Large business tariff information
What is considered a large business customer?
Large business customers are those with an annual energy consumption of more than 160,000 kWh.
What are demand tariffs for large businesses?
A demand tariff is a charge based on a customer’s maximum demand for electricity, both for local connection assets and upstream networks (including transmission).
These demands tend to drive network costs, so by charging customers in this way, we signal the longer run costs we will incur, and provide an equitable basis for sharing network costs amongst customers.
Types of demand tariffs for large business customers
All large business customers are charged under a network demand tariff. Network charges are typically shown separately on the retail electricity bill for large business customers.
There are two common demand tariffs: Annual Demand and Monthly Demand. Both tariffs charge for demand based on two charging parameters: Anytime Demand and Peak Demand. Anytime Demand is measured as the highest 30 minute demand interval during the last 12 months. Peak Demand is measured differently depending on the tariff:
Peak Demand is measured as the highest daily average demand during the last 12 months November to March:
- CBD 11am-5pm
- Rest of South Australia 5pm-9pm
Peak demand values are billed all year round.
Peak Demand is measured as the highest daily average demand during each month November to March:
- CBD 11am-5pm
- Rest of South Australia 5pm-9pm
Peak demand values are billed November to March only.
Connection voltages
The connection voltage will have an impact on the tariff available. A large business can be connected at different voltages. Find more information about common connection voltages below:
Typically at 230V / 400V from one or more distribution transformers (a large LV business). There are more than 4,000 large business customers connected at LV.
Typically at 11kV from a powerline feeder (a HV Business).
From either a 33kV or 66kV powerline feeder and/or a transmission exit bus bar.
Location and peak demand
The location of a large business is defined as either CBD or Rest of South Australia. Peak demand will differ depending on the location of the business.
Each area has a different time when peak demand occurs, so the nature of the peak demand measurement changes to provide the right pricing signal to these customers.
The CBD is defined as the North/South/ East/West Terrace precinct including the River Torrens precinct, extending to just north of the River Torrens in the Adelaide Oval precinct (note that North Adelaide is not part of the CBD). The CBD is dominated by commercial customers with limited PV, so the summer peak demand continues to occur during business hours on workdays.
The Rest of South Australia has significant PV installation and a consequent shifting of the summer demand peak to late afternoon/early evening, which can occur on work and non workdays.
Large business demand tariff periods
Find information about the different times that demand tariffs apply.
Large business annual demand tariff periods
CBD (also see graphic below)
| Fixed | $/customer/day | Fixed supply charge per annum |
| Usage – Peak | $/kWh | 7:00am to 9:00pm workdays |
| Usage – Off peak | $/kWh | At all other times outside the peak window |
| Peak Demand | $/kVa/pa |
Highest 6-hour daily average for last 12 months CBD 11:00am to 5:00pm only workdays |
| Anytime Demand | $/kVa/pa |
Highest half hour interval for last 12 months Anytime Demand period July–June |
Rest of SA or non CBD (also see graphic below)
| Fixed | $/customer/day | Fixed supply charge per annum |
| Usage – Peak | $/kWh | 7:00am to 9:00pm workdays |
| Usage – Off peak | $/kWh | At all other times outside the peak window |
| Peak Demand | $/kVa/pa |
Highest 4-hour daily average for last 12 months Rest of SA 5:00pm to 9:00pm all days |
| Anytime Demand | $/kVa/pa |
Highest half hour interval for last 12 months Anytime Demand period July–June |
Graphical illustration of demand tariff periods
Large Business Monthly Demand Tariff Periods
CBD (also see graphic below)
| Fixed | $/customer/day | Fixed supply charge per annum |
| Usage – Peak | $/kWh | 7:00am to 9:00pm workdays |
| Usage – Off peak | $/kWh | At all other times outside the peak window |
| Peak Demand | $/kVa/pa |
Highest 6-hour daily average for the month Nov–Mar at 150% annual price CBD 11:00am to 5:00pm only workdays |
| Anytime Demand | $/kVa/pa |
Highest half hour interval for last 12 months Anytime Demand period July–June |
Rest of SA or non CBD (also see graphic below)
| Fixed | $/customer/day | Fixed supply charge per annum |
| Usage – Peak | $/kWh | 7:00am to 9:00pm workdays |
| Usage – Off peak | $/kWh | At all other times outside the peak window |
| Peak Demand | $/kVa/pa |
Highest 4-hour daily average for the month Nov–Mar at 150% annual price Rest of SA 5:00pm to 9:00pm all days |
| Anytime Demand | $/kVa/pa |
Highest half hour interval for last 12 months Anytime Demand period July–June |
Graphical illustration of demand tariff periods
Alterations or new connections
If you need alterations to a current connection, or would like to have a new connection for a large business, you can find out more in our connections pages.
Frequently asked questions
Find a list of frequently asked questions and answers about large business demand tariffs below:
Speak to your retailer.