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moira9b
Rank 2
moira9b
Rank 2
September 16, 2025
Solved

I'm on Simpler Energy smart economy 9, would I benefit from a fixed rate tariff?

  • September 16, 2025
  • 5 replies
  • 606 views

Would I benefit from changing to a fixed rate tariff? I'm not sure if this a good idea or not? We changed to economy 9 earlier in the year. Would like to save a few £'s if possible. 

Best answer by Firedog

Updated on 26/09/25 by Ben_OVO

You’d have to be very careful doing your sums, and base them on solid evidence of how much electricity you’re using at what times. OVO’s fixed-rate plans have recently shown alarmingly high standing charges, indicating (to me, at least) that they expect these charges to increase significantly over the next year or two. If the standing charge is a large proportion of your costs, a fixed-price plan might well prove more expensive.

What tariffs are available to you depends a lot on where you live. I just had a look at (current) prices in the Scottish Hydro region:
  

Smart Economy 9
N. Scotland - ID 17		 Peak unit rate
p/kWh ex VAT		 Offpeak unit rate
p/kWh ex VAT		 Standing Charge
p/day ex VAT
Simpler Energy 27.09 20.77 56.93
1-Year Fixed Loyalty 27.45 20.45 59.52

 

The Simpler Energy (OVO’s Standard Variable Tariff) rates will be increasing on 1 October, but the actual rates haven’t been published yet.

If you’re on a dual or multi-rate plan and are struggling to decide which tariff to go for then we’d recommend contacting our Support Team. They’ll be able to assess your usage and use the usage data to look at some price comparisons to ensure you’re getting the best possible deal. You can find out more information, including contact details, below:

 

 

5 replies

Blastoise186
Super User
Blastoise186Super User
Super User
September 16, 2025

Hi ​@moira9b ,

Given the current market… The answer is almost certainly yes. You should be able to keep Smart Economy 9 but it’d basically just lock in the rates.

Have a word with OVO and they can see what’s on offer for you.

 

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!
    BPLightlog
    Super User
    BPLightlogSuper User
    Super User
    September 16, 2025

    Hi ​@moira9b , it will depend on if you can use electricity at times where you get the cheaper rate. 
    On a tariff such as E9, you should get 9 hrs at an off peak rate but the rest will be at a higher rate than many standard tariffs.

    A calculation of when you can use which of the higher consuming appliances will help.

    Bring me Sunshine ~ E&E {Solar PV, Battery Storage, Hybrid EV, ASHP and Home Assistant automation}
      Firedog
      Super User
      FiredogSuper UserSolved
      Super User
      September 16, 2025

      Updated on 26/09/25 by Ben_OVO

      You’d have to be very careful doing your sums, and base them on solid evidence of how much electricity you’re using at what times. OVO’s fixed-rate plans have recently shown alarmingly high standing charges, indicating (to me, at least) that they expect these charges to increase significantly over the next year or two. If the standing charge is a large proportion of your costs, a fixed-price plan might well prove more expensive.

      What tariffs are available to you depends a lot on where you live. I just had a look at (current) prices in the Scottish Hydro region:
        

      Smart Economy 9
      N. Scotland - ID 17      		 Peak unit rate
      p/kWh ex VAT      		 Offpeak unit rate
      p/kWh ex VAT      		 Standing Charge
      p/day ex VAT
      Simpler Energy 27.09 20.77 56.93
      1-Year Fixed Loyalty 27.45 20.45 59.52

       

      The Simpler Energy (OVO’s Standard Variable Tariff) rates will be increasing on 1 October, but the actual rates haven’t been published yet.

      If you’re on a dual or multi-rate plan and are struggling to decide which tariff to go for then we’d recommend contacting our Support Team. They’ll be able to assess your usage and use the usage data to look at some price comparisons to ensure you’re getting the best possible deal. You can find out more information, including contact details, below:

       

       

      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
        September 17, 2025

        Hey ​@moira9b, 

         

        Have the suggestions from our amazing community members helped you in deciding whether to switch to a fixed-rate tariff? Or are you still thinking it over? We’d love to hear your thoughts!

         

        Renewable energy jokes never get old.
          moira9b
          Rank 2
          moira9bAuthor
          Rank 2
          September 17, 2025

          Thanks for your help. We are going to have a good think and look into what we are using etc and hopefully reach a conclusion. 👍🏼

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