The OptiRate Blog
Expert insights on electricity costs, tariff optimisation, billing errors, and energy management for South African businesses.
What Is a Demand Charge — And Why It Might Be Costing Your Business Thousands Every Month
Demand charges are one of the most frequently miscalculated components of SA electricity bills — and one of the most expensive errors to leave unaddressed.
Demand Charges Explained: The Most Misunderstood Line on Your Electricity Bill
Demand charges (kVA) can make up 30-40% of a commercial electricity bill, yet most business owners don't know what they are or how they're calculated. Here's w…
What Is a Demand Charge — and Why It Could Be Your Largest Electricity Cost
Demand charges can account for 30–50% of a commercial electricity bill. Most SA business owners have never heard of them.
The Demand Charge Trap: The Line on Your Electricity Bill That's Costing SA Businesses Thousands
Most South African businesses watch their kilowatt-hour consumption closely. Almost none track their maximum demand — the silent cost driver that can inflate a…
Time-of-Use Electricity Tariffs Explained: Is Your SA Business on the Right Plan?
Time-of-Use tariffs charge different rates depending on when you use electricity. Understanding peak, standard, and off-peak periods could be the most valuable…
What Is a Demand Charge — And Why Is It the Biggest Line Item on Your Electricity Bill?
For many SA businesses, the demand charge accounts for 30–50% of their total electricity cost. Most don't understand how it's calculated — or how easily it can…
Most South African Businesses Don't Know What Electricity Tariff They're On — And It's Costing Them
Your business pays an electricity bill every month. But do you actually know which tariff category you're billed under? If not, you could be overpaying by thou…
South African Electricity Tariffs Explained: What Every Business Owner Needs to Know
Tariffs can be complex. This plain-language guide explains the main tariff categories, what drives your bill, and how to know if your business is on the right …