The rise of rooftop solar has helped drive down electricity costs for many Australians but the head of the energy market operator warns those still on the grid have been punished with higher prices.

"I am truly concerned over the issue of an economic bypass," Audrey Zibelman, the head of the Australian Energy Market Operator, said at a Centre for Independent Studies event this week.

Rooftop solar is paving the way for Australia's energy revolution but some of the most vulnerable are being left behind. Credit:Glenn Hunt

"We do not want to invite an economic bypass," she said, "creating the haves and the have-nots."

As electricity networks – the poles and wires – still require a fixed, per customer contribution to recover their capital, each electricity user is meant to pay an equal share. However, when people defect from the grid by installing rooftop solar it increases the proportional costs for those who still rely solely on grid power for their electricity.