Media Release
Australian households with home battery systems have a new way to squeeze more value from their clean energy investments. Fox ESS has announced that selected customers can now connect their batteries to Origin Energy’s virtual power plant, opening the door to bill credits, smarter automation, and stronger grid support.
The partnership enables compatible Fox ESS systems to join Origin Loop VPP, a network that links thousands of home energy devices and orchestrates them as a single, flexible energy resource. For homeowners, that means their battery can work not only for their household, but also for the wider electricity grid when demand spikes.
Turning home batteries into grid assets
Virtual power plants are rapidly becoming a cornerstone of Australia’s evolving energy system. Instead of building more large power stations, utilities can draw on distributed batteries sitting in garages and utility rooms across the country.
Origin Loop VPP uses automated controls to manage participating batteries, charging them when renewable energy is abundant and exporting power when the grid needs support. Customers receive credits in return, effectively monetising energy they might otherwise store or export at lower feed-in tariffs.
Fox ESS customers in participating areas can now enrol and access Origin’s battery plans directly through this integration.
Chris Zondanos, General Manager of Electrify & New Connections at Origin, welcomed the collaboration.
“We’re delighted to be working with the team at Fox ESS. Their batteries have quickly become a popular choice in the Australian market, and this integration reflects our commitment to provide more options for our customers to get the best value.”
The move highlights a broader shift in the market. Batteries are no longer just backup devices. They are becoming active participants in energy trading, grid stability, and household savings strategies.
Three Origin battery plans with different approaches
Through the new integration, Fox ESS users can choose from three Origin battery offerings, each tailored to different preferences for automation, earnings, and control.
- Origin Battery Lite is positioned as an entry-level option. It offers up to $400 in value during the first year by paying $1 per kilowatt hour for energy exported during grid events, capped at 200 kWh annually.
- Origin Battery Maximiser is designed for customers who want the highest earning potential. It features uncapped exports with peak feed-in tariffs of 22 cents per kilowatt hour, with charging and exporting handled automatically by the VPP.
- Origin Battery Starter suits homeowners who prefer manual control and do not want their battery managed by a VPP. It offers uncapped exports with a peak feed-in tariff of 18 cents per kilowatt hour.
This tiered approach reflects the diversity of Australian households. Some want maximum automation and earnings, while others prioritise independence and control over their stored energy.
New hardware strengthens the offering
Fox ESS has also introduced its CQ6 High Voltage Battery, which complements the VPP partnership. The system features a modular design and higher energy density, allowing homeowners to scale storage capacity according to their needs and local incentive schemes.
Higher density means more storage in less physical space, which is increasingly important as households electrify appliances, vehicles, and heating. Modular architecture also allows systems to grow over time, reducing the risk of oversizing or undersizing at installation.
These capabilities align neatly with VPP participation. Larger or expandable batteries can export more energy during grid events, increasing potential returns for homeowners.
Rapid growth in the Australian market
Fox ESS has been expanding rapidly in Australia, strengthening service networks and improving compatibility with major VPP platforms. The company’s growth trajectory has been recognised by industry analysts.
Solar consultancy Sunwiz named Fox ESS the Top Growth Leader for 2025, reflecting strong adoption by installers and consumers alike.
Brooks Richard, APAC Managing Director of Fox ESS, emphasised the strategic importance of the Origin collaboration.
“Origin VPP represents a transformative step in the Australian energy landscape, combining versatility with a strong focus on customer needs. Its integration of weather intelligence, market insights, and real time energy optimisation aligns perfectly with Fox ESS’s high performance storage systems. Together, we are not only enabling Australian households to maximise the value of their solar and battery investments but also fostering a more resilient and sustainable energy future.”
His comments underline a key trend. Smart software is becoming just as important as hardware performance in modern energy systems.
What this means for Australian households
For homeowners already considering a battery, VPP compatibility is becoming a major decision factor. The ability to earn credits, reduce bills, and support grid reliability adds a financial layer beyond simple self-consumption.
For existing Fox ESS customers, the integration offers a straightforward upgrade path to additional savings without replacing equipment.
More broadly, the partnership demonstrates how distributed energy resources are reshaping Australia’s electricity system. Instead of passive consumers, households are becoming active energy participants, capable of generating, storing, and selling power.
As electrification accelerates and renewable penetration grows, flexible resources like home batteries will play a critical role in balancing supply and demand. Partnerships like this one help turn that vision into a practical reality.
