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358 Topic threads
Blastoise186
Plan Zero Hero
Blastoise186Plan Zero Hero
Posted in Home and heating
RTS (Radio Teleswitch Service) Shutdown UpdateF.A.Q.

Updated on 14/11/24 by Abby_OVO Check out our dedicated RTS FAQs page for more information.Updated on 10/1/25 by Blastoise186Updates to Load Managed Areas have been added RTS Shutdown Update July 2024 Hey! The name’s 186, Blastoise186 and I’m one of the Forum Volunteers who you’ve maybe seen helping around here. I’ve been working with OVO to get the most up to date information possible for you and they’ve passed over the following helpful updates and details.One of the recent hot questions we’ve seen on the Forum (for a while now) is what’s happening to RTS meters. The RTS (Radio Teleswitch Service) is shutting down soon, which especially affects complex ones like THTC (Total Heat Total Control). I’ve covered this before in one of my older posts linked below – so check that out if you’re interested in why this is happening. That post already has many questions covered, so this one will focus purely on the next steps.Radio teleswitch (RTS) shutdown sunset FAQIf you’re interested in what

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BPLightlog
Plan Zero Hero
BPLightlog
Plan Zero Hero
BPLightlogPlan Zero Hero
Posted in Home and heating
Dashboard for Home UsageBlog

With the raft of online apps and services now in everyday use, I had begun to get frustrated that for some simple things (like thermostats, energy usage and security cameras) it was necessary to open a whole array of different programs. I stumbled across the concept of gathering these together under one service and now have a very easy, comprehensive option via something called Home Assistant (HA). (available on mobile app and pc)Although it has been many years since I did any real programming, I decided to try out this system and have found it a lot easier to put together and operate than I expected.First of all, I need to say that it is often not totally without cost. The system can be run on an existing computer but as the service really needs to be running all the time, most people tend to use some sort of minicomputer. I used something called a Raspberry Pi. This is a small electronics board – which can be bought as a full system or piece by piece – which links to your broadband r

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BPLightlog
Plan Zero Hero
Shads_OVO
Retired Moderator
Shads_OVORetired Moderator
Posted in Home and heating
Upcoming Heat Pump Plus Trial

What is it?We’re launching the UK's first nationwide heat pump flexibility trial, where heat pumps automatically reduce energy use during peak demand without affecting your comfort or heating.  This trial will help us understand how we can use smart tech to improve the grid for a greener future. We'll be offering this trial from mid November throughout winter. We’ll be collecting data about energy consumption and how this level of flexibility impacts customers.  We’re working with Nesta, the UK’s social innovation agency. Nesta’s aim is to find new ways to tackle society's big problems in education, the environment and health. Customers who take part in the trial, which includes completing a few surveys and interviews, will receive a £100 shopping voucher from Nesta at the end of the trial period. Who is eligible? To take part in the trial customers will need to have a compatible Vaillant aroTHERM 3 post 2016 or an aroTHERM Plus heat pump with a connected myVAILLANT Connect internet ga

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Chris_OVO
Community Moderator
B
Plan Zero Hero
BeePeePlan Zero Hero
Posted in Home and heating
The Mysteries of LegionellaBlog

I am not a biologist; in fact it is nearly 50 years since I passed my Biology “O” Level. HOWEVER I would like to be re-assured that if I make changes to my heating system I will not compromise my family’s safety and well being.The following I have gleaned from various sources on the Internet. If you disagree great, but PLEASE supply the basis for your differing view. I’m afraid “a mate down the pub said” will not wash.What is Legionella?From the NHS website:Legionnaires' disease is a lung infection you can get from inhaling droplets of water from things like air conditioning or hot tubs. It's uncommon but it can be very serious.You can get Legionnaires' disease if you breathe in tiny droplets of water containing bacteria that cause the infection.It's usually caught in places like hotels, hospitals or offices where the bacteria have got into the water supply. It's less common to catch it at home.Where does it come from?From the CDC Website:Legionella bacteria occur naturally in freshwat

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Chris_OVO
Community Moderator
BPLightlog
Plan Zero Hero
BPLightlogPlan Zero Hero
Posted in Home and heating
Diary of an ASHP install - Part 2Blog

The Install WeekOn the lead up to our installation date for our Heat Pump (HP), we had everything in place:Space outside clear for the heat pump itself Internal loft space for the pipework and any system parts A clear space inside around the existing boiler for removal Storage space for the pipes, insulation and other equipment (being delivered on the first morning)I got a text message from the lead installer on Sunday evening letting me know that he would be arriving at 8am on the Monday morning. He was actually early and supervised the off loading of the delivered equipment. This can take a little time as there is often quite a lot of items alongside the heat pump itself which need agreeing as scheduled items and delivered.Other trades were due shortly and so we walked the install route around the property from the HP position, through the loft access, existing pipework, boiler, radiators (6 out of 12 to be replaced), gas supply point and electricity supply.One of the things I partic

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BPLightlog
Plan Zero Hero
BPLightlog
Plan Zero Hero
BPLightlogPlan Zero Hero
Posted in Home and heating
Diary of an ASHP install - Part 1Blog

As often happens, a second generation of new technology provides better results for the user and so, although installers and training still require some updating, we decided to make use of the offers currently in place and see what was involved for a Heat Pump installation.For qualifying properties and systems, there is a Government grant of £7,500 (BUS) and we went with a scheme which also allowed a ‘free’ survey (£200 payment which either is refunded or goes towards the final cost of install) and an opt out right up to the days before installation.Our survey was arranged in a few days and a surveyor arranged an appointment to measure and review the property. The survey suggested a heat loss just under 9kW and so the plans revolved around a 9kW heat pump installation. We currently use a condensing gas boiler for our heating and hot water and part of the survey looks at the pipework and radiators to check their suitability. Our outcome was that the pipework was ok but 6 out of 12 radia

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BPLightlog
Plan Zero Hero
Emmanuelle_OVO
Community Manager
Emmanuelle_OVOCommunity Manager
Posted in Home and heating
Solar installed by OVO? We’d love to hear from youBlog

Updated on 20/01/25 by Abby_OVO Solar power is a great way to generate your own renewable energy, and gain energy independence. We’re proud that we’re now offering solar, even if you’re not an OVO customer. If you’ve recently begun your solar journey and had your panels installed by OVO we’d love to hear more about your experience.  Not yet had solar installed but thinking about it? See our solar product page.  Whether you’ve already got solar panels, are interested in getting them installed, or are simply a green tech enthusiast here to find out more – we’ve got a number of topics here on the Forum which may interest you. Find out more about OVO’s solar offering:   Check out this collaborative user guide to all things solar:   Here’s a community members guide to help if you’re planning a DIY-approach to installing solar panels:  We're also looking to get some feedback from customers who have Charge Anytime and Solar, on what they would like to see if we were able to offer both service

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M
Carbon Cutter*****
K
New Member***
kirsmithNew Member***
Posted in Home and heating
rts replacement - raising complaint was no help

So, further to my previous conversation, I raised a complaint about the fact that I got lots of visits but got no actual work done because my rts meter is above my stairs and needs a ladder or platform for access. The lass on the complaints line basically said all she could do was repeat all the details of the issue already recorded from visits 1, 2 and 3 and book another visit.   So, morning of 4th visit the engineer called to say he couldn't do the work as he had no equipment and no 2nd person, so he was going to raise a second complaint, and speak to his boss as OVO would have to sort something out. 20 days later, all I have is a leaflet through my door saying I needed to book an appointment.  Not anything to do with previous visits, just the implication that they'd never heard from me at all.  So, OVO, will you please sort this out, contact me for an appointment when you have arranged to get someone who can do the work, with the necessary equipment and not yet another lone person w

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K
New Member***
S
Carbon Cutter*****
SleepysusieCarbon Cutter*****
posted in Home and heating
Dimplex Quantum heaters

Updated on 06/03/25 by Ben_OVOThe Dimplex operating manual can be found here.I have asked before on this forum and still not had an answer. I have Dimplex Quantum storage heaters which were installed by my local authority after they ripped out gas central heating. Quantum meant to be economical and environmentally beneficial. However, to run just one of them is £25 per week I have 4 in total, but only run one of them. I am over £200 per month. I have two electric panel heaters which are more controllable and cheaper to run. But still over £200 per month for all my electric. I’m on economy 10 which I was told they should run on, but there’s hardly any providers can give this. I’m with OVO, formerly SSE. My next door neighbour still has gas central heating, is on a pre paid meter and is £125 per month for that and electricity. Same size house as mine. She runs her tumble drier umpteen times each week too.We’ve also got some great Forum topics which you might find useful 👇  

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Emmanuelle_OVO
Community Manager
J
New Member*
JOLLYROGERNew Member*
Posted in Home and heating
AIR SOURCE HEATPUMP -HIGH ENERGY USE -LONG LAG TIME -No INSTANT HOME HEAT

After using my 11kw TRIAQUA air source heat pump of and on for 10 years I found it a useless match to our daily living routines. We live in the Alps at 780 metres and had temperatures from as low as minus 24 Celsius to as high as +10 on cold Winter nights generally December and January are the coldest months. In order to get any warmth and comfort in our home in Winter we had to leave the pump running 24 hours 7 days a week which goes against all our inclinations to save energy. In our first year of operation we had a bill of 2600 Euros to heat our house at temperatures of somewhat less than 20 degrees. Our preference is to sleep in a cold room and to have our sitting room at around 24 degrees when it is minus 10 or below outside. In the morning for breakfast after we rise we are looking for 20-24 degrees instantly in the main sitting room and adjoining kitchen. We found none of the above was achievable at a sustainable cost using our heat pump which is supposed to have a COP of 2.8 fr

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Chris_OVO
Community Moderator
V
Carbon Cutter***
VictoriaMCarbon Cutter***
Posted in Home and heating
Is Battery Boost compatible for use with Charge Anytime?

How do I register interest for Battery Boost? The link from the email takes me to the app but I can’t then find how to register. 

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Abby_OVO
Community Manager
E
Carbon Cutter****
EdinburghFanCarbon Cutter****
Posted in Home and heating
Complex meter: Refused Economy 7?

Hello, we bought our current flat a few months ago and found out that Ovo is our electricity supplier. It is an all electric property, with electric immersion heater for hot water and electric storage heaters. This flat was designed around off peak electricity.There are 2 electricity meters, one so called white meter just for the off-peak circuit (storage heaters plus immersion water heater) and one for everything else, each with a separate MPAN number. The off peak meter turns the off peak circuit on and off, so that water heater and storage heaters only have power at night, it is the RTS type. When we moved in, Ovo created 2 account numbers, one for each meter and put each on the single rate tariff (without consulting or giving options).This means that we have to pay the standing charge twice and we have to pay expensive rate for hot water and heating. I have contacted Ovo multiple times (calls and chat) asking to:have only one account with one standing charge  be moved onto some typ

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Firedog
Plan Zero Hero
W
Carbon Cutter***
WhitwopCarbon Cutter***
Posted in Home and heating
apparent massive surge of power

Can anyone please explain why suddenly a few days again the solis app started showing a massive surge of power from the grid, see below 

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Abby_OVO
Community Manager
Jequinlan
Carbon Catcher**
JequinlanCarbon Catcher**
Posted in Home and heating
Why am I getting marketing mails with links I cannot access

Trying to register for Solar check because of Battery Boost.

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Ben_OVO
Community Moderator
M
New Member***
MBeakyNew Member***
Posted in Home and heating
Applied for OVO's smart export guarantee (SEG) - how long till it's set up?

Having installed our solar panels, we applied to receive the OVO Smart energy guarantee payments and sent the requested initial export meter reading on the 12th July, which will be seven weeks ago tomorrow. We were told that we would receive the welcome email within four weeks from receiving this initial meter reading.Is it normal to have to wait this long? I cannot speak to the SEG team by phone and any email sent just gets a standard reply that a response will be within 15 days.Getting frustrated now Malcolm

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Ben_OVO
Community Moderator
BPLightlog
Plan Zero Hero
BPLightlogPlan Zero Hero
posted in Home and heating
Off-Grid project for solar and a wind turbine: any tips for installation and planning permission?

I am part way through installing an off-grid solar PV and wind turbine feed for a summerhouse and wondered if anyone has any experience or tips. One strange piece of info is that a first small turbine or ASHP is permitted development (conservation areas excluded) but if you already have a Heat Pump then you would need planning permission for a wind turbine.I have a small control system with battery storage which the panels and turbine will feed into and an associated power dump protection once the battery is full. It is a relatively small system but something that will power lighting, cooling and a small heater in winter. Once all in place I will post some photos for info.

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J
Carbon Cutter*
A
Carbon Cutter*
amyhunter3111Carbon Cutter*
Posted in Home and heating
My landlord is having solar panels installed on the property, do I need to tell my supplier?

My landlord is having solar panels installed on the property tomorrow, will I need to do anything with my smart meter? Like inform electric company etc  thanks 

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Emmanuelle_OVO
Community Manager
Emmanuelle_OVO
Community Manager
Emmanuelle_OVOCommunity Manager
Posted in Home and heating
Complex Multi-Rate Meter & Heating typesF.A.Q.

Updated on 17/01/25 by Abby_OVO Update on RTS shutdown: As part of the RTS Project development, we are really happy to share with you our progress: As you may be aware, the RTS signal that instructs some of our meters when to move to the “Off Peak Period”  will be closing down soon and we need to arrange for all of our RTS customers to have a meter exchange so they don’t lose any of their meter functionality. The RTS signal will end for our customers on 30 June 2025. The period between 1 July - 30 September 2025 will then be used to close-down the RTS signal and allow us to manage any unexpected customers impacted. After a very successful pilot, from the 17th June 2024 we will begin writing to our Economy 10 RTS customers to invite them to call us to arrange for their meter exchange.  We are continuing to work at pace to enable the same solution for the majority of our other RTS customers and our aim is to begin writing to these customers from Aug 2024.  We will continue to update you

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Abby_OVO
Community Manager
S
Carbon Cutter*
Simon BeareCarbon Cutter*
Posted in Home and heating
Transfer of ownership rights and generated funds from solar panels following house purchase.

Hello. How long does it take to receive change of ownership notification and more importantly given the current financial situation when will I receive the monies generated by the solar panels feed in tariff. I purchased my home on the 28th of February 2023 the lady I purchased from was an ovo customer and had her FIT set up.The estate agent is now asking me on behalf of the seller when she is going to be released from ovo control. Thank you. 

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Emmanuelle_OVO
Community Manager
Tim_OVO
Community Manager
Tim_OVOCommunity Manager
Posted in Home and heating
The Smart Export Guarantee (SEG) - Getting paid for the energy you export to the grid - FAQsTutorial

Updated on 17/01/25 by Emmanuelle_OVO:Interested in getting Solar Panels? Find out more here: OVO are now installing Solar! 😁​​​Have you got Charge Anytime & Solar Panels?   SEG - Smart Export Guarantee - Your FAQs What is the Smart Export Guarantee (SEG)? The Smart Export Guarantee (SEG) gives micro-generators (such as homes with solar panels) the chance to earn money for every kWh of energy they export to the national grid. This replaces the Feed in Tariff (FIT), which was closed to new applicants in 2019. The key difference between the FIT scheme and SEG that generator are only paid for the energy they export on SEG rather than the energy they generate as well, as they were with FIT.  Who can sign up to the SEG tariff? Generators (or homeowners) who own one of the following technology systems; anaerobic digestion, hydro, micro-combined heat and power (with an electrical capacity of 50kW or less), onshore wind, and solar photovoltaic exporters with up to 5MW.  In order to apply

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Abby_OVO
Community Manager
Z
New Member*
zalatarNew Member*
Posted in Home and heating
What happens to boiler cover when switching supplier?

I have just signed up for switching to a new supplier but remembered that I also have an active boiler cover with OVO until October. Will this switch have any impact on the cover itself? 

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Abby_OVO
Community Manager
R
Carbon Cutter*
RaymekCarbon Cutter*
Posted in Home and heating
Can I get a replacement of my existing gas boiler by OVO

Can OVO provide a new gas boiler? 

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Abby_OVO
Community Manager
1
Carbon Cutter***
12likeCarbon Cutter***
Posted in Home and heating
Can I connect my In Home Display (IHD) to my Solar Inverter to show my exported energy?

Does OVO supply a type of In Home Display unit for smart meters which also shows generation from solar panels?  Where can I find user and  installation instructions?   I want to know if there is a meaningful comparison of electricity usage vs generation (including setting FiT rates), and I want to know how it connects e.g. to inverter’s wifi or current clamp onto solar wire.  

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J
Carbon Cutter**
A
Carbon Cutter***
AstraroyCarbon Cutter***
Posted in Home and heating
I have FIT with new battery and inverter, do I have the right meters?

Wondered if anyone can answer my query Im an existing FIT payment receiver (solar panels installed with single string inverter 11 years ago) so receive a decent FIT payment. Recently had installed a EcoFlow 3.6kw inverter with 10kw battery storage, the generation meter was changed to a bidirectional meter as instructed and followed the correct schematic. However the meter is showing a negative number and I can’t seem to work out what the solar panels are generating apart from what shows in the EcoFlow app We charge the batteries up at night using an off peak rate and then any solar during the day tops the batteries up. am I correct in thinking there should be another meter of sort between the solar panels and inverter just to monitor the generation from The solar panels? installers seem to think by summer it will change to a positive but that’s no good to me right now when I’ve generated about 30kw of solar   

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K
Carbon Cutter**
C
Carbon Cutter****
CraigM1996Carbon Cutter****
Posted in Home and heating
New to solar panels, do they power my home directly?

I’ve recently bought a house which has solar panels already installed (no battery storage) along with the FiT Scheme. I have transferred ownership and I just have a few general/basic questions regarding the solar panels/FiT scheme. I’m only querying this as my neighbour in the same size house/same number of occupants (2 adults) is roughly £40 a month cheaper than us in energy bills without solar panels.I have just submitted my first generation reading to OVO and will receive my first payment in December. OVO have said that I am paid for any excess energy that I generate. Are the solar panels directly powering some appliances in my house and if so why don’t I see the benefits on my energy bill?  On average we use roughly 380kW per month and have a smart meter just for our electricity. Apologies for the basic questions, I just want to make sure I understand it all before selecting our new tariff. Thanks

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Peter E
Plan Zero Hero

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