Amber Electric is an electricity provider that offers wholesale electricity pricing to consumers, often through a subscription model that includes a flat monthly fee. Reviews highlight both positives and negatives based on user experiences.

Positive Aspects

• Customers with solar panels and battery systems benefit significantly by using Amber’s smart algorithms (called SmartShift) to buy power when prices are low and sell stored energy back to the grid during price spikes, sometimes earning substantial credits instead of paying bills.
• The Amber app is appreciated for its ease of use and detailed real-time electricity pricing data, helping users manage their power consumption efficiently.
• Customer service is generally described as helpful and prompt.
• Amber promotes environmentally friendly power usage by encouraging consumption during low-demand periods when energy is greener.
• Many users with solar and battery setups report savings and even income generation from energy exports.

Challenges and Considerations

• Amber charges a subscription fee ($15 to $22/month typically) on top of electricity usage, which some find difficult to justify, especially if usage habits do not adjust.
• The wholesale pricing model means electricity prices can spike dramatically (sometimes up to $3 or even $17 per kWh), which can be financially risky without careful management.
• Low or negative feed-in tariffs for solar exports at times can reduce income for solar users.
• The pricing model suits disciplined users who can shift consumption and leverage batteries but may not be viable for everyone, especially those without solar or battery storage.
• Some users describe the pricing and usage adjustment as potentially stressful and complex, recommending Amber mainly for tech-savvy or well-equipped households.

Summary

Amber Electric is well reviewed by customers who have solar panels, battery storage, and the ability to shift electricity usage to benefit from wholesale pricing. It is considered a good option for environmentally conscious users looking to optimize energy costs and engage with cleaner energy. However, the risk of price spikes and the added subscription fee require careful consideration, making it less suitable for users seeking simplicity or who lack solar/battery infrastructure.