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[VIC] Powerpal Power Meter for Metro Melbourne, Geelong and Ballarat Residents $0 (Was $129) @ Powerpal

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[VIC] Powerpal Power Meter for Metro Melbourne, Geelong and Ballarat Residents $0 (Was $129) @ Powerpal
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AssociatedPowerpal on 22/03/2021 - 10:14 powerpal.net (7624 clicks)
Last edited 22/03/2021 - 12:59 by 1 other user

Over 35,000 free Powerpal's have been claimed by Victorians with the service rated 5* across Google reviews and the app stores. The service is completely free thanks to funding under the Victorian Government's flagship energy upgrades program.

We saw a great response from OzBargain when this deal was first announced last year, so we just want to let the community know that the offer has been expanded to cover homes in Geelong and Ballarat (in addition to Melbourne metro areas). So if you haven't yet claimed yours jump on board!

Referral Links

Referral: random (98)

Referrers receive a $5 Gift Card.

Electrical & Electronics Power Meter

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closed Comments

  • khantic on 22/03/2021 - 10:17
    +1

    Hi the Powerpal Installer never came to my home even though they texted me they will come at X time.

    • jv on 22/03/2021 - 10:22
      +15

      Did that coincide with the day they had the KFC deal?

    • AssociatedPowerpal @ Powerpal on 22/03/2021 - 10:42
      +2

      So sorry we missed you! If you haven't already do drop an email into our support team via [email protected] and they'd be happy to follow this up for you.

    • gonan on 22/03/2021 - 10:56
      +2

      I keep getting texts that they're coming in my area to install it, but I already got one!
      It's a very good device, would recommend it to anyone.

      • AssociatedPowerpal @ Powerpal on 22/03/2021 - 10:59
        +1

        Thanks for the positive feedback - great to hear you are enjoying your Powerpal!

        If you're still getting SMS notifications for installation then you can simply follow the link in the SMS can cancel the request, this won't impact your existing service.

    • Heaps for Cheaps on 22/03/2021 - 13:06

      Too many cancels, re-booking, then spam.

    • ozisaver on 22/03/2021 - 13:11
      +1

      You do not need an installer to do this. Takes 30 seconds to do it yourself.

  • jv on 22/03/2021 - 10:19

    Why can't we install these ourselves?

    I just watched the video, it takes 2 minutes and there is no wiring involved.

    • edrift on 22/03/2021 - 10:29
      +28

      Probably because they need to charge back to the government $300+ worth of fees… So the technicians $200 callout fee for 5mins work justifies that

      • cloudy on 22/03/2021 - 10:52
        +5

        Haha exactly.

        My father in law has been touting this after he got it because he says he gets referral money and it’s free.

        Clearly, the government is giving too much money on this program if it’s free and if free isnt good enough for word of mouth monetary referral is offered.

      • jv on 22/03/2021 - 10:53
        +1

        Probably because they need to charge back to the government $300+ worth of fees…

        For 2 minutes work?

        Is someone in the government getting kickbacks, because it certainly appears that way.

        • bmerigan on 22/03/2021 - 22:26

          It's not actually that much

          • SF3 on 23/03/2021 - 01:05

            @bmerigan: times 35,000, even $10 a piece… that's $350K

            • bmerigan on 23/03/2021 - 08:42
              +4

              @SF3: You just passed economics 101. You have grasped the fundamentals of running a successful business.

        • SJDR on 23/03/2021 - 09:10

          Wouldn't it be more surprising if someone in the Government didn't have their snout in the trough?

      • azm on 22/03/2021 - 11:19
        +2

        Another aspect is with the data. They will own our energy usage data and I am assuming they will sell them.

    • AssociatedPowerpal @ Powerpal on 22/03/2021 - 10:41
      +9

      We dearly, dearly wish self installation was allowed - it would make our lives so much easier!

      However, as part of the rules of the Victorian Energy Upgrades program installation of all products must be undertaken by an "Accredited Provider" under the program. This is a general rule for all products available under the program, from hot water heaters to LED light globes.

      More details here: https://support.powerpal.net/hc/en-us/articles/360039450314-…

        • tritorius on 22/03/2021 - 11:00
          +5

          You can, but it cost you $129 to buy the unit since you dont get the rebate

          • jv on 22/03/2021 - 11:05
            +2

            @tritorius:

            You can, but it cost you $129

            You missed the point.

            It requires no qualifications to install. Have you watched the video?

            It is a waste of money paying someone to come out to install it.

            • buckethat on 22/03/2021 - 11:13
              +5

              @jv:

              However, as part of the rules of the Victorian Energy Upgrades program installation of all products must be undertaken by an "Accredited Provider" under the program. This is a general rule for all products available under the program, from hot water heaters to LED light globes.

              To get it for free, it looks like you have to follow the rule set by Vic Energy Upgrades program. Otherwise, just buy it yourself and pop it on.

              • jv on 22/03/2021 - 11:14
                -4

                @buckethat: That doesn't answer why…

                It is just an optical sensor. There is no wiring. There is no calibration.
                You just stick it on and it takes less than 2 minutes.

                • buckethat on 22/03/2021 - 11:16

                  @jv: I get that the device itself is easy to install.. But from Powerpal response, for you to get it for FREE, it requires them to follow the rule, so they can get the rebate from the government. And the program apparently requires a professional to install the device.

                  • jv on 22/03/2021 - 11:17
                    -1

                    @buckethat:

                    And the program apparently requires a professional to install the device.

                    why?

                    • buckethat on 22/03/2021 - 11:22
                      +6

                      @jv: Not sure mate, I dont work for the government. But I would assume they want a professional to do it so Joe Blow can't stick it up his ass and sue the government for not providing 'clear instruction' on how to install the device. I think most of the time, its just a liability issue.

                      Same with those 'warranty voided if seal is broken' on electronic devices.

                      • jv on 22/03/2021 - 11:24
                        +3

                        @buckethat:

                        Not sure mate, I dont work for the government.

                        That's why I asked the Rep who posted this.

                        • mahdoo on 22/03/2021 - 13:49
                          +14

                          @jv: Why on earth would the powerpal rep know why a GOVERNMENT programme was designed in the way it was?

                          That requirement has NOTHING to do with powerpal, you're just being unreasonably difficult.

                          Buy it yourself for $129 if you want to install it yourself, and if you're unhappy, take it up with the government, and not powerpal, or the poor rep.

                          • jv on 22/03/2021 - 13:54
                            -6

                            @mahdoo:

                            Why on earth would the powerpal rep know why a GOVERNMENT programme was designed in the way it was?

                            Because powerpal would have negotiated the deal with the government to determine the price.
                            That how contracts work…

                        • bmerigan on 22/03/2021 - 22:29

                          @jv: Who is a sales rep not a government employee writing policy.

            • smartazz104 on 22/03/2021 - 11:14

              @jv: You don’t pay if someone else does it; you have to pay if you insist on doing it yourself.

              • jv on 22/03/2021 - 11:15
                +2

                @smartazz104: Yes, it's a stupid waste of money and we end up paying for it…

                • syousef on 22/03/2021 - 15:23

                  @jv: Are you new to the idea of government rebate programs? This is how they're typically done and why they're a bad idea in the first place. They are just too prone to being abused.

                  You can't renegotiate anything and neither can any company. You could try raising it with your MP, but good luck getting anything actually changed. Backroom deals not withstanding, all you or any individual or company can do is take advantage of the scheme for the advantage it gives you (free stuff, more customers), or refuse to do so.

              • jv on 22/03/2021 - 11:25
                +1

                @smartazz104:

                You don’t pay if someone else does it; you have to pay if you insist on doing it yourself.

                So where's the logic there?

                We end up paying for it in one way or another, either by taxes or by energy companies passing on the cost.

                • smartazz104 on 22/03/2021 - 11:52

                  @jv: People keep harping on about "our" taxpayer money; you've already paid your taxes, the money is gone, it's out of sight. I'm sure you are creative with your tax return ever year anyway.

                  Yes, it's a stupid waste of money and we end up paying for it…

                  Unfortunately those are the rules.

                  • jv on 22/03/2021 - 13:07
                    -1

                    @smartazz104:

                    you've already paid your taxes, the money is gone

                    They are due 1st July.

            • brongz on 22/03/2021 - 12:59

              @jv: Free Qantas flights, private securities for hotel quarantine, hundred thousand $ salaries for hundreds of NBN employees, ….

              And hey don’t forget about that scooter law. How come some states allow it?

              If the problem with the speed, even (electric) bike can go much much faster than 25km/hr. Where’s the logic you ask

        • Techie4066 on 24/03/2021 - 16:35

          bureaucracy. Direct enquiries to the relevant government.

    • ieatcrackers on 22/03/2021 - 23:28

      Until 1998 it was illegal in Victoria to change a light bulb unless done by a licensed electrician. Melbourne has had electricity since the 1890s, so this is just baby steps!

      • jv on 22/03/2021 - 23:53

        Until 1998 it was illegal in Victoria to change a light bulb unless done by a licensed electrician

        LOL.

        Have you looked at the installation video?

        They are sticky taping a detector to a light on your meter. There is no wiring involved.

    • AssociatedPowerpal @ Powerpal on 22/03/2021 - 10:37
      +37

      We receive around a $90 rebate for each installation, which covers both the cost of the product and professional installation. This is paid for by your energy retailer, not via tax dollars, as part of their commitment to improving energy efficiency in Victoria.

      You can find out more about the program here: https://www.victorianenergysaver.vic.gov.au/__data/assets/pd…

        • nxllson on 22/03/2021 - 14:03
          +10

          Consumer price. The product itself does not cost $129 to make. That’s how businesses work. The negotiation has involved a dealing which provides compensation to Powerpal for the costs of manufacturing the product as well as professional installation.

          Why couldn’t you be happier with a free product that is offered as part of the Victorian Government’s initiative of saving energy? All you do is complain, complain, and complain. We’re working towards a greener planet, yet you seem to be the one wasting our efforts.

          After you whined about “us paying for it” and quickly getting shut down from the following:

          This is paid for by your energy retailer, not via tax dollars.

          You’re now moving onto the product RRP. Why, and what’s next on the list of whining for you?

          • jv on 22/03/2021 - 14:08
            -8

            @nxllson:

            The negotiation has involved a dealing which provides compensation to Powerpal for the costs of manufacturing the product as well as professional installation.

            Why does it require 'professional installation' though?
            Have you seen how it is installed?

            • Borg on 22/03/2021 - 15:27
              +3

              @jv: Holy moly JV, give it a rest :-)

              • jv on 22/03/2021 - 15:28
                -3

                @Borg: I don't have an answer yet.

                • poboy on 22/03/2021 - 18:24
                  +4

                  @jv: JV, these schemes generate certificates, which are on sold to energy companies. The certificate scheme is overseen by the government. In order to release the certificate, an approved provider needs to submit paperwork, which can include photos, but certainly includes the address and phone numbers of households receiving the product.

                  To prevent the approved provider sending out a billion devices that aren't even used, the overseeing government body demands evidence of installation by an approved provider.

                  The government will randomly call people to see if the installation was done. If there is a problem, the provider can lose their license or forfeit a tonne of certificates.

                  Then they release the certificates. Then the provider sells them to the energy companies, and then the energy companies point to the total certificates they bought or generated and tell the government 'ok, we met our green target!' And the government nods.

            • bmerigan on 22/03/2021 - 22:36
              +3

              @jv: Accredited installer.
              Probably the same reason you aren't allowed to hold a stop/go sign directing traffic. It's not exactly rocket science but you're not certified. (Unless you actually do that job, I don't know you…)

              And because you're probably going to ask "but why?" again: It's because of beurocrats.

              • jv on 22/03/2021 - 23:07

                @bmerigan:

                Accredited installer.

                You obviously haven't looked to see what is required to install this.

                It's basically sticky tape.

                • bmerigan on 22/03/2021 - 23:15
                  +3

                  @jv: I watched it being done a few weeks ago.

                  "Accredited" doesn't have to mean "studied for 4 years for a Bachelor's degree".

  • auMouth on 22/03/2021 - 10:26
    +9

    From T&C's …
    * The Customer authorises Powerpal to use Customer Data provide benchmarking analysis and provide the Customer with relevant offers from third parties.
    * Any offers or recommendations made through Powerpal are personal to the Customer may not be transferred to, or relied upon, by any other person.
    * To the maximum extent permitted under law, the Company is not liable to the Customer if the Customer does not achieve any actual savings or rewards after participating in a promotion or signing up to an energy supplier recommended by Powerpal.
    * The Company is not liable for the performance by any third party introduced to the Customer via Powerpal.
    * The Customer authorises the Company to use and transmit the Customer Data within Powerpal to any third party energy provider or Reseller for the limited purposes of managing and monitoring the Customer’s energy usage.

    • jmel on 22/03/2021 - 11:03
      +1

      i wouldn't mind being recommended a different provider as long as it is transparent, fair and through my preferred communication channel. Would safe me hours of prowling through comparison site.

      • jv on 22/03/2021 - 11:28
        +1

        as long as it is transparent

        I doubt it would be… More likely companies would pay to get 'referred'…

        • jmel on 22/03/2021 - 12:32

          that would be unfortunate. and if that is the case, will just have to spend hours prowling through comparison site…. until consumer data rights takes effect, and hopefully makes our life better

          • Bren20 on 22/03/2021 - 19:55
            +1

            @jmel: Use the Victorian government energy comparison site, it uses your actual data to tell you the cheapest electricity deal

  • Finner on 22/03/2021 - 10:26
    +1

    Can these be installed for individual apartments?

    • AssociatedPowerpal @ Powerpal on 22/03/2021 - 10:33
      +1

      Unfortunately we generally can't do appartments - the meters are often located in a locked cabinet in the basement which is hard to access and a long way from the apartment itself (which makes signal range difficult).

      • lesher on 22/03/2021 - 11:04

        Darn, was wondering if you could do apartment, oh well :(

        • jv on 22/03/2021 - 11:06
          +1

          If it only works via bluetooth, I doubt it will work for most people in apartments…

      • Finner on 22/03/2021 - 12:42

        Do you mean basement of an apartment building? Our meter is on an external wall, there is no basement. What is the range of the signal?

  • donbot on 22/03/2021 - 10:27

    For Geelong, signed up a week ago (15/3), received text to confirm registration via link. No further communication from Powerpal as to progress/status/etc.

    Is the whole thing done via SMS? I guess I'm waiting for confirmation of when it will happen.

    • AssociatedPowerpal @ Powerpal on 22/03/2021 - 10:31
      +1

      Installation is usually scheduled within 4 weeks of request - we'll be with you soon, appreciate your patience!

  • littlesoldier on 22/03/2021 - 10:31
    +1

    Have installed for 6 months
    It requires bluetooth connection and only 1 mobile device can connect to Powerpal device to sync the data to the cloud
    I am living in the 2nd block of the unit, 100m away from the smart meter
    and the bluetooth signal to my home is pretty weak

    Most of the time I need to stay very close to the window to connect and sync the data

    IMO the device is OK if its free (sponsored)
    But doesnt worth paying…

    • cloudy on 22/03/2021 - 10:53
      +7

      It’s not free. We are all paying for it…

    • jv on 22/03/2021 - 10:55

      Why don't they use wifi, like the Origin energy device from a few years back…

      • Borg on 22/03/2021 - 11:52
        +4

        Because it's battery powered and lasts 10years. If running WiFi would run out of power quickly.

      • roonie on 22/03/2021 - 14:26

        I luv my origin meter and would love to get one for my FiL. When origin offered it to me, I thought, “yeah, I guess, why not” and it was ok. But then when we had solar panels installed it’s become fantastic. I can’t believe they’re not readily available. And I’m guessing that they use zigbee, rather than BT or wifi(?)

    • Borg on 22/03/2021 - 11:54

      @littlesoldier: Only one device can attach LIVE however it sends the Data back to Server every few minutes. In turn if you have the APP on any other device, the Data will be up to date (within the last few minutes). SO even if you are not at home, you will see current use up to the last few minutes (assuming you have a device at home connected).

      • littlesoldier on 22/03/2021 - 11:59

        yes, this is what I used to setup
        However as I can only get the bluetooth signal when it is very close to the window
        I need to "hang" a spare phone next to the window just to sync the data to cloud

        In a warm summer the phone heats up and auto-reboot a few times
        Not really a reliable solution for me….

        • Borg on 22/03/2021 - 18:35

          The Powerpal device stores up to 60 days of data locally so you don't have to stay connected to it unless you want to view "Live" data
          In theory you could just connect once in a blue moon which then uploads existing Data to your devices.

  • edrift on 22/03/2021 - 10:32
    +10

    So as much as I hate companies rorting government energy schemes, I must say I do approve of powerpal.
    I use this regularly as an ozbargainer to monitor my household energy usage and must say the technology is great!
    The app is easy to use and informative. Energy consumption is logged and displayed near real-time.

    As a tax payer I'm happy I'm actually getting something useful back for once

    • AssociatedPowerpal @ Powerpal on 22/03/2021 - 10:43

      Thanks so much for your positive feedback - great to hear you are enjoying your Powerpal!

    • Jamesx on 22/03/2021 - 12:50

      had this from the start. It always shows same usage. I just can't see the real time energy comsuption and feed in. Am I doing something wrong?

      • edrift on 22/03/2021 - 13:16
        +1

        Make sure you are connected to the device?

        I use it to test how much energy things use. Have tested on:
        1980s old school aircon. Uses ridiculous amounts of power and would cost me $5-7/hr to run

        2.5kw inverter aircons. These use barely any power and I'm happy to leave them running all night

        Garage drinks fridge. Yeah not worth it unless I am entertaining guests

        Airfyer and coffee machine. These use a ton but I guess only using them in short bursts

        You should see the spikes in energy if checking these types of devices. Don't test with say a light bulb because that uses hardly anything

        • Borg on 22/03/2021 - 18:40
          +1

          Yeah, I turn off my Hot Water Tank in the morning and then back on before bed. Saves a lot of $$ as I am TOU (tIme of use) billing so don't want it kicking on during Peak periods. The Powerpal app has been great for seeing this and it showed when the tank was kicking on (obvious spikes). In turn I have reduced "Always on Power" by perhaps 20% by being aware of it!

  • swifty7 on 22/03/2021 - 10:33
    +1

    This is a great little device. Installation was super prompt and quick. Very handy information which allows me to see what device is sucking power in the household.

    • AssociatedPowerpal @ Powerpal on 22/03/2021 - 10:44

      Thanks for sharing your positive experience - really appreciated!

  • BaryGusey on 22/03/2021 - 10:44
    +1

    Any discount code for non-vic orders? :)

  • noisymime on 22/03/2021 - 10:45
    +15

    Whilst I'm all for things that help people measure usage, it's appalling that we spent all this money enforcing smart meter rollouts but then add a little device that watches a blinking light in order to monitor usage. All the smart meters in Vic have this and (many) more features built in and transmit the data via Zigbee SE, and yet instead of using that we're adding another device to monitor a blinking light!?!

    • killingtime on 22/03/2021 - 10:51
      +1

      Is crazy. Government should have just made smart meter providers provide api for zigbee or defund this

    • AssociatedPowerpal @ Powerpal on 22/03/2021 - 10:52
      +12

      Agreed! When the smart meter roll out was completed a number of providers attempted to offer products using the Zigbee interface (including us) but there are all sorts of issues - the Zigbee range from the meter is poor, it's hard to set up, the Zigbee gateway devices need to be pre-certified, etc.

      So we've iterated on the problem and that led to the Powerpal we offer today - it's a simple, low cost solution that "just works". Why on earth they didn't just put WiFi capabilities in the meters themselves though is certainly a very valid question!

      • Borg on 22/03/2021 - 18:43

        It cost me $129 so would not call that low cost at all :-)

      • akbal on 22/03/2021 - 20:23
        +1

        Really appreciate your transparency.
        I've got one and I like it, was totally confused about smart metres on smart metres though. That makes sense now (as much as it can)

      • pointbar on 22/03/2021 - 21:16

        I had no issues. Purchased the device, plugged it in and it's been working ever since.
        It's totally mad that a lot of home automation systems support Zigbee and our power meters support Zigbee but we can't integrate them.

      • mpember on 22/03/2021 - 23:29
        +1

        Do you want to be the person to explain to the customer why their 15yo smart meter with WEP is not able to join the WPA2/AES-secured WLAN on the modem their ISP supplied?

      • nevilleescort on 24/03/2021 - 16:54

        Agree with Akbal, like your transparency and helpful insights.
        The point of smart meters is so the power companies can understand detailed consumption, and (less mentioned in govt PR) control it down to the household level during surges or brownouts. So they must be seeing the detailed data. Does this travel down the supply line (encoded onto it) or do they also use the Zigbee interface? If the later then how do they get a decent signal?
        Assuming its on the power line - seems only practical approach - then the data is presumably sitting on servers at the power companies. So wouldn't the obvious solution be for them to offer appropriate access to that and cut out all this nonsense with add-ons? Even if they charged for it some would probably pay, and the alternative would be for this large subsidy from government to be directed into that instead.
        Am I missing something?

        • Borg on 24/03/2021 - 19:04

          Logically yes one would think however neither the Distributors and most of the retailers who get the data from the distributors have the technology inplace to offer such a service. These days it would not be that hard to do BUT would cost a few $$ to setup. Thats the downside of it being a fragmented service and not being centrally controlled.

  • JKnoch92 on 22/03/2021 - 10:52

    Required BT so no use if weak connection

  • finnthecheapskate on 22/03/2021 - 10:53

    I got this thing installed… very good insights and easy to use app.

    The installer was quite instant about installing the dongle thing outside the box…. for coverage/reception, but it looked awful… once he left I moved inside the meter box and still got reception fine.

  • Skramit on 22/03/2021 - 10:54
    +1

    Have had mine installed for a few weeks now and I'm sitting only 10m from the smart meter and the bluetooth is hard to connect.

    OP, version 2 needs stronger bluetooth :)

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