SMART DEVICES: Your DIY Energy Management Tool

The Smart Device Hack.

What if you could turn the energy market in your favor—charging your batteries, running your air conditioner, or powering appliances when electricity prices hit rock bottom? With smart devices, it’s not only possible, but incredibly easy.

Negative electricity prices? They happen more often than you’d think, especially in regions like South Australia.

By using smart plugs and apps to control your appliances and batteries, you can make the most of these price dips and dramatically cut your energy costs.

Average SA Electricity Price 2024

How Does It Work?

Smart devices like plugs, switches, and apps let you monitor and control your energy usage in real time. Here’s how you can use them to hack the grid:

Then, you use the battery to power your appliances and devices during peak pricing hours.

  • Automated or Manual Control: Use an app to check our live spot price feed and turn appliances on when prices are low—or automate the process completely for a hands-off experience.

  • Charge and Switch Modes: Program your portable battery to charge when electricity prices drop below zero. Use smart plugs to switch it to UPS mode during peak pricing to power your home and avoid the spikes.

  • Run Appliances Efficiently: Time your air conditioner, dishwasher, or washing machine to operate only during the cheapest hours.

Why Do Negative Prices Happen?

Negative electricity prices occur when there’s more supply than demand on the grid—often during the middle of the day when solar energy floods the market.

Here’s when you’re most likely to see these dips:

Midday Hours (10 AM–3 PM): This is prime time for negative prices, especially in spring and summer when solar output is highest.

Low Demand Days: Weekends and public holidays often lead to lower energy demand, increasing the chance of negative prices.

In South Australia, these trends are especially common, making it the perfect place to take advantage of smart device energy hacks.

Lowest Priced Months
Highest priced months

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Frequently Asked Questions

Question 1: What are negative electricity prices, and how can I benefit from them?

Negative electricity prices happen when there’s more energy being generated than the grid can handle, often during midday when solar energy is at its peak. Instead of paying for power, you could essentially get paid to use it. By using smart devices, you can time your appliances or charge your portable batteries during these periods and avoid paying during peak pricing.

Question 2: What kinds of devices can I run?

You can check real-time electricity prices right on our website. We provide a live feed of the wholesale spot prices, making it easy to plan your energy use. Alternatively, connect your smart devices to an app that automates the process, ensuring you always capitalise on the cheapest energy periods.

Question 3: Can smart devices help me save money even when prices aren’t negative?

Absolutely! Smart devices let you optimise your energy usage based on real-time prices. Even when prices are just lower during the day, you can charge batteries and run appliances efficiently. At night, switch your portable batteries to UPS mode to avoid the higher evening rates. It’s a simple way to save money every day.

Question 4: What types of appliances and devices can I control with smart plugs?

Smart plugs can control almost any device that plugs into a wall outlet. Common uses include portable batteries, air conditioners, dishwashers, washing machines, and even smaller appliances like lights and fans. With the flexibility to schedule and remotely control these devices, you can maximise savings and convenience.