Electricity tariffs

When you pick an electricity plan, you decide how you'll be billed for power. 

A plan may also be called an offer or contract. 

Your plan may include: 

• the price you pay for the electricity you use  
• a daily supply charge  
• discounts  
• other benefits. 

Smart meters are changing tariffs 

NSW aims for everyone to have a smart meter by 2030. 

A smart meter records how much electricity you use. 

It can also record when you use it. 

The data can be read remotely. 

Because smart meters record the time of use, retailers can offer different tariffs. 

A tariff is the way your electricity use is priced. 

Some tariffs charge different prices at different times of the day. 

This can depend on when energy demand is high. 

Customers can choose a tariff that suits how they use energy. 

This may help some people save money. 

Tariff types  

Flat tariff 

A flat tariff charges one rate for electricity use. The rate is the same at all times of the day. 

Time of Use tariff 

A Time of Use tariff charges different rates at different times. For example, electricity may cost more from 3 pm to 9 pm in summer and winter. It may cost less at other times. 

Demand tariff 

A demand tariff includes a charge based on your highest energy use during a set time. For example, it may look at how much energy you used in one 30-minute period. This amount is then used to work out an extra charge. 

Feed-in tariff 

A feed-in tariff is a price for electricity sent back to the grid. This may happen if you have solar panels. Retailers do not have to offer a feed-in tariff. If a plan includes solar conditions, the retailer must explain them. This may include price changes, charges or benefits. 

Export tariff

An export tariff applies when you send solar or battery energy from your home to the grid. It may apply after you pass a set limit. It may only apply at some times of the day or on some days of the week. An export rebate may also apply. This is a credit or payment for energy sent to the grid at certain times. 

Controlled load tariff 

A controlled load tariff is often used for large appliances. This may include: 

• hot water systems  
• air conditioners  
• pool pumps  
• underfloor heating. 

The electricity for these appliances is metered on its own. It is often used at times when energy demand is lower. This usually means the price is lower.

You can find out more in our What is my electricity tariff factsheet.