Quick Answer

There are a number of things that can cause your usage to spike, and it can even depend on what energy plan you're on.

Common causes of high consumption - Lights and Power (tariff 31) 

  • Plug-in heaters
  • Clothes dryers
  • Inefficient fridges/freezers or multiple fridges/chest freezers
  • Computers
  • Plasma televisions
  • Game consoles
  • Tropical fish tanks
  • Outdoor spas
  • Pumps
  • Aging appliances
  • Issues with solar panels
  • Appliances being used outside
  • Sheds connected to the house power
  • Waste water treatment systems if the property is not connected to sewage.

Common causes of high consumption - Heating and hot water (tariff 41) 

  • High consumption on this tariff is expected in Tasmania, especially during the cooler periods. On average 60-70% of total annual energy consumption for Tasmanian households is made up of heating and hot water.   
  • Eligible heating which is able to be wired in to tariff 41 attracts a lower kWh rate than plug in heating which is charged at the tariff 31 rate.  Just because a heater is wired in, does not mean that it is an efficient way of heating a room/home.
  • Seasonal impacts (location of the hot water system, heating/cooling as temperatures change, amount of time spent at home)
  • Washing machines
  • Dishwashers
  • Hot Water temperature
  • Possible issues with hot water cylinder (steam valve not closing/water leaks)
  • Inefficient wired in heaters (panel heaters/pure heat heaters).

Common causes of high consumption - Peak and Off-Peak (tariff 93) 

  • Off-peak periods not being utilised
  • Not being aware of appliances with continuous consumption which will consume during peak periods
  • Issues with solar panels/invertor when generation ceases
  • Appliances listed in the above information under T31 and T41 are all relevant to T93

Learn how to make the most of off-peak power here