Looking to compare small business Solar Sponge Plans?
In 2020, some electricity networks in NSW and Queensland introduced “solar sponge” tariffs for small businesses. These encourage users to ‘soak up’ cheaper power during the day when there is an abundance of solar energy. So these Time Of Use tariffs come with an off-peak period in the middle of the day – from 10am-3pm or even longer.
Solar sponge tariffs can offer substantial savings for non-solar businesses as well as some solar businesses, who can take advantage of the low electricity rates in the middle of the day. We’ve summarised the energy plans currently in New South Wales and Queensland.
Do you need a new meter?
If you have solar, you should already have an interval or smart meter that measures your energy usage in 30 minute increments and you can ask your existing or new retailer to switch to these tariffs. If you only have an accumulation meter, then you will need to contact your retailer to have your meter upgraded. This new meter will likely be a smart meter which updates your usage (and solar export) daily to your retailer, removing the need for meter readers to read your meter every quarter and also giving you access to more detailed usage and solar export data in the retailers online portal.
Want to find the best deals for you?
Low usage rates are important, but to find the best deal for your homes unique energy use, you’ll want to see the cheapest combination of rates, daily charges, controlled load rates and feed-in tariffs (if you have solar). We make it easy to get it right when you compare with WATTever’s comprehensive electricity comparison. You’ll see a personalised cost ranking of all publicly listed electricity plans, based on your energy use to help you make serious savings. We include all retailers, tariff types, discounts, solar feed-in tariffs, input for concessions and more. For extra tips check out our essential guide to comparing electricity properly.
Select your State/Territory:
Solar Sponge Time Of Use 2 Rate small business tariff (N91) plans for the Endeavour Energy network (Western Sydney, Blue Mountains, Southern Highlands and Illawarra)
TOU Periods: High-Season Peak (Nov to Mar) = 4pm-8pm weekdays exc. Public Holidays, Low-Season Peak (Apr to Oct) = 4pm-8pm weekdays exc. Public Holidays, Off-Peak = all other times
Solar Sponge Time Of Use small business tariff (6800) plans for the Energex Network (South East Queensland)
TOU Periods: Off-Peak = 9am-4pm, Shoulder = 9pm to 9am and Peak = 4pm-9pm
Solar Sponge Time Of Use small business tariff (22B) plans for the Ergon Energy Network (Regional Queensland)
TOU Periods: Off-Peak = 9am-4pm, Shoulder = 9pm to 9am and Peak = 4pm-9pm
^ Rates shown include GST and all available discounts. Plans are updated weekly from retailer’s Basic Plan Information Documents (BPIDs)/Energy Price Fact Sheets
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