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Showing posts from September, 2025

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...

How much do energy traders make in Australia?

 Most people are surprised to learn that energy traders in Australia can make anything from a comfortable six-figure salary to multi-million-dollar bonuses, depending on their role, market, and risk exposure. At its core, trading energy is like trading stocks or currencies – only instead of company shares, you’re dealing with electricity, gas, and renewable contracts that keep the country’s power flowing. What does an energy trader actually do? Energy traders buy and sell electricity or gas contracts on wholesale markets such as the National Electricity Market (NEM). Their job is to predict demand, manage supply, and balance risk for generators, retailers, or large industrial clients. On a day-to-day level, this might mean: Watching wholesale price movements that can swing dramatically by the hour Managing hedging contracts to protect clients from price spikes Spotting arbitrage opportunities between states or time periods Coordinating with energy brokers and analysts...

Should I shop around for electricity?

 Why do some people save hundreds on their electricity bill, while others just cop it on the chin every month? It’s not magic. It’s not a mate at the power company. It’s shopping around—and the numbers say it matters. Should I shop around for electricity in Australia? Short answer? Yes—unless you’re happy paying more for the same power. Most Australians are paying more than they need to on electricity simply because they’ve never compared providers. According to the ACCC, customers who switched plans saved an average of $180 a year. And that’s not even factoring in solar, battery incentives, or smart usage plans. Electricity isn’t like rent or mortgages where moving takes effort. Changing retailers can be done online in minutes—no technician visits, no downtime. So why don’t more people do it? Let’s break it down. Isn’t switching power companies a hassle? Nope. That’s one of the biggest myths out there. Here’s how easy it really is: Find a better deal online (comparison...