Plan Optimiser: Electricity Usage Profile

Help Me Pick My Electricity Usage Profile

First, let us explain how Plan Optimiser works - after you’ve been with Solar Analytics for a few months, we’ll have enough data on how much energy you use and produce (and when) to automatically show you the best plan. If you want to start saving now, or you’re looking for a new electricity plan, we can help you pick one now with just a little bit of information about your household’s typical energy usage. Read through the different electricity usage profiles below and pick the one that most closely matches your household.

Am I an Eco User?

An Eco User is someone who typically doesn’t use much electricity. If you have solar, you will often be exporting solar energy back to the grid. Eco Users:

• Rarely use electric heating and air conditioning (only on the most extreme days of the year)
• Generally have smaller household sizes
• May have gas cooking instead of electric or induction
• May have gas-powered hot water
• Don’t have a pool pump, electric vehicle charger, additional fridges, freezers or other energy-hungry appliances

If you fit most of the above criteria you are likely an Eco User. For a more accurate estimate, check the average daily usage on your most recent electricity bill. If it is below 20 kWh, then select this option.

Am I a Solar Sponge?

A Solar Sponge is someone who ‘soaks up’ solar energy by using energy-hungry appliances while they’re producing the most solar, meaning they’re using the solar they produce rather than paying for power from the grid (smart, huh?). Solar Sponges:

• Run large appliances (washing machines, clothes dryers, dishwashers, heating hot water) during the day
• Are likely to have someone home during the day
• Sometimes use electric heating or cooling but mostly during daylight hours

And if you have a battery, this is the best profile to select.

Do I have a Commuter profile?

A Commuter household has two significant peaks, one in the morning and one in the evening. Often these people are out during the day so use their electricity before they go out and when they get home. Commuters typically:

• Aren’t at home from 9am to 4pm most days
• Cook, clean, etc. before 9am or after 4pm most days
• Use energy-hungry appliances after getting home in the evening (e.g. charge electric vehicles or turn on AC)

Am I a Mega User?

Mega Users are people who need lots of electricity for their house. If you have solar you will often need all your solar energy (and more!) to power your house. Mega Users usually have:

• A large house, with either heating or cooling running most of the year
• Electric hot water, cooking and heating instead of gas
• Energy-hungry appliances like an electric vehicle, pool pump or multiple fridges/freezers
• Or just a large household, with lots of people

If you have a few of the above, you are likely a Mega User. You can confirm by checking your most recent electricity bill - if you use more than 35 kWh/day on average, you’re a Mega User.

Now that you know what electricity usage profile best matches your household’s consumption, you can go ahead and complete ‘Step 1: Pick a Profile’ on our Plan Optimiser page.