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

 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 all the different meter types are/were - just ask below. Not sure if you’ve got RTS? No problem – give OVO a ring and they’ll be able to let you know. You can reach out

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Chris_OVO
Community Moderator
3 days ago
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

2254
BPLightlog
Plan Zero Hero
3 months ago
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 09/10/24 by Shads_OVOSolar 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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Chris_OVO
Community Moderator
6 months ago
C
Carbon Cutter****
connorsbjcCarbon Cutter****
Posted in Home and heating
Moving from THTC to another tariff- Will all consumer units be connected by Ovo to the new meter ?

We have THTC with consumer units for Storage heaters,fixed appliances & lighting/mains.Will we be able to move to Economy 9 when the new meter is installed ?Will all consumer units be connected by Ovo to the new meter ?Can the power be delivered without being on a timer so we can manually control the heating.Would like some idea of where we from here & whether the future will be more expensive.Thanks 

89176
C
Carbon Cutter****
7 hours ago
L
Carbon Cutter****
Lea881Carbon Cutter****
Posted in Home and heating
Electric heating costs

Would anyone who has electric heating only be able to advice on what type of heating they use and the rough costs (relative to the property size)? We were thinking of chaining from old storage heaters to new electric radiators and just wanted to get an idea from people who use either electric radiators or storage heaters as to the real cost.

12319
Firedog
Plan Zero Hero
1 day ago
M
Carbon Cutter*
MimiCarbon Cutter*
Posted in Home and heating
Why my Mitsubishi Ecodan not heating up the tank?

I have no hot water.  DHW is switched to pause automatically and tank water temperature stays at 14 degrees celcius.  Heating is running fine.  I tried to maual reset but didn’t help.  DHW is also paused automatically and everytime it pauses, “LJ” is flashing at the top left of the control screen.  I have no idea what “LJ” stands for, couldn’t find a clue from the Mitsubishi error code.  Please help.  Thanks

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Chris_OVO
Community Moderator
2 days ago
P
Carbon Cutter****
Phil225xeCarbon Cutter****
Posted in Home and heating
Can I access downloadable usage data for prior year?

I asked support if they could provide hourly or ½ hourly gas usage date for the prior year as I need this for analysis for optimizing a heat pump set up. They informed me they only have it by day. I am currently embarking on the arduous task of copying and pasting this from the online usage data into an EXCEL file day by day!! Has anyone else asked for a similar data file or found a easy way to extract this data?

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B
Plan Zero Hero
3 days ago
Emmanuelle_OVO
Community Manager
Emmanuelle_OVOCommunity Manager
Posted in Home and heating
Complex Multi-Rate Meter & Heating typesF.A.Q.

Updated on 14/06/24 by Shads_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 in Aug 2024.  We will continue to update you o

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T
Carbon Cutter*
13 days ago
C
Carbon Cutter****
CraigM1996Carbon Cutter****
Posted in Home and heating
Solar Panels (FiT Scheme)

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

21021
C
Carbon Cutter****
4 days ago
Emmanuelle_OVO
Community Manager
Emmanuelle_OVOCommunity Manager
Posted in Home and heating
The Great British Insulation Scheme: what is it and who’s it for?News

 The Great British Insulation Scheme is a government initiative that’s all about insulating your home. It works alongside another government energy-efficiency scheme called ECO4.  Draughty homes lose heat fast, and it costs more to keep them warm. Some sources say the UK’s housing is among the least energy efficient in Europe. This new scheme, with more than £1 billion behind it, will help around 300,000 households across the country with the cost of installing new home insulation. If you’re eligible to get insulation through the scheme, you might get it for free or at a reduced cost. This’ll depend on the type of insulation you need and your property type. What’s included under the scheme The Great British Insulation Scheme focuses on all types of home insulation. If you’re eligible, you’ll get support with one type of insulation for your home. We’re currently offering support for cavity wall and loft insulation. Who’s eligible for the scheme There are 2 eligibility groups under the G

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Emmanuelle_OVO
Community Manager
5 days ago
S
New Member*
SacworthNew Member*
Posted in Home and heating
Can anyone recommend an economical stand alone electric heater?

Can anyone recommend an economical standalone electric heater? We are thinking this would be a better solution for my husband who works from home than turning on the heating.

41615
Jeffus
Plan Zero Hero
10 days ago
Abby_OVO
Community Manager
Abby_OVOCommunity Manager
Posted in Home and heating
Power your solar battery with low cost, greener energyNews

What is Battery Boost? Battery Boost is our new solar battery add-on. It uses our smart charging technology to allow us to top up your battery when your solar panels aren’t generating enough electricity from the sun.  What are the benefits?We’ll continue to charge your battery even when the sun isn’t shining, at an exclusive rate of 10p per kWh, meaning you can power your home for 58% cheaper than your usual rate*. Our smart charging tech ensures that your battery will be charged at time’s when the grid is using cleaner energy**. You can continue to sell back any unused energy at your usual export rate.  How does it work?All electricity you use will first be charged at your normal OVO electricity rates. At the end of the month, we’ll work out how much energy you’ve used to charge your battery. We’ll then add credit to your energy account in the first 7 working days of the following month. This means the cost of powering your battery reflects the 10p per kWh rate for Battery Boost. For

330
Abby_OVO
Community Manager
10 days ago
V
New Member***
VinceSNew Member***
posted in Home and heating
Outside battery and inverter installation

Looking at having PV system installed panels on east and west roof elevations. Have no room in garage for batteries or the inverter. Can these be attached to the outside walls with a canopy over the top. Concerned about security and if the batteries will be affected by the weather. Anyone had this done? Thank you. 

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BPLightlog
Plan Zero Hero
11 days ago
F
Carbon Cutter*****
Flora48Carbon Cutter*****
posted in Home and heating
Economy 7 water heater running continuously

economy 7 water heater running continuously since key overwrite I have a key meter and all electric Dimplex storage heaters and an immersion water heater designed to run on Economy 7. I had an overwrite on my electric key due to another issue. In the last couple of days I have noticed that I can hear the immersion water heater heating at all times of the day. Previously I only heard it heating up during the night on the Ecomony 7 times. I have been told by OVO already that my meter does not use the RTS signal so it’s nothing to do with the signal being switched off. I also noticed a storage heater switched on during the day today for the first time this winter heating up during the afternoon.   Im a bit concerned as to why this has suddenly happened and worried that it will start using a lot of electricity. So far it doesn’t seem to have but I’ve only just noticed it.  Can someone please advise?

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Emmanuelle_OVO
Community Manager
11 days ago
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 08/12/23 by Emmanuelle_OVOInterested in getting Solar Panels? Find out more here: OVO are now installing Solar! 😁​​​  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 for SEG you mustn’t be receiving FIT export payme

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V
New Member*
23 days ago
S
New Member**
south villaNew Member**
posted in Home and heating
My Baxi boiler remote controller stopped working after a smart meter exchange

Ovo fitted smart meter yesterday. However it seems the signals are interfering with the combi boiler remote controller signals and now heating does not come on . NB . There is no issue with the gas supply as the cooker is ok and hot water from the combi is also ok.

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Chris_OVO
Community Moderator
12 days ago
G
New Member*
GooseberryNew Member*
Posted in Home and heating
Is the excess charged for free service or just for repairs needed on the boiler cover plan?

THE fixed rate 1yr including boiler service essentials plan offers a boiler service. The plan has an £60 excess per claim for an engineer sent out. Is this thr case for the free service - so I would pay £60 for this or is it really free. Thank you 

332
G
New Member*
13 days ago
Tim_OVO
Community Manager
Tim_OVOCommunity Manager
Posted in Home and heating
Solar Photovoltaic (pv) panels: Installation, apps, export payments and ROI - User guideTutorial

Updated on 05/06/24 by ChristopherS_OVO:Interested in generating energy from the sun? 🌞 Guess what...   Thanks to the help of our PV champions and Plan Zero heroes, we’ve put together a collaborative guide to all things solar.  Thinking about getting into the micro-generation game but don’t know where to start? - Check out the info below for what you might need to consider before  joining the solar panel club.  Below is a series of experiences and insights from community members for you to get a different point of view on this energy generating tech. Please note that this is not the viewpoint and advice of OVO. As always, it’s important to do your own research. Check out our Forum guidelines here. How many PV panels do you have, and what type?    I have PV panels - 14 of them, styled “8.33 285w ETERNITY+10 PV modules”.  They are made by Table Trading S.L. aka 8.33 Solar.      I have a 4kW domestic solar PV installation since 2016.· The array is 12 x 330w Panasoni

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D
Carbon Cutter*
1 month ago
F
Carbon Cutter***
froggy8Carbon Cutter***
Posted in Home and heating
Dimplex storage heater qm050rf blowing cold air

hi guyshope everyone is oki have a Dimplex storage heater qm050rf whch i have been using for the past 2 years. i switch it off when it is summer and switch it back on when in winter. it has been working for the past 2 years but now it seems to only blow out cold air.i have never changed any settings and the date and time is right. i am aware that it could take 2 to 3 days to heat up but it has been over a week now.the boost works. things i have tried:factory restoresetted the timer to what time i want.tried looking for the thermostat reset button but cannot see it.i am really stuck on this matter.hopefully someone can helpmany thanksp.s this is a dual installation heater.

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BPLightlog
Plan Zero Hero
17 days ago
S
New Member*
sandmarkNew Member*
Posted in Home and heating
Need help with FIT payments

Hi can I get Ovo to pay me what I am owed from my solar panels? Since SSE sold us out without warning I’ve not had a single payment from Ovo. I’m tired of being fobbed off with “expect payment in 10days” It never happens. Since my first readings in September I still haven’t been paid and it’s now nearly February. I’ve also given Decembers readings and been told not to expect payment before March.Why is this? It only took SSE 4 weeks to pay out. I am desperate for money and incurring debts I’ve never had before. We hardly dare put on the heating and we are both in our 70s and very poorly. We couldn’t even afford Christmas presents . I am so dejected. I’ve now got a claims number but have been told it will be (guess what) 10 days before they deal with it. This is the third time I’ve rung about it. Why didn’t they give me a claims number after my first phone call? I could have been well through the process by now. Can anyone help or advise me?

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P
Carbon Cutter*
1 month ago
F
Carbon Cutter***
froggy8Carbon Cutter***
Posted in Home and heating
Has anyone used this heater?

hi guysthe other bedroom has this heater and just wondering if anyone has used one? i was hoping its economical so i wont have to buy another onehttps://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/335491780879?_skw=stiebel+eltron+cns+100&itmmeta=01J971HFEHHDRDKG2NJ689XAY4&hash=item4e1cde510f:g:L74AAOSwtZtmmO6g&itmprp=enc%3AAQAJAAAA8HoV3kP08IDx%2BKZ9MfhVJKll7K9L8cBx%2BAFHTMcq7td35leCUdePSM85cg4yudKkiMw%2BD2dZ5bkJzJgYPpB77KqGXoOQ%2FwlhsB9XS2uc5jHG4Xe71XLxe2TJSNC8e5A60wpFuZLAQNBUSqT76Y4JNtv%2BvRz6zTwadt%2B2%2BUd3pGiu5GtHXUD0t4h9HbQifrpY%2FsIhunwxMrSND2gn1MFHwqt0kR9yEM5Lv%2BBTUMwaRDoHPxxb7d72LpGmDyQS9dFPmqI5hZ5cKXsbUwlzh6YvitcAfxclsbTcgGAGg3YpsHORORhl27Jh3mIIwxerGKmE6g%3D%3D%7Ctkp%3ABk9SR673xeHJZAmany thanks guys

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Jeffus
Plan Zero Hero
21 days ago
J
Carbon Cutter*
JulesSteeleCarbon Cutter*
Posted in Home and heating
HELP! HEATING NOT WORKING. Mitsubishi Ecodan air source heat pump

So, room temp is 19C, I have put the desired temp at 24c. Flow temp I have turned up to 50 to see if that will kick start the heating. No luck.Water is on timer and when forced play, the fan works and water is heated.On the main control panel the heating is showing as restricted and paused, however, when you go into the settings where you can control the heating as on, timer or off, it is showing the play button. Any ideas/thoughts so I don’t have to pay Mitsubishi £300 for a call out? I phoned their helpline and after 20 mins of going through everything, they don’t have a clue.Hoping someone else has experienced the same and has a solution?

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Peter E
Plan Zero Hero
24 days ago
S
Carbon Cutter****
Smitho1978Carbon Cutter****
Posted in Home and heating
THTC meter switch confused what to switch to?

HiI have an appointment on Friday to change THTC meter to new Smart economy 10.I'm worried  it may not be the best option for me.I have a very old storage heater in lounge .I'm worried as I usually charge these at night for longer periods than the split economy 10 times.Is it likely they will ever be able to get warm enough to provide enough heat? I do intend to purchase a new storage heater at some point but can't  at the moment.I know economy 7 may be an option but we are normally in alot though the day so Ovo thought economy 10 suited me better.Any advice is appreciated as very confused in what to do.Thanks

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S
Carbon Cutter****
24 days ago
O
Carbon Cutter****
Old TimerCarbon Cutter****
Posted in Home and heating
What's "round the corner" for good value Heat Pump user Tariffs.

As an ‘Oldtimer’, a bit challenged re scanning the market for tariffs best suited for my ground source heat pump - for which Economy 10 has been the best so far.Requiring one overnight off-peak period and one daytime off-peak period, have OVO introduced any alternatives to Economy 10.As Heat Pumps (especially Ground Source) are likely to continue as ‘top of the league’, I hope OVO will be offering tariffs which will help retain existing customers.What’s the current status, please.Cheers

271
Shads_OVO
Community Moderator
24 days ago
S
New Member*
SallyWally27New Member*
Posted in Home and heating
Solar panels + battery from Ovo: good or bad?

We’re considering getting solar panels and battery from Ovo (we’re existing customers). Does anyone who’s already gone down this road have any thoughts - good or bad - on how it’s going for them? Thanks!

42322
BPLightlog
Plan Zero Hero
25 days ago

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