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Rivlins
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May 21, 2023
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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

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    Blastoise186
    Super User
    Blastoise186Super User
    Super User
    October 2, 2023

    2 meters + 2 MPANs = 2 Standing Charges. You'll have to pay them forever until you change the meter setup. Even if you change supplier, you’ll pay 2 Standing Charges because THTC Meters are a 2 meter setup unless you’re on PAYG.

    The only migration path is to a Smart Meter. 

    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!
    Tim_OVO
    OVO Staff
    Tim_OVO
    OVO Forum Legend
    October 2, 2023

    I empathise, @Leaver, but I do this as a novice with this type of meter set up. 

     

    We have made a guide on multi meter multi rate set ups:

     

     

    If you call OVO from the number registered on your account, you should get through to someone who is a specialist in these THTC meter set ups and they can explain all of your options:  0330 303 5063. 

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    L
    Newcomer
    Leaver
    Newcomer
    October 2, 2023

    Thanks Tim-OVO-I have, now after going round the the OVO houses, been assured I am on a single standard standing charge. I also know that I am not consuming any off peak THTC electricity, so I’m satisfied at the moment. Lets hope the promised “solution” will make sense for me when it comes.

      S
      Newcomer
      Solution400
      Newcomer
      November 18, 2023

      Good luck with OVO Energy sorting this out. 

      Supplier was SSE Hydro and I’ve been trying since March 2021 to get off THTC after having an Air Source Heat Pump fitted.  Had a Smart Meter installed when the guy had been sent out to replace the standard meter, exactly 1 year ago and my account is still showing THTC.  Been migrated to OVO Energy and had an email telling me that THTC was an “exotic” tariff.  You can’t move as nobody else wants THTC. I can’t move as they don’t recognise the SMART Meter.  With almost 3 year of estimated bill and an OFGEM determination, I still can’t a resolution.

      I’m a wee bit frustrated.  I’m giving OVO Energy till the end of the year to sort it out (hint: they won’t) and  I’ll be going to The Guardian consumer champion to see if they can sort it out.

      S
      Newcomer
      Solution400
      Newcomer
      November 18, 2023

      2 meters + 2 MPANs = 2 Standing Charges. You'll have to pay them forever until you change the meter setup. Even if you change supplier, you’ll pay 2 Standing Charges because THTC Meters are a 2 meter setup unless you’re on PAYG.

      The only migration path is to a Smart Meter. 

      Actually SSE Hydro / OVO Energy only charge for 1 MPAN on a THTC Tariff. It’s a “discount”.  When I was using THTC I tried to move to Octopus and was told that they would charge me for both meters.

      Blastoise186
      Super User
      Blastoise186Super User
      Super User
      November 18, 2023

      I should warn you that Octopus can’t support THTC setups anyway - I’ve heard reports they choke on them. Use caution if you still move despite this heads up.

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      S
      Newcomer
      Solution400
      Newcomer
      November 18, 2023

      I can believe that.  The Radio Telemetry is supposed to be discontinued in April 2024, but I suspect it’ll get delayed again. I don’t have a THTC Meter now anyway.  Just the THTC Tariff.

      Blastoise186
      Super User
      Blastoise186Super User
      Super User
      November 19, 2023

      If it does get delayed again, I cannot foresee it being delayed beyond April 2025 and that’d probably end up being the absolute final extension.

      BIG DISCLAIMER WARNING!

      These are just my personal thoughts. Anyone reading this comment should not consider it to be the official word of anyone and please don’t use this as a crystal ball - I’m not that good!

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