Plan types explained

1. Uncontrolled

All power is available 24 hours a day.

2. All inclusive

The electricity company is able to control power to your hot-water cylinder using ripple control. You are charged the same rate for both controlled and general power.

3. Controlled - two meter

With this type there is one meter for general power (which is available 24 hours a day for lighting and cooking etc) and a second meter is for hot water. The electricity company is able to control power to the hot-water cylinder using ripple control. The two types of power will usually be at different rates, with the controlled power being cheaper.

There are different options for the amount of time your hot-water cylinder is turned on during the day, ranging from peak plans, where it is on all day except for 1-2 hours over dinner time, to night plans where it is only on at night from 11pm-7am. The less time the power is on the cheaper it is.

With all controlled plan types in Powerswitch, we identify the level of control by the words ‘Peak’, ‘Night’, or by the number of hours the hot water is on during the day (for example, 'Controlled - 13 hours' is a plan where the hot water is on 13 hours a day).

4. Day/Night - uncontrolled

You are charged different rates during the day and night. The electricity company does not control power to your hot-water cylinder. It is possible to have your hot-water cylinder and night-store heaters wired to the night meter so they only operate at night at the cheaper night rate.

5. Day/Night - controlled

You are charged different rates during the day and night. The electricity company is able to control power to your hot-water cylinder using ripple control. With some Day/Night controlled plans the hot water is on a separate controlled meter and has its own rate. With other plans you pay the same price for your controlled and uncontrolled power.

6. Pre-paid

The electricity company installs a meter at your home that controls your power supply. You pay for your electricity in advance, usually either on a smart card or with a PIN number which charges up a meter. Pre-paid options can include a power management system which allows you to monitor how much power you are using.

Night-store heaters

If you have storage heaters you can have them hooked up to a separate meter that is controlled by the electricity company and is only on at night, at a cheaper night rate. This is separate from any controlled rate you have for hot water.

In Powerswitch, plans with this option for night-store heating are identified by having 'night-store' added to the plan type name.