Case Study: Tim’s Energy Freedom with Powston & LocalVolts & NSW PDRS

Customer Profile

Name:                     Tim
Location:                Newcastle, NSW
System:                  11 kW solar array + 10 kW inverter + 12.8 kWh battery
Retailer:                  LocalVolts
Control System:    Powston

Results @ 6 Months

*Results (combined March – August 2025, 6 months of data inc Winter)

Before 

Like many households, Tim faced rising power bills. Prior to installing his battery, he was paying $750 per quarter. He was paying 33.5c/kWh to buy energy, and receiving 10c/kWh FIT for the first 10kWh sold per day and 5c thereafter.

After (adding LocalVolts + Powston + Battery)

In Nov 2024, Tim installed a 12.8 kWh battery with a 10kW Inverter & 11kW of Solar Panels. Shortly after, in Feb 2025, he joined Powston (for automated battery and energy market optimisation) and LocalVolts (for wholesale electricity access) with a goal to reduce the payback period for his system.

Results (March – August 2025, 6 months inc Winter)

• Grid Exports: 1,375 kWh at an average of 39c/kWh → $540 in total sales
• Net Energy Bill: After all purchases and fees Tim paid just $131 for 6 months

Even through the peak winter—running electric stove and reverse-cycle air conditioning for heating—Tim’s household kept costs minimal.

Understanding this chart: The Net Bill represents the total costs (such as purchased energy and connection fees) minus the value of energy sold back to the grid from solar or batteries. It is based on Tim’s actual bills from LocalVolts. A negative "Net Bill" indicates a credit — money paid to Tim by LocalVolts for that month. By summing all the net Bills you get a $131 total costs to Tim.

Why does it vary? Because monthly usage and market conditions fluctuate, by looking at six months of results provides a more accurate picture than focusing on a single day. Several factors drive these variations:

Seasonal energy use: Winter and summer typically see higher household demand, leaving less surplus energy in the battery to sell back to the grid. Smaller batteries may also mean more energy must be purchased from the grid, increasing costs.

Wholesale (spot) price volatility: Prices naturally rise and fall throughout the year depending on demand.

System-wide events: Maintenance or outages of large-scale generation assets occasionally push prices higher. These events result in "Spike Prices" are relatively rare (about 20 days per year in 2024) but noticeable in bills.
In short, the interaction of household consumption, battery size, seasonal patterns, and wholesale market dynamics explains why costs and sales vary from month to month.

Additional Rebates & Benefits

Tim also applied for the NSW Peak Demand Reduction Scheme (PDRS) rebate, available to LocalVolts customers operating with Powston.

Payment Received: $464 for his 12.8 kWh eligible battery capacity

Approval Timeline: ~1 month for approval, plus up to 60 days for payment
While modest, the rebate provided extra financial relief on top of Powston and LocalVolts’ savings.

Note: The NSW PDRS Rebate is in addition to any eligible Federal rebates.

Why This Matters

Customers like Tim demonstrate how Powston + LocalVolts + A compatible Inverter/Battery can deliver real, measurable results:

• Automated optimisation of solar and battery resources
• Access to wholesale prices through LocalVolts
• Eligibility for government rebates (NSW & SA) on top of Federal incentives 

What’s Next

Tim has recognised that a household solar and battery system with Powston + Localvolts is capable of delivering real value, and he is leveraging the Cheaper Home Batteries Program to increase his battery capacity to 51.2 kWh. 

Tim says: “Using Powstons Intelligent Battery control has enabled me to get more out of my Inverter/Battery System than I realised was possible when I first bought it - all while sticking within the product warranty guidelines. Paired with LocalVolts, I have been able to significantly reduce my bills, and at times receive a credit at the end of the month”

Key Takeaway

Tim’s story highlights how combining Powston’s intelligent control, LocalVolts’ wholesale trading access, and reliable battery technology can unlock hundreds of dollars in savings per quarter—while future-proofing against rising energy costs.

If you’re a homeowner with a battery system, you may already be eligible for NSW or SA rebates, plus additional Federal incentives.

Contact Powston or LocalVolts today to check your eligibility.