How does Eskom measure peak vs off-peak usage?

[Getafixx]

I have one of those mechanical wheel meters that measures my electricity usage. At the end of each month I get billed on the amount of kWh I used. However, I can't see how Eskom can figure out if I used the electricity during peak or off-peak hours because they certainly can't get that from a single reading. Do they have somewhere else where they can get this info?

 

[ToxicBunny]

I have one of those mechanical wheel meters that measures my electricity usage. At the end of each month I get billed on the amount of kWh I used. However, I can't see how Eskom can figure out if I used the electricity during peak or off-peak hours because they certainly can't get that from a single reading. Do they have somewhere else where they can get this info?

If you have a mechanical meter then you don't get billed peak/off-peak, you just get billed for usage.

Eskom work it out by looking at the usage at specific times of the day for reporting.

 

[R13...]

If you have a mechanical meter then you don't get billed peak/off-peak, you just get billed for usage.

Eskom work it out by looking at the usage at specific times of the day for reporting.

Are domestic customers even charged for peak usage? I thought the only differentiation was for customers with big inductive loads.

 

[Getafixx]

If you have a mechanical meter then you don't get billed peak/off-peak, you just get billed for usage.

OK, that is what I thought. So no such thing as saving money by running heavy loads in off-peak times?

Are the different tariffs on my utility bill only brackets based on total usage, then?
Looks like this: (3) 320.5480 kWh @ R 1.3476 (4) 269.6781 kWh @ R 1.6387

 

[heartbroken]

Are domestic customers even charged for peak usage? I thought the only differentiation was for customers with big inductive loads.

Yup, our prepaid meter has peak, standard and off-peak times. But for most of a winters day it's on peak. Paying through my arse for electricity!

OK, that is what I thought. So no such thing as saving money by running heavy loads in off-peak times?

I lie awake at night fantasizing about having a old mechanical meter again. It was SO much cheaper. The peak times are so much longer than off-peak times, there is almost no way you can save money.

 

[Pilgrim]

OK, that is what I thought. So no such thing as saving money by running heavy loads in off-peak times?

Are the different tariffs on my utility bill only brackets based on total usage, then?
Looks like this: (3) 320.5480 kWh @ R 1.3476 (4) 269.6781 kWh @ R 1.6387

That is correct, the different rates are applied on a scale. I don't know the exact numbers, but here is an example:
Your first 100kw is priced on scale (1)
then 101 to 300 on scale (2)
then 301+ on scale (3)

Or something like that.

The only real way to save on your monthly bill is to reduce your total usage.

Do you maybe have old appliances that draw lots of power? Old chest freezer you inherited from your grandma? Etc.

If you do, gumtree them and buy a new A++ rated appliance. They pay themselves back in electricity savings.

Hope that helps

 

[Getafixx]

Thanks everyone, all clear now.