Economy tariffs

Economy tariffs are great for appliances like hot water systems and pool pumps that don't need a constant supply of power.

They're cheaper because the supply on these tariffs is interruptible and Ergon Energy Network controls the times when power is available. The times of day this will occur may change from day to day and vary in duration.

For appliances that you need power to be available on a constant basis or at a regular time each day, you may prefer to connect them to Tariff 11 which gives you power 24/7.

A licensed electrical contractor will be able to assist you with this.

Economy tariffs must be used in conjunction with a primary tariff at the same address (and NMI) and can't be used to run an entire household or business, except for business customers accessing primary controlled load tariffs (Tariff 34 or 60A) on approval from the distribution business.

Tariff 31 

This tariff is for electric hot water systems holding 250 litres or more, that only need to reheat at night.

Power is available for a minimum of 8 hours each day. The times when power is switched off may change from day to day and vary in duration. All rates include GST.

From 1 July 2024 - Current RateCOST
All usage per kWh$0.18944
Supply charge per day$0.03709
From 1 July 2023 - Previous RateCOST
All usage per kWh$0.20868
Supply charge per day$0.03724

Refer to our hot water sizing tables for more information on the size of hot water systems that can be run on Tariff 31.

Tariff 33

This tariff is most commonly used for pool pumps, electric hot water systems holding 125 litres or more, heat pump systems holding 270 litres or more and solar hot water systems holding 160 litres or more.

Power is available for a minimum of 18 hours each day. The times when power is switched off may change from day to day and vary in duration. All rates include GST.

From 1 July 2024 - Current RateCOST
All usage per kWh $0.21104
Supply charge per day $0.03709
From 1 July 2023 - Previous RateCOST
All usage per kWh $0.22561
Supply charge per day $0.03724

Refer to our hot water sizing tables for more information on the size of hot water systems that can be run on Tariff 33.

If you have air conditioners connected to Tariff 33, you may prefer to connect them to Tariff 11 which has a constant supply of power so you can choose when you run them.

Frequently asked questions

How can I run my appliances on an economy tariff?

To get your pool pump running on Tariff 33, or your hot water system on Tariff 31 or 33, contact a licensed electrical contractor to discuss your needs and arrange for any work to be completed.

Your electrical contractor will notify us when the changes have been made.

When I'm on an economy tariff, when will power be available?

Ergon Energy Network manages the hours of supply for these tariffs, which may be switched off at any time to manage electricity demand. Each day, Tariff 33 is available for at least 18 hours while Tariff 31 is available for at least 8 hours.  The times of day that power is available may change from day to day and vary in duration.