Understanding Business Energy Tariffs in Victoria: Peak, Off-Peak and Time-of-Use
Most Victorian businesses have heard of peak and off-peak power rates, but few fully grasp how much these tariffs shape their energy bills. The truth is simple: when you use electricity often matters just as much as how much you use. Understanding these tariffs can be the difference between paying thousands more a year or keeping cash in your pocket. What are business energy tariffs in Victoria? In Victoria, energy retailers apply different pricing structures to commercial customers. The three main types are: Peak tariffs – charged during the busiest periods of the day, usually weekday afternoons and evenings when demand is highest. Off-peak tariffs – cheaper rates that apply overnight and sometimes on weekends when grid demand drops. Time-of-Use (TOU) tariffs – a more flexible structure that splits the day into peak, shoulder, and off-peak bands. Prices vary depending on when electricity is consumed. Put simply, if your cafĂ© runs coffee machines flat out at 8 a...