greenwashed garbage. I just want the cheapest power I can get, coal diesel or whatever. Because the next step is I go out and buy a genset burn rubbish and whatever else I can get and generate my own power.
I learned nothing from this video, anyone ELI5?
piss off with the green energy
I couldn't give 5 rats arses about the environment. Fossil fuels means "Jobs". I'm sick of AGL. Gonna switch to the cheapest.
There were plenty of jobs in wale hunting too. And yet we have a comparably better system than burning wale oil to keep the lights on. Switch on your brain mate, you’ll give a “rats arse” when we have floods, bushfires and more catastrophic weather events each year.
What do you think green energy is run by? Aliens? There are more jobs in green energy but keep drinking that fossil fuels koolaid.