Horizon Networks intends to introduce optional time-of-use (TOU) pricing for both the low and standard use consumers from 1 April 2022 as part of the strategy to better signal the economic costs of providing network services. You can now have your say about these proposed changes by completing our feedback survey – read on for details.

TOU pricing offers residential and small business consumers the ability to reduce their electricity bills by shifting some electricity use from peak to off-peak times. This assumes a full retailer pass-through of Horizon Networks’ delivery prices.

A large portion of the population is away from home during typical work and school hours—and that’s why less electricity is consumed in most homes throughout much of the day. During the mornings and evenings, however, the demand for electricity grows. This is when the majority of us are at home, using our electronic devices, turning on the lights, and adjusting heating/cooling for more comfortable temperatures. These times of day when our region’s electricity demand is highest are referred to as “peak” hours.

Under such a proposed optional TOU plan, your bill will be determined by how much electricity you use and when you use it. You may be wondering how a TOU pricing plan and an awareness of peak hours may benefit you? Well, knowledge is power; if you know the times of day that can save you money, you can concentrate your electricity use within those periods reducing your peak hours usage and costs.

Running appliances like your washer and dryer during the lower-priced, off-peak and shoulder hours, is a simple way to start reducing your electricity bill. In addition to saving money, minimising large appliance use during peak hours can also help reduce the strain on the power grid in your community – providing more reliable power supply for everyone.

TOU pricing is a further step towards Horizon Networks setting more service-based and cost-reflective pricing, which is being encouraged by the Electricity Authority across the industry. The opinions of electricity consumers are essential to ensure a broad range of perspectives is considered.

Tell us what you think about our new time-of-use pricing by completing an online survey click here.

Horizon Networks has asked an independent party, SIL Research, to run the survey. This survey is anonymous, so no one will be personally identified in any feedback or results presented to Horizon Networks.

For more information about time-of-use pricing or managing your electricity usage, please read the attached brochure.