Read now
Your rates and tariff structure affect what you pay, not just how much electricity you use.
When your business uses power can matter as much as how much you use.
Contract length, flexibility, and exit conditions can impact your options down the track.
Consistent usage suits different plans to businesses with seasonal or changing demand.
The small energy market for SMEs (small and medium-sized enterprises) typically includes businesses consuming under 100,000 kWh of electricity or spending less than about $3,000 monthly on energy. Bills for these customers are usually sent quarterly.
On the other hand, the large energy market for C&I (commercial & industrial) businesses consists of those using over 100,000 kWh per year or spending more than about $3,000 a month. In NSW, VIC, QLD, and ACT, a C&I business is defined as one that consumes more than 100,000 kWh annually. In SA, this threshold is set at over 160,000 kWh per year, with bills always issued monthly.
What sets small business (SME) energy customers apart from large business (C&I) customers is that the large business customers can participate in, or qualify for, the wholesale energy market, enabling them to secure forward purchasing at better rates.
To figure out where you stand, simply check your energy bill. With this information, you should have no trouble determining if you've received a SME or C&I energy bill.
Business electricity rates are influenced by usage levels, time of use, tariff structure, location, and wholesale market conditions.
Reviewing a recent bill and comparing it against available plans designed for small business electricity use is the most reliable approach. Zembl's Energy Experts can do this for you.
Not always. Business electricity rates are structured differently and depend on usage patterns rather than household consumption.
Improving efficiency, reviewing operating hours, and choosing the right electricity plan can help reduce usage and costs.
Fixed-rate plans provide price certainty, helping businesses manage budgets and reduce exposure to market changes.
Contract length, exit conditions, and flexibility vary between providers and plans.
A business electricity price comparison can help identify whether your current plan is still suitable.
It's generally a good idea for businesses to periodically check their business electricity plan, particularly when they receive a price change notification or their circumstances change. A review allows you to confirm your current contract terms remain suitable and meet current business needs, without necessarily changing providers.
Focusing only on price, ignoring contract terms, and not reviewing actual usage are common mistakes.
Simple explainers to help you understand how energy works.
.svg)
.svg)
