Time-of-use tariffs and the Solar Sharer offer: when to run your appliances

What you pay for electricity can depend on when you use it. Knowing which hours are cheap on your plan, and which appliances you can move, is one of the few ways to cut a bill without buying anything.

How time-of-use pricing works

Energy Made Easy, run by the Australian Energy Regulator, explains that time-of-use plans charge different rates at different times of day. The exact hours vary by retailer and network, and they’re set out in your plan’s Basic Plan Information Document.

Two other tariffs show up on bills:

• Controlled load: a separate, cheaper rate for appliances on their own circuit, such as some electric hot water systems. In Queensland it’s often Tariff 31 or 33.
• Demand tariffs: add a charge based on your highest power draw (in kW) at busy times, so running many appliances at once costs more. They usually need a smart meter.

A single-rate plan charges the same at all times and doesn’t need a smart meter. It can suit households that use most of their power on weekday evenings.

The Solar Sharer offer

The Solar Sharer offer is a regulated plan that gives three free hours of electricity every day. Here are the details from Energy Made Easy:

Retailers with more than 1,000 customers in those regions have to offer it, but you won’t be moved onto it automatically. Ask your retailer. The energy.gov.au Solar Sharer page has more background.

Which appliances to move

Big, flexible loads make the most difference. With a timer or a delay-start button, you can move:

• washing machines, dryers and dishwashers
• pool pumps
• electric hot water, especially a heat pump (see heat pump vs solar hot water)
• EV charging
• pre-heating or pre-cooling the house before the evening peak.

On a time-of-use plan, move them out of the weekday evening peak. On the Solar Sharer offer or with rooftop solar, move them into the middle of the day.

Will it save you money? Check in four steps

1. Find your usage pattern. Your smart meter data, available from your retailer or distributor, shows when you use power. Our guide to reading your bill explains the rest.
2. Compare plans on Energy Made Easy using your NMI, which brings in your last 12 months of usage.
3. Look at the rates outside the cheap or free hours, and the daily supply charge, not just the headline.
4. Be realistic about what you’ll actually move. A plan only saves money if your habits change.

This guide is general information, not financial or legal advice. Rules, rebates and prices change, so check the linked sources before you decide. Facts checked 18 October 2026.