The electricity tariff you pay for your hot water system depends on how it is connected.

If you are unsure of what tariff you are paying for your electric hot water system, get your latest bill and check to see if you have a separate item for Off Peak 1 or Off Peak 2. If not, your electric hot water system will be connected to a continuous (or anytime) tariff.

Electric hot water systems connected to a continuous (or anytime) electricity supply receive power 24 hours a day. Continuous electricity is generally used for electric instantaneous or small electric storage water heaters.

Most electricity suppliers offer cheaper off peak tariffs for heating your water outside of peak times. EnergyAustralia’s Off Peak 1 tariff is controlled so that the hot water system only receives power between 10pm and 7am each day.

There is also an Off Peak 2 tariff which provides power to the hot water system for 16 hours a day, but it costs a bit more than the Off Peak 1 tariff.

For more information about hot water systems and tariffs, go to the EnergyAustralia Hot Water Guide