Tariffs? What the heck are they!? Well, they supply energy to your home. You have day and night flat rates that change depending on your energy supplier. Learn to save money on electricity by getting to know how Tariffs work and use them to your advantage.
WHAT IS TARIFF 11?
Tariff 11 is a general residential supply of tariff. This means that you have a day/night flat rate, PLUS daily charges from your energy supplier. Tariff 11 usage charges will be shown on your electricity bill. For further information regarding tariff 11, you can view QLD Government information page here. This page will provide a comprehensive rundown on electricity prices, tariffs and charges. You can compare your area energy offers here.
WHAT IS TARIFF 12A?
Tariff 12A is increased charge rates during seasonal peak times e.g. weekdays in summer may be higher and lower charges for off-peak times.
WHAT IS TARIFF 31 AND 33?
Tariffs 31 and 33 are utilized for hardwired appliances such as pool pumps, spas, and hot water systems. They have allocated tariff times each day and are generally reduced prices from tariff 11 due to these guidelines.
- Tariff 31 guarantees supply for 8 hours per day (10 pm – 7 am)
- Tariff 33 guarantees supply for 18 hours per day (4 pm – 8 pm)
To find out if you are eligible for energy concession rates click here.
For further Government information regarding electricity prices and supply, click here. You may need to contact your electricity provider to review their fees.
WHAT ARE ‘PEAK’, ‘SHOULDER’, AND ‘OFF-PEAK’ TARIFF TIMES?
- Peak—is usually the highest electricity rate. Peak rates usually apply in the evening Monday to Friday (around 4-9pm – when the network is most congested).
- Shoulder—electricity costs a bit less than peak. Shoulder rates usually apply in between peak and off-peak periods.
- Off-peak—when electricity is cheapest. Off-peak rates usually apply overnight and on weekends.
TYPICAL TARIFF TIMES:
HOW TO BE SAVVY WITH YOUR TARIFFS:
You can go on a time of use plan, where you can change your usage to off-peak times instead. To do this, you’ll need to invest in a smart or interval meter measuring electricity times. You can also just try and set your own electronic appliances to schedules e.g. washing machines, dishwasher, driers, heaters, etc.
IMPORTANT POINTS TO NOTE:
- Time of Use pricing tariffs is not available in all areas yet.
- You will only be able to search for flexible pricing tariff plans on Energy Made Easy if they are available in your area.
- Retailers will tell you the start and end times of the different periods for their time of use plans in the Basic Plan Information Document or on the retailer’s written summary of the plan.
(Australian Government, 2019)
REFERENCE
Australian Government. (2019, Jan). Time to checkout peak prices. Retrieved from Australian Government – Energy Made Easy: https://www.energymadeeasy.gov.au/hot-topics/time-checkout-peak-prices
