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Rank 2
Nash98
Rank 2
August 31, 2025
Solved

Is it worth doing Power Move Flex

Is it worth doing power up?  Recently I made the effort to record my usage on 2 days in the middle of August.  On both occasions I used 1.47kw and 1.65kw repectively.  Yet when I got my results back I was being credited for 0.93 and 0.96 kw.  In fact the amount I earned, 23p and 24p which was considerably less than I had used!  I am not sure it is worth the hassle.

Chris_OVO
Chris_OVOBest Answer
Community Manager
September 5, 2025

Updated on 20/01/25 by Ben_OVO


Our current trials are now closed, and we'd like to thank our users for their participation.
 

 

Hey ​@Nash98,

 

I’ve combined your new thread with the previous one since it continues the same conversation, making it easier to follow in one place!​

 

I’d love to share my thoughts on this! Personally, I find myself more inclined to jump on last-minute events rather than those planned out a week in advance. When I get a notification about a free period, I like to take advantage of it by loading up the dishwasher and washing machine to make the most of the free power. It’s great that many modern appliances come with built-in timers, so I can easily set them to start when the event kicks off!

 

I totally understand that some folks prefer a longer planning window, and I just wanted to add my two pence. 

 

Thanks to everyone who is joining the trial and sharing your feedback!

Renewable energy jokes never get old.
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20 replies

Newcomer
norstar711
Newcomer
August 31, 2025

I guess the large number of people receiving even small rebates adds up to quite a sum for OVO, but I would say that, personally, it isn’t worth the effort. Firstly, the performance of my Smart Meter is hopeless and, secondly, the amount of notice given for power-ups is way too little.

    Rank 6
    Sparky64
    Rank 6
    August 31, 2025

    I receive power move emails the day before. That's enough time to schedule a usage plan I think.

    I don't make a big deal of it but plan a washing machine or dishwasher cycle around the times for a power up.

    Personally I don't bother with power downs but opt in anyway. 

    Newcomer
    norstar711
    Newcomer
    August 31, 2025

    Looking at my last two power move emails (Aug 29th & 30th), I was given less than 3 hours notice in both cases.

    Rank 2
    DavidWSR
    Rank 2
    August 31, 2025

    With Power Move its a case of save a little and it all adds up. My personal experience is on each ocassion you do not earn a lot particularly at this time of year when overall there is less power usage to shift. However, over time Power Move does give you some advantage and as the cooler months come along the savings for many are likely to be greater. Keep preserving!

      Firedog
      Super User
      FiredogSuper User
      Super User
      August 31, 2025

      … On both occasions I used 1.47kw and 1.65kw repectively. 
      … I was being credited for 0.93 and 0.96 kw.  
       

      You’re only rewarded for “every unit shifted above or below your usual.” It looks like your baseline for the first hour was (1.47 - 0.93 =) 0.54kWh and for the second (1.65 - 0.96 =)  0.69kWh. You’re probably still making a profit unless you’re on a particularly unfavourable tariff.

      Noel | I have no official status; I'm just a volunteer who comes here to help other customers. My gear: Aclara SGM 1416-B Electricity-only E7 meter; Chameleon IHD3-PPMID-AAA | It may look as if I know what I’m talking about, but don’t let that fool you. |
        Newcomer
        norstar711
        Newcomer
        September 1, 2025

        Just happened again today, under three hours notice….and at 09:07 when I was already at work.

        Emmanuelle_OVO
        Retired Moderator
        Emmanuelle_OVO
        Retired Moderator
        September 2, 2025

        Just happened again today, under three hours notice….and at 09:07 when I was already at work.



        Hey ​@norstar711,

        The short notice for the Power Move Flex trial is intentional, as we’re testing different reward methods to understand how short or long participants need to successfully participate in the trial by shifting their electricity usage to off-peak times. Your feedback is really helpful 😊

        Check out this similar topic:
        ​​​​

         

         

        Renewable Energy? Big Fan.
        Rank 2
        Nash98Author
        Rank 2
        September 3, 2025

        I asked a few days ago why my smart meter says I have used almost 2kw of electriciy on power up days, yet I am only being paid for less than 1kw!  in fact I am spending more money than receiving!

        One reply stated they got notification e-mails the day before for power up times,, but I believe most of us have a maximum of 2 hours, which does not give us enough notice to change our possible washing machine times, etc.  The day before would be really helpful.  Does anyone else get theirs the day before, and if so, why?

          Rank 9
          DuncanL
          Rank 9
          September 3, 2025

          I get exactly 5 hours for each event.  Different groups get different notice periods - it is all part of the trial.

            Newcomer
            norstar711
            Newcomer
            September 3, 2025

            I get a few minutes under three hours notice….completely useless.

            Show more replies
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