Late last year, the Clean Energy Finance Corporation (CEFC) announced further investment through the federal Household Energy Upgrades Fund (HEUF) — a national initiative designed to make solar, batteries and virtual power plant (VPP) technologies more affordable for households.
The CEFC’s $35 million investment in Starling Energy Group, which operates through its retail brand Plico, represents a major boost for household clean‑energy adoption. You may already recognise the name as Plico is one of Switch Your Thinking’s trusted providers in our Rewards for Residents program.
This significant investment places Plico alongside lenders such as CommBank, ING Australia and Westpac, who have also received HEUF support to help Australians upgrade their homes. But what makes Plico stand out is its end‑to‑end solar, battery and VPP service, covering system design, installation, finance, support and VPP integration through one streamlined offering. CEFC’s backing highlights the strength of this model and its growing importance in Australia’s clean‑energy future.
What is a Virtual Power Plant (VPP)?
A Virtual Power Plant (VPP) is a digitally connected network of energy assets in homes — such as rooftop solar and batteries — that work together to deliver reliable, sustainable power back to the grid.
Beyond financial investment, the announcement reinforces the vital role household‑level energy solutions play in national emissions reduction. Consumer energy resources including rooftop solar, home batteries and coordinated VPP systems help stabilise the grid and maximise the value of renewable energy. Without this coordination, the Australian Energy Market Operator estimates the grid would need around $4.1 billion in additional infrastructure to maintain reliability. VPPs like Plico’s reduce these costs by using energy resources already available in homes across the country, while providing financial rewards to participants.
For households, the benefits are substantial. Solar‑plus‑battery systems can significantly reduce reliance on the grid, provide resilience during peak demand, and lower energy bills. Starling Energy Group estimates that Plico customers save over $1,100 each year, with CEFC‑supported finance delivering an additional $130–$240 in yearly savings for a decade. With the latest investment, Plico can now pass reduced finance costs directly to its customers through its accessible weekly‑payment model.
Make the Most of the Plico Offer Through Switch Your Thinking
Switch Your Thinking is proud to partner with Plico through our Rewards for Residents program, helping households access discounted clean energy solutions, including solar and battery systems. With the CEFC’s new investment lowering finance costs further, now is an ideal time to explore how solar and battery technology can cut your energy bills and reduce your environmental impact.
Ready to take the next step in powering your home with clean energy? Explore our exclusive offers and start saving today.
To access the Plico offers, visit Rewards for Residents and select either Solar Battery Storage or Solar Panel Systems in the Current Offers menu.
