POWER UP YOUR PROFITS & PURPOSE WITH PEER-TO-PEER ENERGY TRADING
Join the energy revolution with Jousto. Buy and sell electricity directly with other businesses and prosumers, slash your energy costs, and champion sustainability – even if you don't have solar panels.
THE NEW ENERGY FRONTIER: P2P TRADING EXPLAINED
WHAT IS PEER-TO-PEER ENERGY TRADING?
Peer-to-Peer (P2P) energy trading is revolutionising how businesses interact with electricity. Often described as the "Uber or Airbnb of energy," it creates a direct marketplace where businesses and individuals can buy and sell electricity between each other, bypassing traditional retailers as the sole intermediary.
With P2P trading, businesses with solar panels (prosumers) can sell their excess energy at better rates than standard feed-in tariffs. Meanwhile, businesses without solar can purchase locally-generated renewable energy, often at prices lower than standard retail rates.
This democratised approach puts you in control – you decide who you buy from, who you sell to, and at what price. It's a fundamental shift from being a passive energy consumer to becoming an active participant in a dynamic, local energy marketplace.
And the best part? You don't need to have solar panels to participate and benefit.
HOW P2P ENERGY TRADING WORKS WITH JOUSTO
Through our strategic partnership with Localvolts, Jousto makes P2P energy trading simple, accessible, and highly beneficial for your business.
P2P energy trading creates a direct marketplace between energy producers and consumers.
JOIN THE MARKETPLACE
Jousto helps your business register with Localvolts, an authorised electricity retailer with a transparent P2P marketplace. We handle the paperwork and technical setup, making onboarding seamless.
SET YOUR PREFERENCES
With Jousto's guidance, establish your buying or selling preferences. Choose specific trading partners, set price points, or opt for automatic optimisation to always get the best rates.
TRADE ENERGY
Buy energy directly from local solar producers or sell your excess generation. Every 5-minute interval, the platform matches buyers and sellers based on preferences, with the wholesale market as a backup.
OPTIMISE WITH AUTOMATION
Jousto's energy automation systems can dynamically adjust your consumption, storage, or generation in response to real-time market signals, maximising your financial benefits without manual intervention.
BENEFITS FOR EVERY BUSINESS
Whether you have solar panels or not, P2P energy trading offers significant advantages for your business.
REDUCE ENERGY COSTS
Access potentially lower energy rates by buying directly from local generators or the wholesale market. If you have solar, sell your excess at better prices than standard feed-in tariffs, creating a new revenue stream.
ENHANCE SUSTAINABILITY
Source renewable energy directly from local producers, reducing your carbon footprint and enhancing your ESG credentials. Demonstrate your commitment to sustainability with verifiable, traceable green energy procurement.
GAIN CONTROL & TRANSPARENCY
Take control of your energy procurement with complete visibility of pricing, sources, and usage patterns. Set your own prices for buying or selling, and access detailed analytics on your energy performance.
STRENGTHEN COMMUNITY TIES
Support local businesses and community members by trading energy within your network. Create meaningful connections and keep energy expenditure circulating in your local economy.
INCREASE ENERGY RESILIENCE
Reduce dependence on traditional energy retailers and volatile markets. Diversify your energy sources and gain greater stability in your energy supply and costs.
ACCESS MARKET INTELLIGENCE
Gain insights into energy market trends and patterns through detailed analytics. Make informed decisions about energy usage, procurement, and investment based on real data.
P2P TRADING BENEFITS: WITH OR WITHOUT SOLAR
P2P energy trading offers distinct yet complementary advantages for all businesses, regardless of whether you generate your own power.
| P2P Feature | Benefits If You HAVE Solar | Benefits If You DON'T Have Solar |
|---|---|---|
| Direct Energy Sales | Sell surplus energy at potentially higher rates than standard Feed-in Tariffs; create a new revenue stream. | Opportunity to become a preferred buyer for local generators, fostering stable supply relationships. |
| Local Energy Purchasing | Supplement your own generation during shortfalls by sourcing from other local P2P sellers at better rates than grid import. | Access locally generated renewable energy directly from community members or other businesses, often at costs lower than traditional retail tariffs. |
| Price Control | Set your own selling price for surplus energy, optimising returns based on market conditions. | Negotiate or select buy prices from P2P sellers; gain more control over energy expenditure and hedge against retail price volatility. |
| ESG Enhancement | Demonstrate leadership in clean energy generation and proactive participation in the shared energy economy. | Verifiably source local renewable energy, reduce your carbon footprint, and showcase commitment to local community and sustainable practices. |
| Community Connection | Become a local energy provider, supporting neighbours and other local businesses with your clean energy. | Directly support local renewable energy generators, strengthening local economic ties and community resilience. |
THE JOUSTO & LOCALVOLTS PARTNERSHIP
A POWERFUL ALLIANCE FOR YOUR ENERGY SUCCESS
Jousto has partnered with Localvolts, an Australian-owned, authorised electricity retailer that operates a transparent peer-to-peer electricity marketplace. This strategic collaboration combines Localvolts' innovative trading platform with Jousto's expertise in energy management and automation.
Localvolts provides the marketplace where you can buy and sell electricity, set your own prices, and choose your trading partners. Their platform offers complete transparency, with all charges and earnings passed through without markup.
Jousto enhances this experience by:
- Conducting comprehensive energy audits to identify P2P opportunities
- Providing strategic advice on optimal trading approaches
- Configuring your buy and sell preferences to align with your business objectives
- Implementing energy automation solutions that dynamically respond to market signals
- Offering ongoing support and optimisation to maximise your benefits
Together, we deliver a seamless, end-to-end P2P energy trading solution that makes sophisticated energy management accessible and beneficial for your business.
P2P ENERGY TRADING IN ACTION
Discover how different businesses and communities are leveraging P2P energy trading to achieve their goals.
MULTI-TENANT BUILDINGS
Building owners with rooftop solar can sell energy directly to their tenants. This provides tenants with access to cheaper, green energy and allows the building owner to recoup their solar investment more effectively.
Learn More
BUSINESS-TO-BUSINESS TRADING
Businesses with large solar installations can sell excess energy to neighbouring businesses with limited roof space or higher energy demands, creating localised industrial energy ecosystems.
Learn More
COMMUNITY ENERGY PROJECTS
Community energy initiatives can use P2P trading to allow members to directly trade their share of generated energy or for the project to sell surplus to the wider local community or businesses.
Learn MoreFREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
No, you don't need solar panels to participate! While businesses with solar can sell their excess energy, any business can join as a buyer. Through platforms like Localvolts, you can purchase energy directly from local solar producers, often at rates more competitive than standard retail tariffs. This gives all businesses access to potentially cheaper, greener energy without the upfront investment in solar infrastructure.
P2P energy trading utilises the existing electricity grid infrastructure for the physical delivery of energy. When you buy energy from another participant, the electricity still flows through the traditional grid network. What changes is the commercial arrangement – instead of purchasing exclusively from a retailer, you're buying directly from other generators.
Localvolts, as an authorised electricity retailer, manages all the necessary interactions with the grid operators and market systems, ensuring compliance with regulations while enabling the peer-to-peer transactions. Network charges (the cost of using the grid) are transparently passed through to participants.
Localvolts operates on a transparent fee structure based on your business's annual imported energy consumption. For business customers in South Australia, the daily fees (inclusive of GST) are:
- Category 1 (Up to 40 MWh/year): $1.32 per day
- Category 2 (>40 MWh to 100 MWh/year): $2.42 per day
- Category 3 (>100 MWh to 160 MWh/year): $3.52 per day
- Category 4 (>160 MWh/year): $3.52 per day, plus 1% of the value of the imported energy
These are platform access fees; the actual cost of energy consumed will depend on the prices achieved in P2P trades or the wholesale spot market. All other charges (like network fees) are passed through without markup. Jousto can help you understand these costs in the context of your specific business and calculate the potential net savings.
Jousto enhances your P2P trading experience in several key ways:
- Energy Audits & Strategy: We analyse your current energy usage patterns and develop a tailored P2P strategy that aligns with your business objectives.
- Platform Setup & Configuration: We handle the technical aspects of joining Localvolts and configure your buying or selling preferences for optimal results.
- Intelligent Automation: Our energy automation systems can dynamically adjust your consumption, storage, or generation in response to real-time market signals, maximising financial benefits without requiring constant manual oversight.
- Ongoing Optimisation: We continuously monitor your P2P performance and refine your strategy as market conditions or your business needs evolve.
- Education & Support: We demystify the P2P process, providing clear explanations and responsive support throughout your journey.
Essentially, Jousto transforms what could be a complex technical undertaking into a straightforward, managed service that delivers tangible benefits for your business.
Yes, Localvolts operates as an authorised electricity retailer serving residential and business customers across multiple states, including South Australia, New South Wales, Queensland, the Australian Capital Territory, and Tasmania.
Jousto's P2P energy trading services are available to businesses throughout these regions, with particular expertise in the South Australian market. The specific regulatory frameworks and network tariffs may vary slightly between states, but the core benefits of P2P trading are accessible across these territories.
If you're interested in P2P trading for your business, contact Jousto for a consultation specific to your location and circumstances.
READY TO REVOLUTIONISE YOUR BUSINESS ENERGY?
Take the first step towards a smarter, more efficient, and more rewarding energy future. Contact Jousto today for a personalised consultation.
CONTACT JOUSTO
Our team is ready to answer your questions and help you explore how P2P energy trading can benefit your business.
Phone:
0489 261 333
Email:
Visit Us (By Appointment):
185 Morphett St, Adelaide
Service Area:
Our SME division services South Australia.
Ready to get started?
Book your free consultation with our P2P energy experts today.
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Save on Power: Energy Tips for Aussie Small Businesses
Small businesses in Australia are grappling with rising electricity prices, and a surprising number are overpaying for power unnecessarily. Much of this stems from staying on default electricity contracts known as Standing Offers, misunderstanding complex tariff structures, and not utilising energy-saving strategies or technology. Fortunately, these challenges are solvable.
By taking charge—through regular comparison of energy plans, conducting energy audits, investing in energy-efficient upgrades, and exploring innovative tools like Jousto—businesses can reduce their electricity bills and boost their bottom line. This blog dives into the core reasons for overpayment and outlines practical, actionable solutions tailored to the unique needs of Australian small businesses.
The Challenge: Rising Energy Costs and Small Business Vulnerability
The rising cost of living in Australia isn’t just affecting households—small businesses are equally burdened. Electricity costs have become a critical operational expense, eating into profit margins and challenging long-term viability.
In many industries, electricity expenses now outweigh fuel and stock costs, making power prices a top priority. What’s more troubling is that many business owners are unaware they’re overpaying by hundreds or even thousands of dollars a year due to avoidable factors. This blog will uncover those causes and present a clear roadmap to reverse the trend.
Why Are Australian Small Businesses Overpaying for Power?
The Trap of Standing Offers
One of the biggest contributors to inflated energy bills is the Standing Offer—a default plan assigned when businesses fail to negotiate or renew their energy contracts. These rates are typically higher than Market Offers, yet over 147,000 small businesses remain on them.
Regulated prices such as the Default Market Offer (DMO) and Victorian Default Offer (VDO) serve as price ceilings but often don’t represent the best deal available. Many businesses get stuck on these plans after:
Moving premises
Letting an old contract expire
Never comparing options to begin with
This complacency leads to overspending, as retailers rarely offer their best deals to passive customers.
Tariff Complexity and Demand Charges
Electricity billing is notoriously confusing. Between flat rates, time-of-use tariffs, and demand charges, it’s difficult for business owners to know what they’re really paying for. Of particular concern are demand charges—fees based on your peak energy usage in a billing cycle, not your overall consumption.
This means a short period of high usage can trigger hefty fees, even if your overall energy use is modest. Many businesses don’t even realise they’re on a tariff with demand charges or how they can be avoided.
Market Volatility and Regulatory Changes
Australia’s energy market is subject to global fuel prices, domestic supply issues, and regulatory changes. The cost of updating poles, wires, and integrating renewables into the grid is frequently passed on to consumers, causing unpredictable bill increases.
Though regulators cap prices with the DMO and VDO, these are not guaranteed to be affordable—only a reference point, not a bargain.
The Loyalty Penalty
Another trap is the so-called "loyalty penalty", where customers who stay with the same provider often pay more than new customers. Discounts and incentives are routinely reserved for new sign-ups, leaving long-term clients with outdated and expensive plans.
Factors Like Size, Location, and Operating Hours
Other contributing variables include:
Business size – larger operations naturally consume more
Location – different regions have different network tariffs
Hours of operation – businesses that run during peak times face higher charges
Understanding these unique conditions is essential for tailoring the right cost-saving strategy.
How to Reduce Electricity Costs: A Guide for Small Businesses
Compare and Switch Energy Plans Regularly
The most straightforward cost-saving step? Stop accepting the default. Use government comparison websites like:
Victorian Energy Compare
These platforms allow you to compare plans based on your actual usage. The average small business can save up to $1,160 per year by switching to a better Market Offer.
Tip: Set a calendar reminder to compare plans once a year.
Conduct an Energy Audit
An energy audit helps identify inefficiencies in your business. Auditors will:
Analyse past bills
Examine lighting, HVAC systems, and appliances
Recommend changes based on your operations
Government grants and rebates are often available to subsidise audit costs. The long-term savings can be substantial, especially when inefficiencies go unnoticed for years.
Invest in Energy-Efficient Equipment and Infrastructure
Some of the highest ROI upgrades include:
LED lighting (up to 75% more efficient)
High-efficiency HVAC systems
Energy-rated refrigerators and appliances
Smart thermostats and timers
Insulation and draught sealing
Many of these qualify for tax deductions under the Small Business Energy Incentive, making the upfront investment more affordable.
Install Solar Power and Battery Storage
Australia’s solar conditions are ideal, and the cost of solar panels has dropped significantly. For small businesses:
Rooftop solar can slash daytime electricity usage
Battery storage allows usage of solar energy at night or during peak times
Feed-in tariffs may provide additional income
Federal and state governments regularly offer solar rebates and incentives, making this option increasingly attractive.
Optimise Tariffs and Manage Demand
Understand your usage patterns. If your peak usage is predictable, consider:
Time-of-use tariffs if you can shift work to off-peak hours
Load shifting to reduce demand charges (e.g., staggering equipment start times)
Staff education to reduce energy waste
Even small behaviour changes can reduce demand charges, often the most punishing part of your bill.
Utilise Government Incentives and Grants
Stay informed about:
The Small Business Energy Incentive (bonus tax deductions)
State-based rebate schemes
Energy audit subsidies
These schemes can cover a significant portion of your upgrade or audit costs. Check your local government’s website or contact an energy broker for up-to-date information.
Engage an Energy Broker
Energy brokers can:
Compare dozens of retailers on your behalf
Negotiate custom pricing
Help switch providers with minimal hassle
They understand tariff structures and market trends, saving you time and ensuring you’re not missing better deals.
Implement Low-Cost or No-Cost Changes
Small changes can add up:
Turn off appliances when not in use
Use energy-saving modes on electronics
Adjust thermostats by 1–2 degrees
Maintain equipment to ensure efficiency
Maximise use of natural light
These practices require no capital investment but can cut electricity usage by 5–15%.
Consider GreenPower for Sustainability
If your business is committed to sustainability, GreenPower allows you to:
Purchase energy from 100% renewable sources
Reduce carbon footprint
Appeal to environmentally conscious customers
Though slightly more expensive, the brand credibility and customer trust it builds can be worth the investment.
Jousto: Smart Energy Management for Modern Small Businesses
What is Jousto?
Jousto is a smart energy management platform designed for small businesses. It offers:
Real-time tracking of energy usage at appliance-level
Automation to optimise usage around wholesale energy pricing
Peak usage insights to help manage demand charges
Solar optimisation tools for businesses with rooftop systems
For businesses in short-term rentals (Airbnb, etc.), Jousto can automate control of appliances across multiple tenants and ensure energy use is tracked and minimised.
How Jousto Compares to Traditional Solutions
By automating the optimisation of energy usage and offering deep insights, Jousto acts as a digital energy manager, helping businesses save money without extra staff or time.
Actionable Checklist: What You Can Do Today
Conclusion: Regaining Control Over Energy Costs
Electricity costs no longer need to be a fixed burden for Australian small businesses. With the right strategies in place—regular plan comparisons, strategic investments, behavioural changes, and smart technology like Jousto—it’s possible to dramatically reduce power bills.
What’s critical is taking that first proactive step. Review your current energy plan today, and start exploring the many opportunities available. The savings aren’t just financial—they’re a competitive advantage that can set your business apart in a tough economic landscape.
Take Control of Your Business Energy with Jousto
If you’re ready to stop overpaying and start optimising your energy use, Jousto offers the tools and services to make it happen. Whether you want to manage your energy actively or leave it to the experts, there’s a solution tailored to your business needs.
Based in South Australia? Discover how Jousto helps businesses in your area cut power bills and maximise efficiency with localised support.
👉 Explore commercial energy services in AdelaidePrefer a hands-off approach? Jousto’s “Do It For Me” service automates everything—tracking usage, adjusting appliance schedules, and slashing unnecessary costs.
👉 Let Jousto manage your energy for youWant to dive deeper into what Jousto can do? From real-time energy tracking to solar optimisation and demand charge management, Jousto makes energy smarter and more affordable.
👉 See how Jousto can help your business
Don’t let high electricity bills hold your business back. Take control today—with Jousto.
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