For Australian households with rooftop solar and electric vehicles (EVs), selecting the right Time-of-Use (ToU) electricity tariff is no longer an option – it’s a necessity to unlock substantial annual savings. In 2026, with electricity prices subject to fluctuating wholesale costs and increasing renewable energy penetration, strategic energy consumption can save you over $1,000 annually on your power bills. This guide breaks down the best ToU tariffs and strategies available across Australia, ensuring you get the most from your solar panels and EV.
What are Time-of-Use (ToU) Tariffs and Why They Matter for Solar & EV Owners in 2026
Time-of-Use (ToU) tariffs divide the day into different pricing periods: peak, shoulder, and off-peak. These rates reflect the wholesale cost of electricity, which is typically higher when demand is high (e.g., evening) and lower when demand is low (e.g., overnight or midday during high solar generation). Smart meters are essential to access these tariffs, accurately recording your consumption during each period.
For solar and EV owners, ToU tariffs are a game-changer. Solar households can maximise self-consumption during the day when generation is high, reducing reliance on expensive peak grid electricity. EV owners can charge their vehicles during super off-peak hours, often overnight, taking advantage of significantly cheaper rates. This dual benefit allows for strategic energy management that flat-rate tariffs simply cannot match.
In 2026, the Australian Energy Regulator (AER) and the Essential Services Commission (ESC) have announced the Default Market Offer (DMO) and Victorian Default Offer (VDO) prices, effective from 1 July 2026. While flat rates see varied changes, ToU standing offer prices are generally decreasing, offering savings across NSW, QLD, and SA, with Victoria seeing an average 5% reduction for residential customers.
“Average NEM wholesale electricity prices fell 47% year-on-year to $74 per MWh in Q2 2026, driven by record renewable energy output and growing battery participation, leading to lower DMO/VDO prices.”
How Solar & EVs Transform ToU Savings
1. Solar Self-Consumption: With ToU tariffs, the electricity you generate and use yourself avoids the highest retail rates (typically 28-45c/kWh). Exporting excess solar to the grid, while earning a Feed-in Tariff (FiT) of 3-10c/kWh, is significantly less valuable than using it directly. A home battery system further enhances this by storing midday solar for use during the evening peak, avoiding expensive grid imports. For more on optimising your battery, see our guide on Maximise Your Home Battery Savings: Earn $1,000+ Annually with a VPP in 2026.
2. Smart EV Charging: Dedicated EV electricity plans, which are a form of ToU tariff, offer dramatically reduced rates during specific overnight or midday windows. Charging your EV during these periods, rather than during peak times (which can cost 35-55c/kWh), can translate to hundreds of dollars in annual savings. The average EV driver could save up to $1,000 per year by switching to the right tariff.
Key Factors for Choosing the Right ToU Tariff in 2026
When evaluating ToU plans, consider more than just the lowest off-peak rate:
- Daily Supply Charge: This fixed daily fee (e.g., $1.00 - $1.50 per day) is unavoidable and can significantly impact your total bill.
- Feed-in Tariff (FiT): For solar owners, a competitive FiT is important, though self-consumption remains paramount. FiTs in 2026 typically range from 3-10c/kWh.
- Peak, Shoulder, and Off-Peak Rates: Compare the rates across all periods, as a very low off-peak might be offset by high peak rates.
- Retailer Incentives: Some retailers offer sign-up bonuses or ongoing discounts.
- Network Charges: These vary by distribution zone and are passed through by retailers. Always compare offers for your specific postcode.
- Smart Meter Requirement: All ToU and EV-specific plans require a smart meter. Confirm you have one, or arrange for installation with your retailer.
Top Time-of-Use Electricity Tariffs for Solar & EV Owners by State (2026)
Retailer offerings are dynamic, but here are leading examples and typical rates for 2026:
| State | Retailer/Plan Example | Peak Rate (c/kWh) | Shoulder Rate (c/kWh) | Off-Peak/EV Rate (c/kWh) | FiT Range (c/kWh) | Key Feature/Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| NSW | OVO Energy ‘The EV Plan’ | ~35-45 | ~20-25 | 4.5 (Midnight-6am) | 3-7 | Nationally available, very low overnight EV rate. |
| EnergyAustralia ‘EV Charging Plan’ | ~35-45 | ~20-25 | 7 (Overnight) | 3-7 | Strong option for Ausgrid/Endeavour Energy customers. | |
| Globird ‘Free Lunch’ | ~35-45 | ~20-25 | 0 (12pm-2pm daily) | 3-7 | Excellent for daytime solar charging, often paired with higher evening rates. | |
| VIC | OVO Energy ‘The EV Plan’ | ~30-40 | ~18-22 | 4.5 (Midnight-6am) | 4.9-7 | Lowest overnight EV rate, also offers ‘Free 4 Plan’ (0c/kWh 11am-3pm). |
| Flow Power (Variable FiT) | Wholesale + fee | Wholesale + fee | Wholesale + fee | Up to 45 | Wholesale pricing model, very high FiT possible but carries price risk, requires savvy management. | |
| QLD | OVO Energy ‘The EV Plan’ | ~30-40 | ~18-22 | 4.5 (Midnight-6am) | 1-2 | Nationally available, lowest overnight EV rate. |
| GloBird Energy | ~30-40 | ~18-22 | Competitive off-peak | Up to 10 | One of the highest FiTs in SEQ for market offers. | |
| SA | OVO Energy ‘The EV Plan’ | ~35-45 | ~20-25 | 4.5 (Midnight-6am) | 1-7 | Nationally available, lowest overnight EV rate. |
| Amber Electric | Wholesale + fee | Wholesale + fee | Wholesale + fee | Wholesale + fee | Direct wholesale prices, requires active management to benefit from negative/low prices. |
Note: Rates are indicative as of August 2026 and can vary by network, specific plan terms, and individual usage. Always check the Basic Plan Information Document (BPID) for exact details.
Maximising Your Savings: Strategies for Solar & EV Owners
- Automate EV Charging: Use your EV’s built-in scheduling or a smart EV charger like the Zappi or Wallbox Pulsar Plus to automatically charge during the cheapest off-peak or free solar windows. This is the single most impactful action for EV owners. For detailed comparisons, consult our guide: Best Home EV Chargers in Australia 2026: Costs, Rebates & Key Considerations for Under $2,500.
- Optimise Battery Usage: If you have a home battery, program it to charge from your solar during the day and discharge during the evening peak. Consider joining a Virtual Power Plant (VPP) program to earn additional income by allowing your battery to support the grid during high-demand periods. Explore options in Join a VPP in 2026: Earn Up To $1,500 Annually & Boost Grid Stability.
- Shift High-Usage Appliances: Run dishwashers, washing machines, and pool pumps during off-peak hours or during your solar generation window. Home Energy Management Systems (HEMS) can automate this for maximum efficiency. Learn more at Best Home Energy Management Systems in Australia 2026: Slash Bills by $1,000+ Annually.
- Monitor Your Usage: Regularly review your electricity bills and use your retailer’s online portal or a dedicated energy monitoring system to understand your consumption patterns and identify areas for improvement.
Understanding Feed-in Tariffs (FiT) with ToU Plans
While the focus for solar and EV owners on ToU tariffs is primarily on reducing import costs, your Feed-in Tariff (FiT) still contributes to savings. In 2026, FiTs are generally lower than the cost of importing electricity. IPART’s benchmark for NSW for 2026-27 is 3.4 to 6.5 c/kWh, a reduction from the previous year, reflecting lower wholesale prices when solar is exporting. Victoria no longer has a regulated minimum FiT from July 1, 2025, allowing retailers to set their own rates, with some offering competitive variable or higher flat rates.
Always compare the total value of an energy plan, not just the FiT. A plan with a high FiT but high usage rates may cost more than a plan with a lower FiT but lower usage rates, depending on your consumption and export patterns.
Navigating the Default Market Offer (DMO) vs. ToU Market Offers
The Default Market Offer (DMO) in NSW, SA, and South East Queensland, and the Victorian Default Offer (VDO) in Victoria, serve as a price safety net for customers on standing offers. While DMO/VDO prices for 2026-27 show a decrease for most customers, particularly those on ToU standing offers, these are rarely the most competitive plans available.
Market offers, which include most ToU and EV-specific plans, are set by retailers and often provide better value, especially for those actively managing their energy. Retailers must advertise how their market offers compare to the DMO/VDO, helping you gauge competitiveness. For solar and EV owners, the structured incentives of a well-chosen ToU market offer almost always outperform the DMO/VDO.
Energy Bill Relief and Rebates in 2026
It’s important to note that the universal federal Energy Bill Relief Fund, which provided up to $300 in 2024-25 and a further $150 in the first half of 2025-26, ended on 31 December 2025. As of 2026, any ongoing bill relief typically comes from state and territory-specific concession schemes for eligible cardholders (e.g., pensioners, healthcare card holders). These can offer significant annual savings, often ranging from $200 to $800. Check your state government’s energy website for current eligibility and application processes. For a comprehensive overview, refer to Australia’s Energy Bill Relief Fund 2026: Your Guide to Current Support and Savings.
How to Switch: A Step-by-Step Guide
- Gather Your Bills: Have your most recent electricity bill handy. It contains crucial information like your National Meter Identifier (NMI) and annual usage.
- Know Your Usage Patterns: Understand when you consume the most electricity and when you typically charge your EV. This helps identify the best ToU structure for you.
- Use Comparison Sites: Websites like Energy Made Easy (federal government) or Victorian Energy Compare (Victoria) allow you to compare plans specific to your postcode and usage, including ToU options.
- Contact Retailers Directly: Once you’ve shortlisted plans, call the retailers to confirm current rates, terms, and any specific requirements (e.g., smart meter installation, EV registration).
- Read the Fine Print: Always review the Basic Plan Information Document (BPID) for full details on rates, fees, contract length, and exit fees before committing.
Bottom Line
For Australian solar and EV owners in 2026, embracing Time-of-Use electricity tariffs is the most effective strategy to significantly reduce energy bills. By strategically aligning your solar self-consumption and EV charging with off-peak or free daytime windows, you can realistically achieve annual savings exceeding $1,000. Prioritise plans with competitive off-peak EV rates and, if you have a battery, look for those that reward smart discharge or offer VPP participation. Don’t settle for a flat rate or the Default Market Offer; actively compare and switch to a ToU plan tailored to your solar and EV lifestyle to unlock your full savings potential.