This page provides more information about Demand tariffs.
What are the time periods associated with my demand tariff?
To find out more about the charging periods for your distribution zone, see below. If you'd like to find out more about demand tariffs, there's more information at the bottom of this page.
In Ausgrid, demand tariffs were originally introduced on 1 July 2019. Ausgrid are slowly migrating customers onto this network tariff as and when there is a change in circumstance at the property for example a meter needs to be upgraded to a smart meter.
Peak demand period
3pm to 9pm weekdays from 1 Nov to 31 Mar (Summer Months) and 1 Jun to 31 Aug (Winter Months)
No demand charges during other months
In Energex, demand tariffs were introduced to customers on 1st July 2021. Energex are slowly migrating customers onto this network tariff as and when there is a change in circumstance at the property for example a meter needs to be upgraded to a smart meter.
Peak demand period
Peak demand is charged between 4pm - 9pm every day.
What is a demand tariff?
A demand tariff is a pricing structure that includes a "demand charge" for your use of the electricity network.
A demand charge on your electricity bill is calculated based on your household’s demand on the network (i.e. the poles and wires) i.e how much energy you use during a specified time period.
If you are on a demand pricing plan, you'll need to know:
- When the peak demand window applies; and,
- How the demand charge is calculated.
How is the demand charge calculated?
We take the one day of the month when the highest 30-minute period of consumption occurs during that day’s peak demand window. It’s measured in kilowatts and then multiplied by the total number of days in that month.
Demand charge = Max demand during demand window (kW) x charge ($) x days in billing period (day)
For example, if your maximum energy usage during the demand window (4pm and 9pm) is 0.676 kWh (which is for example recorded at 6 - 6:30pm) then to work out the maximum demand, you take that maximum energy used during the 30 minute window and multiply that by 2 to convert it from kWh to kW.
Max demand = 0.676kWh x 2 = 1.352 kW
Therefore, the demand charge for the month of May will be:
Demand charge = 1.352kW x $0.0834317 x 31 days = $3.50
Is there a reference price to compare against?
No, demand tariffs do not have reference prices.