There have been important network tariff reforms taking effect from 1 July 2025, introduced by both Ergon Energy (regional Queensland) and Energex (South East Queensland). While these changes do not affect your energy retailer’s pricing directly, they may significantly impact the way your network charges are calculated.
IMPORTANTLY, customers are being automatically reassigned to new tariffs based on when their energy use occurs.
As your energy management partner, we’ve summarised the key changes and what they mean for your business.
What’s Changing?
1. Legacy Tariffs Retired
Both networks have retired many “legacy and transitional demand” tariffs, including:
Ergon Energy (RegionalQLD) Energex (South East QLD)
ELTOUDT1 – Large TOU Demand & Energy(default) BLTD – Business Load Tariff Demand
ELTOUET1 – Large TOU EnergyOnly BLTE – Business Load Tariff Energy Only
EDSTT1– Small Metered Customers BLTSD – Business Load Tariff Small Demand
EBESTT1 – Basic SmallBusiness BLTN – Business Load Tariff Non-Demand
These tariffs combine both energy and demand components andare designed to reflect when and how you use electricity.
2. New Time-of-Use (TOU) Periods
The new tariffs for both networks use standardisedtime-of-use periods:
Peak: 4:00 PM – 9:00 PM weekdays
Shoulder: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM & 9:00 PM – 10:00 PMweekdays
Off-Peak: 10:00 PM – 9:00 AM weekdays + all weekendand public holidays
Both energy and demand charges now vary based on these timewindows.
3. Default Assignments May Not Be Optimal
Customers on retired tariffs have been automaticallyreassigned based on historical usage and metering type. However, these defaultassignments may not suit your current or future load profile, potentiallyresulting in higher charges.
What This Means for Your Business
If your operations run during standard business hours (e.g.8 AM – 6 PM), you may face higher network costs, even if your total energyusage remains unchanged.
Key risks include:
- Peak demand charges now apply only during the 4–9 PM weekday window. A single spike during this period can set your charge for the entire month.
- TOU energy rates mean any consumption during 4–9 PM is more expensive
- Solar systems may offer less protection, as most output ends before the peak window starts.
- Load shifting is often impractical for Pubs, Hotels, and service businesses, leaving limited room to reduce costs operationally.
What You Should Do
To avoid unexpected increases in your network costs, we recommend:
- Reviewing your assigned network tariff (Ergon or Energex)
- Analysing your interval demand data to identify peak usage periods
- Modelling financial impacts comparing 2024–25 to 2025–26 charges
- Exploring mitigation options, such as:
- Tariff reassignment requests
- Adjustments to operational schedules
- Peak demand control strategies
How We Can Help
These changes are driven by national regulatory requirements aimed at better managing grid congestion and rising volatility, but many “standard” businesses are likely to be disadvantaged as a result.
We’re here to support QHA members with:
• Custom cost impact modelling so you know any possible cost impost on your business.
- Tariff analysis and reassignment advice
- Interval data reporting
- Energy strategy recommendations
In recognition of our long-standing partnership with the QHA, we’re offering complimentary reviews for QHA members. If you’d like to schedule a site review or discuss site-specific impacts, please don’t hesitate to reach out.
Jordan Manning
M: 0425 983 338