Off Peak Power Rates
ANSWER
Your power company pays a higher premium when they consume power during peak usage times. These are usually at dinner time and into the evening. Most Power companies offer cheaper power at off-peak times.
Some of your appliances can be switched onto this rate however the power company have control over the availability and can switch the power off. Hotwater cylinders and some other appliances (usually night-store heaters) can be turned off by a control system called 'ripple control'.
Your power company often guarantees to supply power to your hot-water cylinder for a minimum number of hours a day (the fewer the hours, the cheaper the rate). Off peak power rates and Ripple control does not affect the power you use for cooking, lighting and plug-in appliances.
Contact us through our "Ask a Question" page if you'd like to know more.