With the new network fee calculation system brought about by the energy reform, we will have to pay even more attention to the use of electrical devices in the household. This change didn't come out of the blue, but it seems like it wasn't talked about much. And yet, we will all feel the consequences. While we are being encouraged to save energy, the new terms and prices of network charges will affect everything from the washing machine at 2am to charging the electric car. What about companies? They will face new challenges when electricity is cheaper at night. Let's see why your devices will require more attention than ever in the future.
With the new network fee billing system, we will have to ask which devices are the ones that can quickly get you into higher billing classes - and we are not only talking about larger companies, but also about ordinary households. If you are not careful, you will unexpectedly pay more than before due to improper use of electrical appliances. There are energy "vampires" in your home that can quickly get you into trouble, especially if you use them all at once.
1. Induction plate and several cooking zones at the same time (2 to 7 kW)
Were you preparing lunch and reheating soup at the same time? Well, with this your induction hob has already consumed around 4 kW. Turn on the third cooking zone and you will quickly exceed 6 kW. With a three-phase system, this may not be immediately obvious, but most Slovenian households will quickly reach or exceed the fuses. Combine this with evening laundry, and your electric closet will start to “sizzle”.
2. Water heater (boiler - 2 to 3 kW)
A boiler that keeps the water hot all the time will use about 2.5 kW. If you leave it on at the same time as other appliances, such as a washing machine or oven, your home fuse will quickly exceed its capacity. With the new system, the penalties for exceeding the agreed power will increase significantly.
3. Heat pump (up to 5 kW – 10 kW)
On cold days, the heat pump will run at full capacity, which alone will require up to 5+ kW. Now imagine turning on the kettle and the hob at the same time. The combination can quickly exceed the limit, and while this may not seem like a problem at first, your electricity bill will become much higher over time.
4. Charging an electric car (up to 11 kW)
Those of you who have switched to electric vehicles are probably excited about the fuel savings. But beware! Your electric car is the same consumer as your entire house. Charging a car at a normal socket can use up to 11 kW. With the new system, you will have to do this during periods of lower prices, otherwise unexpectedly high network charges will hit your wallet.
5. Dishwasher (up to 1.5 kW)
A dishwasher might not sound like the biggest consumer, but when you combine it with other appliances, the power quickly adds up. Doing the laundry after dinner while the boiler is heating and dinner is cooking is a recipe for tripping the fuse.
How much does any device in your household consume?!
In the modern household, we use many electrical devices that often seem indispensable. Here is a list of the most common consumers in kilowatts (kW) when operating at full power:
- Refrigerator: 0.15–0.2 kW (works almost all the time).
- Freezer: 0.15–0.2 kW.
- Induction plate: 1.5-3 kW per cooking zone (if you use several cooking zones at the same time, the consumption can reach up to 7 kW).
- Oven: 2–3 kW.
- Microwave: 1 kW to 2 kW.
- Water heater: 2–2.5 kW.
- Dishwasher: 1.5–2 kW.
- Washing machine: 1.5–2.5 kW (depending on washing temperature).
- Dryer: 2–2.5 kW.
- Coffee machine: 0.8–1.2 kW.
- Multi-tasker/mixer: 0.5 kW.
- Hair dryer: 1.5–2 kW.
- Air conditioning: 2–5 kW (depending on size and power).
- Heat Pump: 3–5 kW.
- TV: 0.2–0.4 kW (depending on size and technology).
- Computer: 0.3–0.6 kW (desktop computers, laptops much less).
- Charger for electric vehicles: up to 11 kW (with fast charging).
- Electric heaters: from 2 kW – 5 kW.
These are average consumption values, which may vary depending on the models and energy efficiency of the devices
What are the solutions?
The new network fee billing system forces us all to organize ourselves better. Experts recommend that we use electrical devices wisely and not all at the same time. Use the washing machine and dishwasher at times of lower network load, preferably at night or early in the morning when tariffs are lower.
If you have several powerful devices in your household, such as a heat pump, water heater and induction plate, avoid using them at the same time. Try to plan your spending – e.g. set the washing machine on a timer to start working during the lower tariff time.
Conclusion: A new system network fee billing it will not only affect households but also businesses. Although the reform seems to encourage more efficient use of energy, prepare for the nightlife. Doing laundry at 2 a.m. or charging your car while everyone else is asleep will become the new norm. If you don't want the system to make you lose money, you will have to radically change your energy habits.
