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…
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…
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…