What is the Victorian Midday Power Saver? 

The Victorian Midday Power Saver (VMPS) is a time-of-use electricity offer for eligible Victorian residential customers. It gives you three consecutive hours of electricity usage at $0/kWh each day during the free usage period, subject to a daily fair use cap. 

When is the free electricity period? 

The free usage period is 11am to 2pm local time every day of the year. The time does not change on weekends, with the seasons or because of daylight saving. 

What are the VMPS time periods? 

Each day is split into 4 time periods, and the cost of your electricity changes depending on when you’re using electricity: 

• 9pm to 11am – Off-peak 

• 11am to 2pm – Free Usage Period 

• 2pm to 4pm – Solar Soak 

• 4pm to 9pm – Peak 

Is all electricity between 11am and 2pm free? 

Electricity used during the free period is charged at $0/kWh up to the daily fair use cap of 24 kWh. If you use more than 24 kWh between 11am and 2pm, usage above the cap may be charged at the applicable Solar Soak rate. 

Who can sign up for VMPS? 

VMPS is designed for Victorian residential electricity customers with a smart meter. Eligibility is also subject to the product terms that apply when you sign up or switch. 

How can I sign up if I am a new customer? 

New customers can sign up to VMPS through Join Now or by contacting our Customer Service on [email protected] or calling us on 1300 426 594. If you sign up over the phone, our team will complete the application.. If you sign up over the phone, our team will complete the application. 

How can I switch to VMPS if I am already a 1st Energy customer? 

Existing customers can switch through the Plan Switch form or by contacting our Customer Service on [email protected] or call us by visiting our Contact Us page and selecting your customer type to reach the appropriate customer service team. 

Will you show me what VMPS could cost before I switch? 

Yes. For existing customers, once your account details are entered in the Plan Switch page, a comparative price or estimated cost impact will be available. We will use this information to help explain how VMPS may compare with your current plan before you decide whether to switch. 

If you would like to understand the estimated cost impact of switching to VMPS, please call us on 1300426594 to discuss further.

If you’re an existing customer, we’ll use your available usage history to estimate how VMPS may compare with your current plan. 

If you’re a new customer, we’ll provide an indicative comparison using the relevant Victorian Default Offer benchmark and standard usage assumptions. 

These estimates can help you decide whether VMPS may be suitable for you. Your actual costs will depend on how and when you use electricity. 

Do I need to give consent before joining VMPS? 

Yes. Explicit Informed Consent is required before your VMPS sign-up or plan switch is completed. We will explain the important features of the offer, including the tariff structure and comparative price information, before asking for your consent. 

Will VMPS definitely save me money? 

No. VMPS may suit customers who can move a meaningful amount of electricity use into the 11am to 2pm free period. If you cannot shift enough usage, you could pay more than you would on another plan. 

Why could I pay more if electricity is free for three hours? 

The costs associated with the free usage period are recovered through the usage rates that apply during the other 21 hours of the day. That means when you use electricity is important. Your overall bill will depend on your usage pattern, not just the free period. 

How much could I save? 

Your actual savings will depend on your usage and how much electricity you can shift into the free period. The Essential Services Commission (ESC) modelling for a household using 4,000 kWh a year estimated potential annual savings of about $149 with a 5% additional shift, $235 with a 10% shift, and $332 with a 20% shift. These are examples only and are not guaranteed savings. 

What are the current VMPS maximum rates? 

The ESC recommended the following maximum general-usage rates for the period 1 October 2026 to 30 June 2027. Charges are inclusive of GST. Retailers may charge below these maximum prices. 

Do I need a smart meter? 

Yes. A smart meter is required because VMPS uses different electricity prices at different times of the day. 

I have solar panels. Can I still join? 

Having rooftop solar is not identified as an automatic exclusion from VMPS. Whether the offer is right for you will depend on your overall usage pattern and circumstances. 

I have a home battery. Will VMPS be better for me? 

A battery may help some customers shift more electricity use into the free period. However, customers with batteries may already be optimising when they use grid electricity, so VMPS will not necessarily produce additional savings. Your comparative price information can help you assess the likely impact. 

What if I have controlled load? 

Other charges can still apply in addition to general usage, including controlled-load tariffs. The published VMPS general-usage tariff schedule is for domestic customers without controlled load, so please check the product details that apply to your account. 

Can I leave VMPS if it no longer suits me? 

Yes. Customers can switch off VMPS without an exit fee. Available alternative plans and any applicable switching requirements will depend on the plans available at the time. 

Is there a cooling-off period? 

VMPS is expected to include a cooling-off period aligned with the consumer protections that apply when customers enter energy contracts. The applicable cooling-off information will be provided as part of your sign-up or switch. 

Is VMPS the same as the Victorian Default Offer? 

No. VMPS and the Victorian Default Offer are separate regulated standing offers. The Victorian Default Offer remains a safeguard offer, while VMPS is designed for customers who can actively shift more electricity usage into the middle of the day. 

Can VMPS appear in my Best Offer message? 

VMPS is intended to be included in best-offer calculations as a generally available offer, so it may appear in a Best Offer message where the relevant comparison rules apply. 

What if I need payment assistance or have life support or family violence protections? 

The usual Victorian customer protections continue to apply. This includes access to payment difficulty support and protections for customers who rely on life support equipment or are affected by family violence. 

When will the VMPS rates change? 

The first VMPS pricing period runs from 1 October 2026 to 30 June 2027. From 2027-28 onwards, the ESC is expected to set VMPS tariffs annually for the period 1 July to 30 June.

What high-energy appliances and equipment can I use during the free usage period? 

You may wish to use high-energy appliances and equipment during the 11 am–2 pm free usage period. These may include electric water heaters, dishwashers, washing machines, clothes dryers, electric heating and cooling, pool pumps, home batteries, and electric vehicle chargers. 

Using timers or scheduling functions can help you move this usage into the free period, even when you are not at home. 

How can I safely manage high-energy appliances during the free usage period? 

If you plan to use several high-energy appliances or equipment, spread their use across the three-hour window rather than running everything at the same time. This is particularly important for equipment such as home batteries and electric vehicle chargers. 

Staggering their use can reduce the risk of circuit breakers tripping, fuses blowing or power interruptions. If your home has an older switchboard or wiring, or has not had a recent electrical safety check, consider speaking with a licensed electrician before operating multiple high-energy appliances at the same time. 

For further information, visit the Victorian Government’s Midday Power Saver webpage. 

Where can I compare VMPS with other electricity plans? 

You can compare VMPS and other electricity plans available to you through the Victorian Government’s Victorian Energy Compare website.