“We have introduced Time of Use (TOU) tariff options that remove complexity for retailers and businesses,” said Joe Caruso, Customer Manager at SA Power Networks.
“We have shrunk the peak period and our demand tariffs will be based on average rather than maximum demand – which we think is fairer.
“Most small businesses are on the Small Business Actual demand tariff (SBD), which we have closed to new customers,” Joe said.
“We believe most existing SBD customers should move to a different energy plan to take advantage of the savings available. We highly recommend customers talk with their retailer about moving to an energy-only or TOU network tariff.”
The small business TOU tariff has three pricing periods in summer to encourage behavioural changes to help shift loads from peak periods of use.
The two main options for smaller business customers are the energy only tariff which has no demand component, or TOU (with or without demand). These have not had the increase in the supply charge that has been applied to the SBD tariff.
“As with most change, there will be a few businesses who will pay more, and we have a transition option in place to assist these customers, Joe said.”
A small number of customers may find, upon review with their retailer, to stay on the SBD tariff if it works best for their load profile.
The South Australian Business Chamber members who are designated large market customers (>160,000kWhrs pa) have an option to move to an annual demand tariff or a new monthly demand tariff. Again, they should speak to their retailer to effect the change in the Network tariff.
To find out more, download the Fact Sheet here.
