It was a decision driven by spite for Sydney man Peter Anderson. 

He was determined to buy a solar battery for his home so he could take money away from the big power companies, while never receiving a hefty power bill again. 

But his plan came unstuck after agreeing to participate in a so-called virtual power plant. 

Today, energy reporter David Mercer on Peter’s dilemma, how giving back to the grid really works and whether it’s worth it. 

First published 26 May, 2025

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Dan Mercer, ABC energy reporter