What is Jemena's solar export limit?

Jemena's standard export limit for single-phase residential connections is 5 kW — consistent with the Victorian DNSP standard. For three-phase connections, higher limits may be available. Systems above 5 kW must be configured with an export power limiting function. Some parts of Jemena's network — particularly in older inner northwest Melbourne suburbs — may have network constraints that result in lower effective hosting capacity.

Can solar customers participate in VPPs through Jemena's network?

Yes. Jemena's network supports VPP (Virtual Power Plant) participation — customers with solar and battery storage can participate in VPPs operated by energy retailers or aggregators (such as Origin, AGL, or specialist VPP operators). VPP participation is not a Jemena-specific programme — it is managed between the customer, their battery system, and the VPP operator. Jemena's role is ensuring the network connection meets the technical requirements for VPP-capable systems, which typically includes smart meter installation and appropriate inverter/battery specifications.

Does Victoria have a minimum feed-in tariff?

Yes. The Essential Services Commission (ESC) sets Victoria's minimum feed-in tariff annually. The rate reflects the wholesale market value of exported solar energy. For 2025–26, check the current ESC determination for the exact rate. Some retailers offer premium rates above the minimum. Victoria also has a flat minimum feed-in tariff to ensure all solar customers receive a base export payment regardless of retailer.

Jemena Solar Connection Guide: Victoria

Q: What areas does Jemena serve?

Jemena's electricity network covers approximately 360,000 customers in the northwest suburbs of Melbourne. Key areas include Essendon, Moonee Ponds, Coburg, Brunswick, Airport West, Tullamarine, Keilor, Sunbury, Gisborne, Romsey, and extending into the Macedon Ranges and Sunbury growth corridor. Jemena is one of five Victorian electricity distribution businesses — other Melbourne suburbs are served by CitiPower (inner Melbourne), Powercor (western VIC), AusNet (eastern VIC), and United Energy (southeast Melbourne).

Jemena is one of five electricity distribution businesses serving Melbourne and Victoria. Its northwest Melbourne network covers a mix of established inner suburbs (Essendon, Coburg, Brunswick) and growing outer areas (Sunbury, Gisborne) — a typical mix of older housing stock with varied rooftop suitability and newer estates with strong solar uptake.

DNSP

Jemena

Territory

Northwest Melbourne — Essendon, Coburg, Brunswick, Sunbury, Gisborne, Macedon Ranges

Export Limit (Single-Phase)

5 kW

Smart Meter

Most properties already have smart meters (VIC early rollout)

VPP Support

Network supports VPP participation with compatible battery/inverter systems

Application Portal

jemena.com.au

Jemena’s Network Territory

Jemena serves approximately 360,000 customers across northwest metropolitan Melbourne and into the growth corridors beyond:

Inner northwest Melbourne: Essendon, Moonee Ponds, Coburg, Brunswick, Pascoe Vale
Middle northwest: Tullamarine, Airport West, Keilor, Deer Park, Sunshine (partly)
Outer northwest and growth corridors: Sunbury, Diggers Rest, Macedon Ranges, Gisborne, Romsey, Lancefield

Boundary with other distributors: Jemena shares boundaries with CitiPower (inner Melbourne), Powercor (western suburbs and beyond Melton), and AusNet (northern suburbs). The Flemington/Kensington area and central Melbourne are CitiPower; areas beyond Bacchus Marsh are Powercor.

Technical Requirements

Inverter standard: AS 4777.2:2020 with CEC-approved inverter list. Standard settings (no Jemena-specific non-default settings required for typical residential connections).

Export limit of 5 kW: Consistent with all Victorian DNSPs. For systems above 5 kW, export limiting must be configured before commissioning.

Smart meters in Victoria: Victoria was the first Australian state to complete a statewide smart meter rollout (completed around 2013). Most Jemena customers already have a smart meter that records 30-minute interval data. For solar installations, the existing smart meter should be confirmed as bi-directional (able to record export as well as import) — most Victorian smart meters installed as part of the state rollout have this capability.

Victoria’s Solar Incentives

Victoria Solar Homes Program: The Victorian Government operates the Solar Homes Program, providing:

Interest-free loans for solar PV installation (repaid through electricity bills)
Interest-free loans for battery storage
Solar hot water rebates

Eligibility and available funding vary — check Solar Victoria (solar.vic.gov.au) for current programme status and availability. The Solar Homes Program is one of the most generous state solar incentive programmes in Australia and has driven significant uptake in Jemena’s territory.

VEU (Victorian Energy Upgrades): The Victorian Energy Upgrades scheme provides incentives for energy-efficient upgrades. While not directly a solar scheme, VEU includes some battery storage upgrades and solar hot water upgrades.

Minimum feed-in tariff: The Essential Services Commission sets the minimum feed-in tariff. For 2025–26, check the current ESC determination. Some retailers offer higher rates.

VPP Participation in Jemena’s Territory

Jemena’s network supports Virtual Power Plant (VPP) participation. Key VPPs active in Melbourne include Origin’s Maximiser programme, AGL’s VPP offering, Reposit Power, and various energy retailer-operated aggregator programmes.

For installers, VPP-capable battery systems (those compatible with aggregator programmes) are a selling point in Jemena’s territory. The Solar Homes Program battery loans fund systems that can participate in VPPs, giving customers an additional revenue stream from their battery.

Design Northwest Melbourne Solar Projects with Jemena-Ready Documentation

SurgePV generates AS 4777.2-compliant single-line diagrams and system specifications for Jemena connection applications, with Solar Homes Program financial modelling for Victorian customer proposals.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What areas does Jemena serve?

Northwest Melbourne suburbs: Essendon, Coburg, Brunswick, Tullamarine, Sunbury, Gisborne, and surrounding growth corridors.

What is the export limit?

5 kW single-phase — standard across all Victorian DNSPs.

Does my property already have a smart meter?

Most Victorian properties do — the statewide rollout was completed around 2013. Confirm the existing meter is bi-directional with your electricity retailer.

Can I participate in a VPP?

Yes — with a compatible battery system. VPPs are managed by energy retailers and aggregators, not by Jemena directly.