Navigating the complexities of electricity tariffs can be a challenge for residential customers in Queensland, especially when trying to optimise solar energy savings. This article aims to demystify the differences between Ergon Energy’s Tariff 11 and Tariff 12E (Solar Soaker), providing a clear comparison to help you make informed decisions about your electricity usage and potential bill reductions.
Overview of Tariff 11
Tariff 11 is the standard residential tariff offered by Ergon Energy, often considered the default or basic plan information for most households. It operates on a flat rate, meaning the price per kWh for electricity remains constant at 32.97 cents/kWh (excl GST) regardless of the time of day you consume power. This makes it a straightforward option for many customers, especially those without solar systems or those who prefer predictable energy costs throughout the day, providing a consistent charge for their electricity supply.
Overview of Tariff 12E
Tariff 12E, also known as the Solar Soaker, is a specialised tariff designed to encourage the use of solar power during off-peak periods, particularly when solar generation is at its highest. This tariff typically features a lower price of just 7.7 cents/ kWh during specific daytime hours (from 11AM to 4PM), rewarding residential customers who can shift their electricity usage, such as running air conditioning or other appliances, to coincide with their solar system’s peak output, potentially leading to substantial savings on their electricity bill.
Price Differences Between Tariff 11 and Tariff 12E
The primary distinction between Tariff 11 and Tariff 12E lies in their pricing structure for residential electricity consumption. Tariff 11, being a standard flat rate, maintains a consistent price per kWh regardless of the time of day, making the cost of electricity predictable for the customer. In contrast, Tariff 12E features a varying rate with significantly cheaper electricity during specific daytime hours, typically from 11AM to 4PM, designed to maximise savings for those with solar systems – especially when paired with a home battery system.
Understanding the Solar Soaker Advantage
The Solar Soaker advantage, inherent in Tariff 12E, is designed to reward residential customers who embrace solar energy and battery storage. This tariff encourages maximum self-consumption of solar power by offering a significantly cheaper electricity rate during peak solar generation times. This means that households can run appliances and utilise power when their solar system is most productive (such as hot water systems and air cons), effectively soaking up their own generated electricity and drastically reducing their dependence on the grid, leading to impressive long-term savings.
Another advantage on cloudy days and bad weather, is the ability to force charge your home battery from the grid during the cheaper 7.7 cent period, to ensure that it is fully charged at the lowest rate possible from the grid. Taking advantage of the super cheap power during this period, and storing excess energy in your battery to use later can lead to significant savings over the long term.
Founder of Horan & Bird. Director of Master Electricians Australia and Board Member of Solar Accreditation Australia. John has played a key entrepreneurial role in the transformation of the Energy Landscape in Queensland.
