Tariff facts
Everything you need to know about residential tariff facts can be found here.
Fact sheets, case studies, comparisons and FAQs on the tariffs that matter to you. Find out if you can benefit by changing to a more efficient tariff.
Solar Soaker (Tariff 12E)
Solar Soaker (Tariff 12E) is a residential time of use tariff that's suitable for customers with a low percentage of usage in the 4pm to 9pm period. You don’t need solar panels to benefit from this tariff.
Steffanie, one of our local Energy Specialists from Townsville, shares how the Solar Soaker could possibly help lower your energy bills!
Transcript
Hey there! My name’s Steffanie and I’m an Energy Specialist for Ergon Energy Retail here in Townsville. Have you ever heard of the Solar Soaker? Nope, not a water toy - it’s one of our electricity tariffs we offer that could save you money! Solar Soaker is a time-of-use electricity tariff. And guess what? You don’t need solar panels to benefit from it! If you’re using most of your energy during the day or late at night – and not much between 4pm and 9pm – you’re in the sweet spot for savings. Unlike Tariff 11, which charges the same rate no matter when you use power, Solar Soaker gives you lower rates outside of peak times. And here’s the best part: the cheapest electricity is during off-peak hours – between 11am and 4pm. So, if you can shift your usage to that window, your wallet will thank you. That means smart energy habits = smaller bills! Do you do your laundry during the day? Set the dishwasher to run overnight? A-HA! If you switch to this tariff, you’re going to be soaking up the savings! Solar Soaker could be perfect for your home if you:
Got a smart meter? You’re ready to go! If not, don’t stress - you can get one installed for free (as long as your switchboard’s up to code). Visit ergon.com.au/smartmeters to learn more. So, ready to soak up the savings with Solar Soaker? Shift your habits, save some cash, and make your energy work smarter for you! Login or register for My Account, access Smart Meter Features to compare your tariffs, and switch to a tariff that will save you money today – at ergon.com.au/myaccount. |
How is Solar Soaker (Tariff 12E) different to Tariff 11?
Tariff 11 is a general usage tariff, where you are charged the same usage rate, regardless of when you consume energy.
On the other hand, Solar Soaker (Tariff 12E) is for customers with significant usage in the off peak /shoulder periods, and minimal usage in the peak period (4pm to 9pm, everyday). While customers with some peak usage can still save on Solar Soaker (Tariff 12E), the key is having significant usage in the off peak/ shoulder periods. The more usage in these periods, the more a customer will save compared with Tariff 11.
Is Solar Soaker (Tariff 12E) right for your residence?
Solar Soaker (Tariff 12E) suits households who:
- Have minimal usage during the peak period (4pm to 9pm every day).
- Can easily move their appliance usage from peak to day (off peak) and night (shoulder) times (e.g. laundry and dish-washing machines, electric ovens).
- May wish to put a timer on their hot water system to operate outside peak hours. If you don’t already have a timer, you can engage a qualified electrician to install one. Note: If your hot water system runs on Tariff 31 or 33, a timer isn’t required as the timing of electricity is controlled by Ergon Energy Network.
- Can ensure occupants in the household can commit to turning off / turning down/ or not use appliances during the peak period (e.g. use fan instead of the air conditioner).
- Do you have a smart meter? If yes, you can change to Solar Soaker (Tariff 12E) without a meter change. If no, you will need to upgrade to a smart meter. While there is no additional charge for a smart meter, your switchboard needs to be compliant in order for the meter change to take place.
Your electrical contractor can assist you in assessing your switchboard.
Tariff comparison
The table below shows the pricing differences between Tariff 11 and Solar Soaker (Tariff 12E). All rates include GST.
| Charge Type | Tariff 11 | Solar Soaker (Tariff 12E) |
|---|---|---|
| Supply charge per day ($) | $1.68842 | $1.48834 |
| All usage per kWh | $0.32973 | |
| Peak (c/kWh) 4pm to 9pm | $0.57363 | |
| Night (shoulder) (c/kWh) 9pm to 11am | $0.26375 | |
| Day (off peak) (c/kWh) 11am – 4pm | $0.07724 |
Case studies
Peak user
Mr and Mrs Jones have two children in a four bedroom house near Maryborough. As their house is insulated and they live in mild winter climate conditions, they use minimal overnight heating.
Mrs Jones was interested in moving to Solar Soaker (Tariff 12E), however the other family members were not prepared to change their equipment usage from peak to off peak and shoulder. For example, once the children are home, the air conditioning and entertainment appliances (multiple TVs, playstations) were used during the 4pm to 9pm period.
This meant the Jones', due to not being able to permanently shift load or change behaviour, are more suited to Tariff 11.
Day (off peak) and night (shoulder) user
Mr and Mrs Johnson also have two children plus their elderly parent living with them in a four-bedroom house near Toowoomba. Their house was built with climatic conditions in mind, which allowed them to use minimal air conditioning in the summer months, while centralised heating is used in the winter months from 9pm to 7am.
The Johnson’s are mindful of peak times and have set up timers are to activate the central heating during the off peak and shoulder times, with reduced usage during the peak periods. The children are often away with after school sports activities, meaning very little usage occurs between 4pm and 9pm (minimal cooking or washing clothes until later in the evening, as well as minimal air conditioning – set at 25C).
The Johnsons' therefore have minimal peak usage and significant off peak/shoulder usage, meaning they are well suited to save on Solar Soaker (Tariff 12E) compared to Tariff 11.