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Rivlins
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May 21, 2023
Solved

Switching from THTC to standard tariff?

  • May 21, 2023
  • 18 replies
  • 2583 views

I live in a fairly remote Scottish locality and am currently on THTC powering storage heaters and hot water. Looking at my most recent bill, I have paid noticeably more than if I had simply been on a single meter with everything running on a standard tariff instead of THTC.

To me this begs the question - what is the point of THTC if I am actually paying more?

Also, I assume SSE are obliged to replace the meter with a standard one if I request them to do so (I realise this may take some months)?

    Best answer by Blastoise186

    Updated on 31/01/25 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 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 on our progress.

    It’s a little complicated I will admit. But I’m not really sure that doing a Standard Flat-Rate Tariff on a THTC setup is ideal unless you’re absolutely sure you’ll save money.

    One of the main purposes is for load control and load balancing. Many THTC Meters are installed in Load Managed Areas because the DNO requires it to prevent storage heaters etc from draining the entire grid. If you’re in one, THTC has to stay. If you’re not, then you can choose to come off of it.

    18 replies

    Blastoise186
    Super User
    Blastoise186Super User
    Super User
    May 21, 2023

    Hi @Rivlins ,

    This might be possible but it’s not guaranteed. I’d say it’s best to see what the Electric Heating Team say on 0345 071 7972. They can figure this out with you. :)

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    R
    Rank 1
    RivlinsAuthor
    Rank 1
    May 21, 2023

    I realised after posting that I don’t necessarily need to get the meters replaced - just changing both of them over to standard tariff would immediately start saving me money.

    I’d like to speak to the Electrical Heating Team, but their hours are only Monday to Friday 9 to 5, which is why I’m asking on this forum rather than waiting until next time I have a weekday off to call them.

     

    Blastoise186
    Super User
    Blastoise186Super UserSolved
    Super User
    May 21, 2023

    Updated on 31/01/25 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 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 on our progress.

    It’s a little complicated I will admit. But I’m not really sure that doing a Standard Flat-Rate Tariff on a THTC setup is ideal unless you’re absolutely sure you’ll save money.

    One of the main purposes is for load control and load balancing. Many THTC Meters are installed in Load Managed Areas because the DNO requires it to prevent storage heaters etc from draining the entire grid. If you’re in one, THTC has to stay. If you’re not, then you can choose to come off of it.

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    J
    Newcomer
    Jane Lovell
    Newcomer
    June 8, 2023

    My account number is *edited by moderator* and I was expecting to have a smart meter fitted today at 2pm. No one turned up. What has happened.?

    Blastoise186
    Super User
    Blastoise186Super User
    Super User
    June 8, 2023

    Hi @Jane Lovell ,

    Please avoid posting your account number here as this forum is public. I’d suggest trying Live Chat via https://help.ovoenergy.com and the team can help with that.

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      L
      Newcomer
      Leaver
      Newcomer
      October 1, 2023

      Hi

      I inherited a THTC system which controlled old storage heaters and hot water immersion. I never liked this arrangement and was sure it was costing me more than a modern setup would. I had a conversation with the SSE team some time ago regarding changing the storage heaters to IR panel heating and rewiring these to the standard supply, as well as replacing the main hot water immersion tank with under sink units, which effectively isolates the THTC supply. SSE seemed happy with this and I understood that when I told them had done this they would remove/disable the THTC system. I have now had my electric works completed (very happy with the IR heating by the way). On contacting OVO, I have been told that either I pay for them to remove/disable the THTC sysyem or I continue with it and have to continue to pay the associated standing charge. I’m feeling this is a bit unreasonable given that I’ve already laid out a considerable sum which in part helps fix their problem. Presumably when the system does get switched off, OVO will have to give me what I want anyway??

      Blastoise186
      Super User
      Blastoise186Super User
      Super User
      October 1, 2023

      Nope. The Smart Meter solution for THTC is basically THTC with Smart Meters once they’re ready. The money you pay elsewhere to installers is never seen by OVO and ultimately OVO has to incur costs to swap the equipment over. It’s only fair in some cases that the customer chips in too.

      If you want to come off of THTC, you may have to pay more than just the OVO fee - but also call in an electrician to do some re-wiring too.

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      L
      Newcomer
      Leaver
      Newcomer
      October 1, 2023

      Thanks for reply. Ive already paid for the rewiring, The THTC supply is no longer connected to my consumer unit, and all heaters etc are wired to normal supply. I dont want a smart meter “solution”. I doubt a smart meter will work where I live (no mobile signal), I dont want off peak electricity, and yet I’m stuck with a standing charge or a decommisioning charge.for a meter I dont use  and I dont own. I dont think that is “only fair”. Can I just just try to get a standard contract from another supplier?

      Blastoise186
      Super User
      Blastoise186Super User
      Super User
      October 1, 2023

      Not easily. Most suppliers choke on THTC and only a few can handle it at all.

      The only way off it is Smart Meters and using the Arqiva WAN to bypass phone signal issues.

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      Newcomer
      Leaver
      Newcomer
      October 1, 2023

      But I dont want THTC, or any other off peak option. My house is now wired such that it does not use any THTC electricity. I should not have to pay THTC standing charges. What if I’m one of 0.5% that wont be covered by Arquiva WAN (very possible given my location and relative isolation). How do I get onto standard supply only?

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