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grumpy235
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October 9, 2025
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How to switch from Smart Economy 7 to Smart Economy 9

  • October 9, 2025
  • 15 replies
  • 361 views

Hello,

I am currently on Simpler Energy - Economy 7 since August 2023 and I am considering switching to Simpler Energy- Economy 9 now that it appears to be more readily available.

I am using ancient Duplex heaters which tend to wane in output towards the end of the day and I am hoping that E9 may give a little help in this area. Done some digging around on the website and the Forum and cannot find that much on E9 apart from the time periods for my area and the tariff.

My Dist Id is 20 and meter is an Aclara SGM1400C SMETS2

So my questions are..

  1. Can I assume ALL consumption during the Off-Peak times will be charged at Off-Peak rates - like E7?
  2. Can the rate/timing changes required by the meter be done remotely and if so how successful is this usually?
  3. How do I go about initiating the change as I cannot find anything on the Website and I do not use the App.

Many thanks

 

Best answer by Firedog

​If I am reading it right that suggests an increase of £179 for E7 to E9 and of £164 for E7 to E10.

I found …  a tariff named ‘Simpler Energy Smart Economy 9 - 01/10/2025’, but the E10 tariff is called ‘Simpler Energy Economy 10 - 01/10/2025’. 
  

I think you’ve got it right, but please do your own sums! You’ll notice that the rates on the Plans page are exclusive of VAT. I think the reservations I had about the ability of OVO’s staff to switch easily from E7 to a different ToU plan apply equally to both E9 and E10.

I think E9 is the dinosaur here. Until very recently, its information page made no mention of summertime, so at least that is clear now. Its rates have always been less favourable than Economy 10, so it was largely a question of making the most effective use of storage-heater charging. Some older ones would give better results if overnight charging started later.

When thinking about what activities to move to daytime offpeak periods, don’t forget things like (electric) showering, washing and drying, ironing, hoovering - all relatively high-power pursuits where the offpeak saving would be significant.

Good luck with whatever you choose - please come back and tell us how you got on.

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grumpy235Author
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October 14, 2025

​@Firedog Thanks for the latest table. If I am reading it right that suggests an increase of £179 for E7 to E9 and of £164 for E7 to E10. This can be reduced by the fact that some of my current peak usage will move to offpeak - eating lunch, watching TV in the evening. I can live with that as my main aim is to boost the heating later in the day.

After much digging I found https://plans.ovoenergy.com/

This has a tariff named ‘Simpler Energy Smart Economy 9 - 01/10/2025’, but the E10 tariff is called ‘Simpler Energy Economy 10 - 01/10/2025’. Any idea if this would require a meter change as this is missing the ‘Smart’ ?

 

Ben_OVO
Community Manager
Ben_OVO
Community Manager
October 14, 2025

Hi ​@grumpy235,

 

As far as I know, you wouldn’t need a meter change, and that Economy 10 plan would work fine with the current meter. We would also be able to switch you remotely to Economy 10 if that’s what you’d prefer. In terms of how it would work with billing, we could put a new contract (eco9 / 10 etc) in place to start the day after the agreement. Then, from the start of the tariff, your billing would be altered accordingly.

 

Keep us updated as to what you decide.

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    Firedog
    Super User
    FiredogSuper UserSolved
    Super User
    October 14, 2025

    ​If I am reading it right that suggests an increase of £179 for E7 to E9 and of £164 for E7 to E10.

    I found …  a tariff named ‘Simpler Energy Smart Economy 9 - 01/10/2025’, but the E10 tariff is called ‘Simpler Energy Economy 10 - 01/10/2025’. 
      

    I think you’ve got it right, but please do your own sums! You’ll notice that the rates on the Plans page are exclusive of VAT. I think the reservations I had about the ability of OVO’s staff to switch easily from E7 to a different ToU plan apply equally to both E9 and E10.

    I think E9 is the dinosaur here. Until very recently, its information page made no mention of summertime, so at least that is clear now. Its rates have always been less favourable than Economy 10, so it was largely a question of making the most effective use of storage-heater charging. Some older ones would give better results if overnight charging started later.

    When thinking about what activities to move to daytime offpeak periods, don’t forget things like (electric) showering, washing and drying, ironing, hoovering - all relatively high-power pursuits where the offpeak saving would be significant.

    Good luck with whatever you choose - please come back and tell us how you got on.

    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. |
      G
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      grumpy235Author
      Rank 5
      October 24, 2025

      After mulling things over, I think I’ll delay any change until the Spring as meter readings are working fine at the present so why risk a change when moving into my high usage period.

      Thanks all for your advice.

        Ben_OVO
        Community Manager
        Ben_OVO
        Community Manager
        October 27, 2025

        Morning ​@grumpy235,

         

        Thanks for letting us know - sounds like a sensible decision, and also gives you more time to do your own research about this.

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