You pay fixed and energy charges. The bill also uses the highest kW demand in set periods.
If you get solar
Solar can reduce daytime grid use. If the billed peak occurs after solar output falls, solar alone will not reduce the demand charge.
If you get a battery
A battery can reduce a billed peak. It needs enough kW and enough charge for the full event.
Check before you decide
Confirm this code on a current retailer bill.
Use 12 months of interval data. Check the time of each billed peak.
Check the battery power in kW against the full peak event.
2026–27 network prices
What it costs, and when
These are the network’s charges only. Your retailer adds its own prices on top.
EA302 in one day
Off-peakPeakOff-peak
12am3pm9pm12am
Peak is 3pm–9pm on working weekdays, November–March and June–August only.
What the network charges
Access
653.3697 c/day
Peak energy
8.8231 c/kWh
Off-peak energy
1.9685 c/kWh
Peak capacity
48.3397 c/kW/day
When the rates apply
3pm–9pm on working weekdays in November–March and June–August. All other times.
Illustrative example
Lower EA302 capacity by 50 kW
The new rolling maximum is 50 kW lower.
The lower value applies for 365 charge days.
Other charges do not change.
50 kW × 48.3397 c/kW/day × 365 days ÷ 100Illustrative network-charge reduction: $8,822.00 a year, excluding GST.
This tariff uses the highest qualifying half-hour in the previous 12 months. One lower peak does not remove an earlier maximum.
Would a battery help?
A guide, not a quote
Strong fit
Peak-demand shaving
A recurring peak inside the tariff demand window is a direct battery target. The case weakens if the maximum is rare, unpredictable or longer than the battery can sustain.
A battery can reduce these
The highest measured kW inside the tariff demand window.
Peak-period grid energy when the battery discharges at the same time.
Solar spill that can be stored without sacrificing the required peak reserve.
A battery can’t change these
Daily access, metering and other fixed charges.
A peak outside the defined demand window where the tariff does not count it.
A new maximum created after the battery empties or misses dispatch.
You’d need to check
At least 12 months of interval data, including every billed maximum.
Demand timestamps, seasonal windows and billing reset rules.
Battery power and duration tested against the full peak event.
Retailer rates plus the network tariff—not a blended cents-per-kWh assumption.