Skip to main content
lyeuhm
Rank 1
lyeuhm
Rank 1
February 27, 2023
Solved

THTC / Separate Radio Teleswitch and Meter- Can I get a smart meter?

  • February 27, 2023
  • 291 replies
  • 8053 views

Hoping someone here can help because this has been an on-going battle since before OVO took over SSE and it’s gotten progressively worse recently. 

I live in a house that’s meters haven’t been checked, inspected, whatever since at least 1993.  I have two meters - one for my storage heaters and water tank, and one for standard electricity.  I’ve been trying to get this changed to either a smart meter if available OR just a standard single meter with a day or night rate. 

I have email chain(s) going on with SSE/OVO (One email chain is using @sseenergyservices.com and the other is @ovo.com hence posting here) that I seem to just be going around in circles.  I finally got through to the Electric Heating Team (EHT) about two weeks ago who changed me onto a single rate THTC tarrif, so both my standard and heating meters are at the same rate - but based on the readings that I’ve been providing, it’s still nearly 500 a month just for two storage heaters and a water tank.

Has anyone else had problems being switched to a single meter?  It’s driving me insane and I can’t change providers even if I wanted to because I’m currently bent over a barrel with an old meter system that they won’t change that no one else supports.

 

Edit: Just to add, it’s Radio Teleswitch Total Heat Total Control (THTC) to be specific.

Best answer by Emmanuelle_OVO

Updated on 16/05/25 by Emmanuelle_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.

Hey @Noz1954,

 

I don’t know the exact figures, I’ll see if I can find out. I’d imagine a few thousand as Blastoise advised.

 

We’ve had a couple of customers on the Forum who’ve advised they have THTC set ups, would be interesting to get a conversation going. 

 

 

We’ve got an FAQ on exotic types which might have some useful information:

 

 

291 replies

Show previous replies
Blastoise186
Super User
Blastoise186Super User
Super User
July 26, 2024

Just in case anyone’s watching… We have good news!

Please check out the latest info in the NEWLY POSTED Forum Guide below.

Thanks for your patience while we got this figured out!

The OVO Forum Volunteers

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!
S
Rank 2
SittingWhilePosting
Rank 2
July 26, 2024

Yipee!  THTC customers in Northern Scotland will continue to be ripped off!  Great news!

 

As soon as I get my storage and immersion heaters removed I will be DEMANDING the removal of my THTC meter and you will never see me again as an OVO customer.

Blastoise186
Super User
Blastoise186Super User
Super User
July 26, 2024

Yipee!  THTC customers will continue to be ripped off!  Great news!

 

As soon as I get my storage and immersion heaters removed I will be DEMANDING the removal of my THTC meter and you will never see me again as an OVO customer.

Not necessarily - as many THTC Customers as possible will be removed from THTC permanently, as long as the DNO allows it.

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!
S
Rank 2
SittingWhilePosting
Rank 2
July 26, 2024

Yipee!  THTC customers will continue to be ripped off!  Great news!

 

As soon as I get my storage and immersion heaters removed I will be DEMANDING the removal of my THTC meter and you will never see me again as an OVO customer.

Not necessarily - as many THTC Customers as possible will be removed from THTC permanently, as long as the DNO allows it.

I won’t hold my breath.  I certainly won’t be sticking around with OVO on the vague promise of maybe something further down the line when other providers offer FAR better tariffs and customer service.

Blastoise186
Super User
Blastoise186Super User
Super User
July 26, 2024

But at the same time, I do need to manage your expectations a bit. I can’t 100% promise you’ll ever get off of THTC - and IIRC it’s not OVO who decides which customers must remain on it.

I can try to dig deeper to find out more, but it’ll take time.

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!
S
Rank 2
SittingWhilePosting
Rank 2
July 26, 2024

But at the same time, I do need to manage your expectations a bit. I can’t 100% promise you’ll ever get off of THTC - and IIRC it’s not OVO who decides which customers must remain on it.

I can try to dig deeper to find out more, but it’ll take time.

I understand that and that is why I will be changing my heating and hot water system and disconnecting everything from the RTS meter.  Once I’m free of that second meter then there is absolutely no compelling reason to stay with OVO.

Shads_OVO
Retired Moderator
Shads_OVO
Retired Moderator
July 29, 2024

Hi @SittingWhilePosting,

 

I’m really sorry to hear this and understand your frustration.

 

It may be worth contacting the Support team who’d also be able to advise further.

 

As soon as we have any further news about the RTS shutdown, we’ll update all related topics. 

 

 

 

Noz1954
Rank 2
Noz1954
Rank 2
August 22, 2024

Just to let other THTC meter users I have just received email yesterday 21st of August 2024 from OVO asking to phone to arrange New Smart Meter replacement of my 31 year old THTC tariff Meters.
Phoned up today and earliest we got was 4th September 2024. Finally going to happen.

I live in Dundee area DD4 postcode. 

    M
    Newcomer
    metalsman
    Newcomer
    August 26, 2024

    Just to let other THTC meter users I have just received email yesterday 21st of August 2024 from OVO asking to phone to arrange New Smart Meter replacement of my 31 year old THTC tariff Meters.
    Phoned up today and earliest we got was 4th September 2024. Finally going to happen.

    I live in Dundee area DD4 postcode. 

    When you phoned OVO to arrange the smart meter installation did they discuss what tariff you would be moved to and were you given a choice of tariffs?

      C
      Rank 4
      Cassie511
      Rank 4
      August 26, 2024

      We're DD8.  When we phoned we were given the choice of a single tariff meter, Economy 7 or Economy 10.  It's being changed tomorrow. We can barely contain our excitement!! 😆

        Show more replies
        Terms & ConditionsAccessibility statement

        OVO Energy Ltd, Floor 5, Crescent, Temple Back, Redcliffe, BS1 6EZ, (Company no. 06890795) registered in England and Wales.

        OVO (S) Gas Limited is registered in England and Wales (Company No. 02716495) at Floor 5, Crescent, Temple Back, Redcliffe, BS1 6EZ.

        OVO (S) Gas Limited is part of OVO Group Ltd