Jargon lesson 2: Peak & Off Peak Part I

Your electricity bill may be charged at a single rate for all energy usage or split into peak and off peak rates. Each state has slightly different timing in terms of the peak usage. So how is your peak usage been calculated? As peak rate is more expensive, it can be handy to know when peak rate is applicable as this may help you to save money on your electricity bill by switching or changing your electricity usage from peak period to off peak period. For example, you may want to switch on your washer and dryer from 11pm onwards or use it over the weekend so your electricity consumption is charged at the lower off peak rate...

Electricity

All time usage measures electricity consumption 24 hours 7 days all year long. If you have permanent storage electricity water heater or space heating with a separate meter or time switch, then you may be charged anytime rate for your general lighting with off peak for your hot water and/or space heating. Of course, with the electricity water heater or space heating, you may also be charged at peak and off peak rates instead of all time usage with off peak depending on your meter type.

Victoria

For residential customers with peak and off peak rates, peak applies from 7am to 11pm (Eastern Standard Time) Monday to Friday and off peak applies all other times including all day Saturday and Sunday.

For commercial customers, you may also be charged a single all time usage rate or peak and off peak rates. There are 2 types of peak and off peak rates for commercial users. The peak period for the first type applies from 7am to 11pm (EST) Monday to Friday (5-day peak) and off peak applies to all other times. The second type of peak rate applies from 7am to 11pm (EST) Monday to Sunday (7-day peak) and off peak applies from 11pm to 7am (EST) everyday.

South Australia

Peak rate is charged for electricity consumed on business days between 7am to 9pm (Central
Standard Time). However, if your metering does not recognize or record specific days, then the peak rate applies from 7am to 9pm (CST) everyday. Off peak rate is charged to energy usage at all other times.

I will continue with New South Wales and gas in my next blog...