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Frequently asked questions

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Flexible electricity pricing means that different rates will apply at different times throughout the day. If you choose a flexible pricing plan, you will receive lower rates during off-peak and shoulder times, with higher rates during peak times.

You could potentially pay less for your electricity by choosing a flexible pricing plan and using power outside of the peak hours. However, flexible pricing will not be right for everyone so it’s important to do your research to determine if flexible pricing could benefit you.

Key facts about flexible pricing are:

  • changing to flexible pricing is voluntary
  • you need a smart meter to access flexible pricing
  • you can only change to a flexible pricing plan if you provide your consent to an electricity retailer – either in writing or verbally
  • households can try a new flexible pricing plan with their current retailer and, if they decide it’s not right for them, they can change back to their previous plan without incurring an administrative fee (until March 2015). However, some other fees may apply.

More details are on the Victorian Government’s Switch On website.

Yes, you can download up to two years of your data via our Electricity Outlook portal (for customers with a Smart Meter) or contact us and we’ll send it to you.

Flexible electricity pricing refers to the new electricity plans that have time of use (time based) rates, which will be introduced later in 2013. These flexible electricity pricing plans have new customer protections associated with them, including a “safe try” period. This means that households can try a new flexible pricing plan with their current retailer and, if they decide it’s not right for them, they can change back to their previous plan without incurring an administrative fee (until March 2015). However, some other fees may apply.

While there are peak / off peak or time of use plans that have been available for some years, and will continue to be offered by energy retailers, it is only the new flexible pricing plans that will have these new consumers protections associated with them.

Flexible pricing is being introduced to provide you with more choice and control over your power bill. More broadly, flexible pricing provides an incentive to use power at times when there is less demand for electricity, reducing the need for expensive energy infrastructure upgrades – a cost that would be passed on to all consumers.

Yes. Flexible pricing is optional – you do not have to switch to flexible pricing – the choice is yours. You can only change to a flexible pricing plan if you provide your consent to an energy retailer. A retailer cannot move you onto a flexible plan unless you have formally agreed to switch, and provided verbal or written consent.

Visit the Switch On website for independent information and interactive tools that can help you determine if flexible pricing is right for you.

The Flexible Pricing Profiler will help you understand how electricity is used by typical households over the day. The tool also demonstrates potential savings on a typical bill by choosing a flexible pricing plan and shifting the times major appliances are used from peak to less expensive times of the day.

No. You cannot be put onto a flexible pricing plan without providing your consent (either written or verbal) to an energy retailer.

Energy retailers will not move you on to a flexible pricing plan without your consent (either written or verbal). When flexible pricing rates become available later in 2013, contact your retailer to find out what offers are available.

You can change your mind. Until March 2015, households that switch to a new flexible pricing plan with their current retailer can switch back to their previous rate structure at any time without incurring an administration fee. Customers will always have a choice of rates, including a flat rate.

However, it is important to note, that depending on the contract you have accepted with your energy retailer, some additional fees or charges may still be payable when switching back to your old plan. These costs may be associated with special offers made by retailers as part of the flexible pricing offer, such as event tickets or subscriptions. You should discuss any potential fees or charges associated with moving back to your previous plan with your retailer before accepting a new flexible pricing plan.

It’s also important to know that the ability to change your mind and move back to your old plan only applies to new flexible pricing offers.

Flexible pricing plans have the potential to save people money, but they will not be right for everyone – especially those who have high usage at peak times.

You should carefully consider whether you will save money before switching to a new flexible pricing plan.

Visit the Switch On website for more information about flexible pricing, and try the Flexible Pricing Profiler, which will let you see the impact that using appliances in peak, off-peak or shoulder periods has on a typical bill and the potential savings on a flexible pricing plan.

Customers without internet access can call the Victorian Government on 136 186 to be mailed a Switch On information booklet as well as an ‘Introducing flexible pricing’ brochure. Consumers can access the Switch On website through their local library or community centre / house – or by visiting a friend, family member or neighbour with internet access.

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