Glossary of Electricity Terms

Shoulder Usage is electricity used between Peak and Off-Peak periods on plans with a time of use (TOU) tariff. Shoulder rates are lower than Peak rates but higher than Off-Peak rates.

A digital electricity meter that automatically records your electricity use and supports Time of Use and Demand Tariffs. Many Smart Meters communicate usage back to the retailer, removing the need for physical meter read and also enabling customers to access better information about their electricity use.

Solar PV refers to a solar photovoltaic system that uses a series of panels to convert light energy into electricity. Not to be confused with solar hot water systems that use encased copper pipes or evacuated tubes to use heat from the sun to heat hot water.

The Solar Sharer Offer (SSO) is a regulated Time of Use tariff available in NSW, South East Queensland and South Australia. It includes three hours of free electricity each day, with higher rates at other times and a daily fair-use limit during the free period. Households considering this tariff should aim to shift their power use into the free period.

A Standing Offer is the default electricity plan provided by your retailer if you haven’t chosen a Market Offer. It provides regulated pricing and customer protections. Retailers may move customers on Market Offer to a Standing Offer at the end of their market offer benefit period.

Super Off-Peak is a very low-cost electricity period offered on some Time of Use plans, including “free electricity” plans. It’s commonly designed to encourage EV charging or shifting electricity use.

The fixed daily charge you pay for being connected to the electricity network, regardless of how much electricity you use.