Understanding what you pay

In the world of energy, a tariff is simply the price you’re charged for the energy you use at your business. Tariffs vary and depend on the type of meter you have and who your energy distributor is. 

What’s a distributor?

Your energy distributor is the company responsible for the poles, wires and gas pipes in your area. You’ll find the name of your distributor at the top right hand side of your energy bill.

Electricity tariffs for business

Different tariff rate types apply and depend on where your business is (your distributor zone) and the type of meter you have there. 

What’s on your bill 

On your bill you’ll see that electricity tariffs are divided into two parts. These are your supply and usage charges.

  • The supply charge is a daily service charge to supply electricity to your business
  • Usage charges are rates charged for the actual energy your business uses, and/or a demand charge based on your business’ electricity demand on the network
  • Some tariffs - such as time of ese - have variable usage rates depending on the time of day you use electricity. 

Business electricity tariffs in detail

Gas tariffs for business

The tariff structure for gas depends on your state and distributor in your business’ area.

What’s on your bill 

On your bill you’ll see that gas tariffs are divided into two parts. These are your supply and usage charges.

  • The supply charge is a daily service charge to supply gas to your business.
  • Usage charges are rates charged for the gas you use. 
  • Some tariffs have variable usage rates depending on when you use gas.

You can have a look at the back of your bill to see what type of tariff you’re on.

Tip
In some places, we can’t supply gas. This might be because gas lines aren’t available to businesses in your area, there’s no gas meter on the business premises, or there’s an area restriction (e.g. only certain energy retailers can offer gas).

What’s the difference between seasonal and non-seasonal gas rates?

Other fees and charges

If you need to change your meter, disconnect or reconnect your energy or ask for a special meter read, charges may apply. Find out more about these fees and charges.

What are energy offers for business?

There are two types of energy offers for business - standard and market retail offers.

What’s the difference?

Standing offer

A standing offer is a basic energy plan with government regulated terms and conditions for most customers. The prices are set by us as the retailer with no discounts, such as our Standing Offer Business energy plan.

Market retail offer

By this we mean an energy plan with the prices set by the retailer (that’s us) typically with a benefit or incentive (e.g. a discount or a credit to your bill) for a fixed amount of time. 

More about our small business energy plans

Find out more on our Energy Plan Information page.