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Srd02601
Rank 3
June 4, 2024
Solved

Best OVO package for old THTC system of heating?

  • June 4, 2024
  • 8 replies
  • 759 views

 

I was subject to an erroneous transfer, last March 2023. It has taken this long to get a new account number etc. So they are offering me a Simpler Energy package??  I used to have THTC as my storage heaters and hot water took advantage of the cheap rate at night and certain times of the day. 

Is this Simpler Energy the best package to have????

Any comments/recommendations are greatly appreciated! 

Best answer by BPLightlog

Updated on 09/06/25 by Ben_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 began 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.

 

We will continue to update you on our progress.

 

 

There are several problems unfortunately. 
The THTC system was set up to both accommodate the need for a couple of off peak times to be able to heat up your storage heating system and cope with the winter, and also be careful with a limited power feed in areas without a full power supply. 
No current system is able to mimic that and so several users are beginning to change their heating to better suit their needs. But, you need to check with your provider that the supply to the property can cope. 
 

Hope that makes sense. There are options depending on which heating system you choose. OVO are working on a replacement metering solution but I have no idea when that might appear 

8 replies

BPLightlog
Super User
BPLightlogSuper User
Super User
June 4, 2024

If you have storage heaters and any other appliances that can make use of off peak, then the basic ‘Simpler Energy’ will not be very useful. 
You need something with an off peak tariff to be able to charge your heating etc although there are no ‘standard’ tariffs to also have a boost (off peak) during the day. 
You may want to shop around to see what might fit better to your needs - if you understand your usage profile

Bring me Sunshine ~ E&E {Solar PV, Battery Storage, Hybrid EV, ASHP and Home Assistant automation}
    Firedog
    Super User
    FiredogSuper User
    Super User
    June 4, 2024

    You haven’t given us much to go on. If you no longer have storage heaters, then Simpler Energy - OVO’s Standard Variable Tariff - is probably your best option. What sort of heating do you now have? What tariff are you currently on? Who is your DNO? See the map below if you’re not sure.

    It’s not clear whether your heating and hot water are still controlled by THTC. It would help to have a photo of your meters and the wiring around them, with close-ups if necessary so we can read the meters’ display and other details. 

     

     

    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. |
      Chris_OVO
      Community Manager
      Chris_OVO
      Community Manager
      June 7, 2024

      Hey @Srd02601,

       

      It looks like you’re in good hands with our volunteers @Firedog and @BPLightlog. If you could send some more information and post some photos, we can start gathering some helpful advice for you! 

      Renewable energy jokes never get old.
      S
      Rank 3
      Srd02601Author
      Rank 3
      June 8, 2024

      Thank you all for taking the time to reply!!! Really appreciated 👏 

      I have attached the photos of my meters. I have the THTC meter that heats my water and power to my storage heaters. However, I don't think the radio switch is working (the cheap rate I got during the night). The other Meter is for general stuff like lights, cooker etc. 

      Do OVO have a electricity package similar to the old SSE/THTC one???? (Economy 7?) 🤔  or is it time to completely revamp my radiators and think about a new system of heating water etc. 

      It worked well for years, but now seems incompatible with current energy providers. Its all so confusing!!! 

       

      BPLightlog
      Super User
      BPLightlogSuper UserSolved
      Super User
      June 8, 2024

      Updated on 09/06/25 by Ben_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 began 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.

       

      We will continue to update you on our progress.

       

       

      There are several problems unfortunately. 
      The THTC system was set up to both accommodate the need for a couple of off peak times to be able to heat up your storage heating system and cope with the winter, and also be careful with a limited power feed in areas without a full power supply. 
      No current system is able to mimic that and so several users are beginning to change their heating to better suit their needs. But, you need to check with your provider that the supply to the property can cope. 
       

      Hope that makes sense. There are options depending on which heating system you choose. OVO are working on a replacement metering solution but I have no idea when that might appear 

      Bring me Sunshine ~ E&E {Solar PV, Battery Storage, Hybrid EV, ASHP and Home Assistant automation}
      S
      Rank 3
      Srd02601Author
      Rank 3
      June 8, 2024

      THTC really worked well for a long time. As I am in the North East of Scotland, it was a popular heating solution at the time. 

      I do think it could be time to replace, I have looked briefly at Fischer radiators, maybe only heating a room when you need to is the way to go. 

      I need to arrange my new account (after my erroneous transfer) and my Resolutions Specialist is phoning, but I said I would not make any decisions until I got feedback from the forum!!  (Thank goodness for the forum🙂). I will monitor the costs going forward and think more about a new system. 

      Thanks for replying. 

        Chris_OVO
        Community Manager
        Chris_OVO
        Community Manager
        June 10, 2024

        Hey @Srd02601,

         

        @BPLightlog has given some really good advice here. 

         

        I have a few topics that are similar that also might help:

        Changing from THTC to Standard Tariff

        Does OVO have fixed rate plans for THTC meters?

        Complex multi rate meter heating types

         

        I hope this helps! 

        Renewable energy jokes never get old.
        Blastoise186
        Super User
        Blastoise186Super User
        Super User
        June 11, 2024

        Howdy!

        Please watch this space, some hot news is on the way regarding the future of THTC. So hot in fact, that I’ve not even had a chance to write the post yet - I literally just got told it today.

        Please allow me some time to get things written up and checked over, as well as getting permission to make it public (I need OVO’s permission for this one!). We don’t yet have an exact date as to when I can spill the beans, but please keep watching the Forum - feel free to check in anytime and we’ll try to tell you whatever can be made public at that point.

        Securing energy by zapping security bugs... For that is The Blastoise Way! Remember, I'm just like you - AI Powered Evil Geniuses aren't Staff!
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