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[VIC, NSW, QLD, SA] Free Electricity Usage 11am-2pm Daily with The Free 3 Plan & The Basic Free 3 Plan @ OVO Energy

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[VIC, NSW, QLD, SA] Free Electricity Usage 11am-2pm Daily with The Free 3 Plan & The Basic Free 3 Plan @ OVO Energy
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Cashback
spiderbite88 on 24/11/2023 - 16:12 ovoenergy.com.au (11950 clicks)
Last edited 30/11/2023 - 13:43 by 2 other users

Check your off peak, on peak and supply charge rate at the link. Fixed rate until 1st December 2024. No lock in contracts.

VIC, NSW, QLD and SA only.
For my location, it was the best price according to https://compare.energy.vic.gov.au/

If your appliances have a delay function and you have your AC/Heater on Home Assistant, get ready to schedule everything for the free hours.
Don't forget to sign up with the refferal link for $10/month off.

T&Cs:

The Free 3 Plan & The Basic Free 3 Plan

Free energy between 11am and 2pm everyday

  1. Offer Terms
    These terms (Special Terms) set out the terms and conditions applicable to OVO Energy's The Free 3 Plan and The Basic Free 3 Plan.
    Terms that are not defined in these Special Terms are defined in OVO Energy's Market Retail Contract Terms and Conditions for small customers - available here.

  2. Eligibility Requirements The Free 3 Plan and The Basic Free 3 Plan are available to residential customers who have a communicating smart meter only. If your Market Retail Contract is terminated because you are not eligible for The Free 3 Plan or The Basic Free 3 Plan you will be moved to our Standard Retail Contract.

  3. The Free 3 Plan Billing Requirements
    The Free 3 Plan requires that you pay for the electricity you use monthly in advance on a Bill Smoothing arrangement. Your Bill Smoothing arrangement will be set in accordance with your contract with us.

  4. The Basic Free 3 Plan Billing Requirements
    The Basic Free 3 Plan is billed in arrears. You will be issued a bill monthly for the energy that you have used, payment must be made by the due date on your bill.

Referral Links

Referral: random (619)

Referrer & referee each receive $15 bill credit per month over 12 months after referee signs up to the EV Plan or EV Plan + 100%.

Referrer & referee each receive $10 bill credit per month over 12 months after referee signs up to any other plan.

This is part of Black Friday / Cyber Monday deals for 2023
Electrical & Electronics Black Friday Electricity

Related Stores

OVO Energy
OVO Energy

Comments

  • TrailerTrash on 13/01/2024 - 08:06

    @spiderbite88 and all - just wondering how this works, as my readings (via CSV download) are in 30min increments.

    I was able to reconcile my 'super off peak $0' kWh however it's calculated on the 11:00, 11:30, 12:00, 12:30, 13:00 and 13:30 readings.. so what about the usage between 13:30 and 14:00?

    And what has the 11:00 reading got to do with anything - wouldn't that reflect the usage leading up to 11:00?

    Am thinking if this is the case (confirming with OzB's that my maths isn't off), should I then shift my usage window schedule to 10:30-13:30 to maximise the $ savings?

    • spiderbite88 on 13/01/2024 - 10:34

      That would be very interesting to confirm. I am not sure. I think only OVO support could answer this. If you find out, please let us know.

  • Fishballs on 17/01/2024 - 21:34
    +1

    Normal plan is 24.2c/kWh, three hours free is 25c/kWh. I don't even need to change usage habits to save with this, and much cheaper than globird in my area, hope the random person from here enjoys there referral credit :)

    • Empharand on 20/01/2024 - 15:10

      Is that 24.2c/kWh by taking advantage of the solar tariff? I have been quoted 31c through OVO, which isn't bad, but we're approx 28c with Globird (without solar)

      • Fishballs on 20/01/2024 - 16:29
        +1

        No we don't have solar, just the price they quoted in my area in Victoria.

        • Empharand on 20/01/2024 - 20:16
          +1

          Fair enough. You're lucky that you're getting that rate. I'm extremely jealous :)
          That's roughly what I was getting like 5+ years ago, and I actively shop around for the best rate multiple times a year. Best rate we can get here is Globird @ 28c p/kw

  • Empharand on 20/01/2024 - 15:06
    -2

    Too bad it's not in the evening. Would have been useful when I was working from home and could easily utilise that for washing, drying, charging up various things etc.

    I'd be curious to see if anyone has installed a third-party energy meter and compared their usage to what has been charged to see if they're actually excluding electricity usage between 11am - 2pm.

    I assume it would be very difficult to keep them honest without having said third-party meter.

    • bazingaa on 21/01/2024 - 18:54
      +1

      you don't need another meter, you can get these logs feom from your distributor. I was able to obtain hourly usage data from United Energy but making an online account.

  • financialminimalism on 31/01/2024 - 21:22
    +1

    Can voucher for Ovo. Been a customer with them for 6 months. Good rates for my area at least, referral program is awesome and customer service is good. They’ve also released an app now which is one of the better energy ones I’ve seen!

  • pedrov on 12/02/2024 - 17:20

    FYI. Plan pricing is updated in the last few days, and the Free 3 hours is now applicable to EV Plan also (for new customer sign ups).

  • Frozensage on 13/02/2024 - 10:21

    so if u leave in 3 month and you prepaid money into the account, how do you get it back?

  • Frozensage on 16/02/2024 - 15:19

    Can u sign this up for a business?

  • INeverPayFullPrice on 01/04/2024 - 21:33

    Saw a mention of Solar should be less than or max 5KW to qualify for this plan. I have 10KW system.

  • david90 on 24/05/2024 - 15:45

    Thanks OP! Best plan and retailer for me on Vic Energy Compare in the Ausnet area

    • SES on 25/05/2024 - 18:00

      Are you share about that? What are your rates? Read my last 2 comments. Not being combative but you may be paying more, what's your postcode and rates ?

  • Poor Ass on 24/05/2024 - 16:20
    +1

    Peak rate: 63.58c per kWh lmao

  • Alzori on 24/05/2024 - 16:23

    Great if it's the best plan for you. For me my flat rate is currently 20% lower than their offering so not really worth switching, don't think I could push 20%+ of my usage into that midday period.

  • AndrewMTG on 24/05/2024 - 16:30
    -1

    I'm currently on dodo. Well my household is but I can manage the power bills or let me parents know and change ..

    power n gas w dodo how do i go about switching and ckmparing?

    Whats the important math stuff ?

    Also I have the Vicpal smth powert tracking bullshir from emerald ems if that's doe anything besides sell my data.

    How do i do the calculations and figure out what a monthly bill will be.

    Can i see my power usage on my dodo and see how it calculate …

    How do i know thanks any tips lads gotta save money right cost of living !!

  • profounddominator on 24/05/2024 - 16:57
    +1

    Ovhoeeee

  • trevor99 on 24/05/2024 - 17:55
    +1

    Not for controlled load 🙄
    But is there anyway to wire up your normal supply to your controlled load circuits on the 3 hour timer?

    • shadow131 on 24/05/2024 - 19:01
      +1

      Contactor with timer. Tlk to an electrican.

  • mreddie on 24/05/2024 - 19:15

    OVO are crooks, has lots of billing issues with them. Stay clear.

    • snoopydoop on 25/05/2024 - 02:38

      What sort of issues? Curious so I know what to look out for

      • tkboi on 25/05/2024 - 05:46

        following as well.

        its pretty good for me so far.

    • Craicdealer on 22/11/2024 - 16:36

      No issues with me, multiple referrals all honoured, changed monthly payment to suit actual use easily.

  • CasperLeon22 on 24/05/2024 - 21:04
    -1

    Curious, do you need a smart meter for them to be able to offset the 11-2pm usage from your bill?

    • spaceflight on 24/05/2024 - 21:37

      How else would they know when you are consuming electricity?

  • capslock janitor on 25/05/2024 - 01:43

    [REPOST]

  • john smith apples on 25/05/2024 - 07:59

    This looks like a terrible deal (basic free 3) Free between 11 and 2 but 40c between 3 and 9.

    • yojabbajabba on 25/05/2024 - 08:51

      What is the apples-to-apples comparison of the other ovo plans in your region? It might be completely consistent with all of their other offerings.

    • Jonesy555 on 25/05/2024 - 10:27

      Area dependent. Im on 25c, others are 24c, but no free time. Can charge the car up to 21kw for free on each daily 3 hours free. In VIC.

  • charliechao on 25/05/2024 - 08:32

    Probably not for someone working from home? The day time rates is around 40% higher than my sumo rates in my area.

  • SES on 25/05/2024 - 18:06

    Vic 3976 Ausnet - smart meter - isn't single rate almost always better than ToU regardless of the season especially if one has solar no battery or even without solar? Thoughts?

    FYI By regulation, one can request to be changed to single rate from ToU tarrifs once every year via their retailer. Fyi. Doesn't matter if your retailer only shows ToU based plans. Cheers

  • Nathw on 15/07/2024 - 17:59

    Only joined 3 months ago and they’re now raising the rates by 25%

    • shadow131 on 15/07/2024 - 19:08

      which plan are you on?

      • Nathw on 15/07/2024 - 19:19

        The Basic Free 3 Plan

    • 3v3rqu357 on 16/07/2024 - 16:44

      Same for me on globird (vic ausnet area), I think all the rates for all retailers got redone :-/ . Time to move again…

  • souljah on 26/07/2024 - 16:14

    Country Vic, ausnet. Getting following rate offer from them.

    Daily - 95.15c
    Peak (3pm-9pm) - 34.98c
    Offpeak (rest of time) - 15.95c
    * No free 3 hrs

    Thoughts? Seems cheapest in my area if I'm not missing anything. Apparently you go into draw to potentially win a Tesla 3 and $2,000

    12 month contract but doesn't say anything about exit penalty - is that even a thing anymore?

    • souljah on 23/11/2024 - 09:18
      +2

      Ended up switching to OVO and happy with the decision. With young kids home a couple of days during the week and work from home days the 3hrs free gets a real workout.

      We do a load of washing and use the dryer almost everyday during the free time - can't use clothes line even on nice days thanks to the road works for a new housing development behind us coating us in dust most days 😞

      We set a delay if we are out on the washing/dryer so it runs during the free time. Hot days I have been running the aircon hard from 11-2 to keep the house nice and cool and then it holds pretty good for the afternoon.

      Bills have been very good. Don't forget to use a referral for another $10-15 off a month depending on plan chosen.

    • bohn on 24/05/2025 - 10:18

      I am on this plan too - but the 3hr 'free' plan is far more expensive peak/offpeak than the one you quoted…. such bs claiming it's free.

  • madamethrifty on 04/09/2024 - 13:48

    Still running, still awesome. Was with Globird as they were slightly cheaper… for a while. Set your dishwasher, washing machine, car, everything to charge in that 3 hours (11am-2pm).

    • hopper on 22/11/2024 - 16:20

      You have solar?

  • garbagetnt on 05/09/2024 - 09:54

    been with OVO for the last year on the one plan - had recently updated the plan for lower rates - there's about a 5 cent rate lower than the free 3 plans per KW but doubt it's worth it as can't really schedule all usages to the free time at 11-2 esp with little kids and other half who needs a temperate house at night

    • Nom on 05/09/2024 - 13:42

      other half who needs a temperate house at night

      Have you checked the Tog rating on your quilt ?

      https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tog_(unit)#/media/File%3ATogs_and_Temperature.jpg

      If you need to heat the house at night, your quilt is too thin.

      Try this https://www.amazon.com.au/Silentnight-Warm-Cosy-White-Single… - they are awesome 🤗 Hopefully you're not using a Double because it looks like that size is out of stock at the moment.

  • friz on 22/11/2024 - 16:26

    I was on these guys with my solar and EV setup. When they put up rates in Sep, and dropped the FiT, it simply was too high for peak. I've subsequently moved across to Powershop and my bills are a lot more reasonable
    .

  • Funky-munky on 22/11/2024 - 16:57
    +2

    TIP! I'm with OVO and last night used the energy VIC compare site.
    They're still right up there when it comes to best value, for me anyways.
    However, upon entering my NMI and doing the comparison, the rates on the site for daily usage and per KW were less than what I was currently paying on The One Plan.
    I jumped onto the app, clicked on my plan and changed plan to "The One Plan" and I have received the cheaper rates.
    No calls or fighting with reps, simple!
    Did it last night, new rates kicked in today.

    • sween64 on 23/05/2025 - 23:53
      +1

      Thanks. I signed up to OVO on their Basic EV Plan only 6 weeks ago. I “changed” plans to the new Basic EV Plan rates and saved 6% on supply and 4% on usage. Cheers.

      • Funky-munky on 24/05/2025 - 11:52

        My pleasure! ☺️

        • sween64 on 25/05/2025 - 09:15

          I’m gonna check OVO prices monthly now, at the same time I pay my bill. Should be quick enough.

          • Funky-munky on 25/05/2025 - 12:37
            +1

            @sween64: Yeah, saw a note saying their prices will be going up in the next month or 2. So I will keep an eye on it and do the Vic comparison website to see what's cheaper and how OVO energy compare.

  • goobar on 22/11/2024 - 16:57

    Was good when the rate outside the free period was reasonable. In July they increased it 40% for me so was terrible even with the free period included.

  • [Deactivated] on 22/11/2024 - 17:16
    +2

    Been on this for about a year and it’s been excellent.
    I now have about 20 smart plugs tracking everything in the house, and lots of time-insensitive loads run during the free period.

    Helps that I WFH. More than half our energy usage is now free :-)

    • [Deactivated] on 22/11/2024 - 17:23
      +1

      I had similar price increase “issue”. It went up heaps, I checked a few weeks later and it was like 10c cheaper. I called and they backdated it as far as they could.

      Now you can change in the app

    • lycheetea on 22/11/2024 - 17:59

      interested to know what time sensitive loads are those?
      I've got EV charging for those 3hrs on a granny charger. And maybe air con on a hot day, can't think of anything else.

      • [Deactivated] on 22/11/2024 - 19:39

        I said time-insensitive which is things like dishwasher, washing machine, 3D printer, hot water, charging electric batteries (lawnmower too), and a couple of servers that boot up during the free period to sync / download / encode stuff.

        Plus during 11am-2pm I automatically turn on the A/C to keep the house at a nice temperature if I’m home, and can do things like cook dinner (or parts of it). I have a drinks fridge at my desk that turns on, garden grow lights, dehumidifiers etc.

        • lycheetea on 25/11/2024 - 15:08
          +1

          Haha I can't read. Cooking dinner and doing washing sounds like a plan.

  • gogo1234 on 22/11/2024 - 19:25

    Looking at the compare energy vic site I cant work out why Globird is cheaper for me by about $100 annual then Ovo, both have no hidden discounts its just based on useage/daily charge.
    Globird is:
    Supply charges 111.10 ¢/day
    Flat
    First 760.42 kWh per month 21.12 ¢/kWh
    Balance
    30.03 ¢/kWh

    Ovo:
    Supply charges 97.90 ¢/day
    Flat
    All consumption 22.55 ¢/kWh

    Can anyone help me understand why? - shouldnt Ovo be much cheaper due to the lower daily?

    • arkie0 on 22/11/2024 - 20:13
      +1

      I did a similar comparison, came down to globird vs ovo

      Do you have solar? globird has slightly better FIT - but still depends on your time of energy use. I ended up with OVO.

      • gogo1234 on 23/11/2024 - 09:47

        No solar, might just go with Ovo, as Souljah said with 3 hrs free it should turn out cheaper.

    • souljah on 23/11/2024 - 09:23
      +1

      If you can make sure of the 3 free hrs it will end up cheaper. Run washing machine and/or dryer (most have a delay function if your not home), cool the house down with aircon during those times in summer (some can be set to run while not there).

      Use referral for a other $10-15 off bill per month and I'm sure you will be ahead (at top of post).

  • Plantain on 22/11/2024 - 21:38

    Been on this plan for a while now. Two Powerwall's fully charging and discharging twice every day, netting ~15$/day. Equivalent to 15% ROI, pays for itself in 5 years (and then you still have two powerwalls).

    • arcticmonkey on 04/12/2024 - 04:25

      How does this work? Can you please share more?

  • Polaremail on 22/11/2024 - 22:05

    went with OVO,basic plan. we have solar, so the free energy is somewhat useless to use. been on powershop for over 2 years now- should've moved a while ago, so thanks for reposting to prompt me to check. cheers.
    Also changed my gas to Sumo
    should save a bit next year.

  • kehuehue on 22/11/2024 - 22:09

    What does CL1 mean?

    • [Deactivated] on 23/11/2024 - 09:21

      Controlled load 1 circuit. Different times than CL2

  • ty2050 on 23/11/2024 - 08:09

    I've been on the EV plan for years now with solar and batteries. Run the A/C's, washing machine, and dishwasher during the 11-2 period. Also charge my batteries from the grid during 11-2 some overcast days I pull heaps some almost nothing.

    Best benefit is over winter.
    EV charging & 8c a KwH 12pm-6 am 354 KwH
    Super off peak 0c a KwH 11am-2pm 526KwH

    • [Deactivated] on 25/11/2024 - 17:10

      Do you mean 12am - 6am?

      • ty2050 on 26/11/2024 - 06:45

        midnight to 6am

  • Flowerbomb on 25/11/2024 - 13:08

    What does a communicating smart meter look like?

    • [Deactivated] on 25/11/2024 - 17:10

      Plastic box with digital display and antenna sticking out the top of the metal box

  • Dsiee on 23/05/2025 - 15:46

    Glowbird has a 2 hour free window if ovo doesn't offer this plan in your area as it doesn't in mine. Highly recommend one of them with batteries if your batteries are large enough. Mine are set charge regardless of solar in the free period so even in the rainy days they will half charge (10kw for 2 hours giving 20/45 kwh) from that alone.

  • marchozb on 23/05/2025 - 16:08
    +2

    I've been with OVO for about a year now. Their 3 free hours is a killer, my house glows from the power between 11am and 2pm.

    Blast the all the ACs in summer for 3 hours and then turn all but one off, the lone AC (if you're lucky to have multiple) doesn't have to work as hard to maintain a good temp compared to not starting at the desired temp.

    My record is 26.67 kwh in a day for $4.16 in power.

  • dirtybird on 23/05/2025 - 16:17
    +2

    I was on this plan for about a year and worked those three hours to the second. But, it was still cheaper to shop around get a better overall rate and I'm in front without the free hours. Moved to GloBird. YMMV.

  • devize on 23/05/2025 - 16:23

    Been on this for over a year and it's been great, especially if you WFH.

  • Frozensage on 23/05/2025 - 16:37

    it's not actually that much savings, but if you have an EV, would just go for the EV plan. Definitely works out better.

    • devize on 23/05/2025 - 17:05

      Definitely not, as rates vary dramatically from place to place. Rates on the EV plan which I was originally on are more than double for me. MUCH cheaper on this plan even with an EV.

      • Brick50 on 23/05/2025 - 18:21

        The AGL EV plan seems to fit me best

        8c overnight same as OVO, no 3 hours free but day rate is only 26.8c per kWh not 40c+ like OVO

  • bcYield on 23/05/2025 - 17:30

    How long they guarantee the 3 free hour plan lasts? What is the chance that they switch it off for pla pla reasons?

  • Hmjm on 23/05/2025 - 17:32

    Is it just for people with smart meters? Or anybody can avail this offer? How would they keep the track of how much of energy is used when ?

    • Brick50 on 23/05/2025 - 18:18

      Only smart meters

      • Hmjm on 23/05/2025 - 18:58

        Can anyone get a smart meter? Ho.mich it costs? To replace your existing meter with a smart meter?

        • Brick50 on 23/05/2025 - 19:09

          No idea boss

  • cumova on 23/05/2025 - 18:39

    In Nsw. Their rates are crazy high. Don't think it's even worth it with the free time.

  • Bargain-Junkie on 23/05/2025 - 18:57

    I am with OVO and I called them 12 months ago and asked them

    "am I on the cheapest available rate"

    By law, once you ask them this question they have to tell you their cheapest rate plan.

    They moved me to 'The One Plan'. This plan was considerably cheaper across all three, supply, peak, off peak.

    Here is my bill for the last 30 days;

    Supply Charge 30 days 82.50000¢/day $24.75
    Usage - Off Peak 108.83 @ 17.49000¢/kWh $19.03
    Usage - Peak 59.72 @ 26.73000¢/kWh $15.96

    This is for 3 adults electricity in Melbourne (distributor Citi Power)

    Perhaps they have an even cheaper plan now? Call them and ask.

    Please keep in mind that the 3 hours free plan isnt necessarily the cheapest if your other metrics are inflated.

    As I mentioned above. Asking Ovo "am I on the cheapest available rate" is going to save you the most time and money, especially if you don't have time controlled appliances.

  • TightAssDude on 23/05/2025 - 20:24

    With Jemena, I pay 26c peak,.and.08c overnight. This is very expensive for my provider.

  • Obs on 24/05/2025 - 00:11

    These free time period plans are only truly useful if you have an EV with decent charger installed or home battery. Shifting your usage to the offpeak and free periods can save you a little bit, but the power companies will take back those savings during the inflated peak periods.

  • CaffeineCruiser on 24/05/2025 - 08:50

    I’m in the Hills district NSW. (North west)
    Been on OVO for about 1.5-2 years.
    2 EV household.
    Direct debits are set to about $85/month.
    I’m currently about $350 in credit. It’ll balance out during winter I presume.

    Have 9.24kW solar/8kW inverter.

    Planning battery and potential increase in solar too.

    No complaints. Rates are good. One of the cheapest already and I’ve also got free charging and cheap charging overnight if needed.

    Thankfully we have 3phase electricity so our cars can charge at 11kW and 17kW when plugged in.

    Happy to answer any questions

    • poczynek77 on 24/05/2025 - 09:56

      Very similar to me - two EVs (both Teslas), am on 3 phase. Slightly smaller 6.8kW solar. And am on the Central Coast.

      The 3 hours of free electricity is perfect for charging cars - never had to pay for charging them as we just use this time period.

      Also have pool filter come on at 11am.

      However no matter what I cannot get in credit - averaging around $5 per day so between $150 and $200 per month.

      How do you manage to get in credit?

      • Brick50 on 27/05/2025 - 08:18

        Sounds like your solar is single phase, what’s on the other 2 phases?

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