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Adamamin
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September 6, 2022
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Switching to a Economy 7 (two rate) plan - how can I arrange this with OVO?

  • September 6, 2022
  • 82 replies
  • 3886 views

Hello,

 

Is it currently possible to switch to an economy 7 tariff with OVO? I’m struggling to find any recent information about this as it seems like everything has come to a standstill with the impending October energy price rise.

 

Thanks.

Best answer by Emmanuelle_OVO

Updated on 12/08/26 by Chris_OVO

Hey @Adamamin,

 

Welcome to the OVO Online Community!

 

We don't currently have the capability to change smart meters from Single Rate to Economy 7, or vice versa. If this capability ever becomes available we’ll update the Forum accordingly so that everyone’s aware.

 

If you have a single-rate meter, you probably won't benefit from an Economy 7 tariff. This tariff offers a cheaper rate for off-peak hours but has a higher rate during peak hours. It is meant for users who use a lot of energy at night, especially those with storage heaters or immersion heaters that run overnight. If you don’t have these types of heaters and mostly use energy during the day, Economy 7 is likely not a good option for you.

 

If a customer has an Economy 7 meter and is not using enough energy during off peak hours, we can switch them to a single rate plan. This is common when customers have removed their storage heaters.

 

You can find out more about Economy 7 here:

 

 

82 replies

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Ovouser777
Rank 5
August 26, 2023

Thanks, I will keep the forum posted, watch thios space, installation due on31/8

    O
    Rank 5
    Ovouser777
    Rank 5
    September 1, 2023

    Aclara 5port meter now installed, see pic

    new meter commissioned at approx 1630 on 31/08/23

    However despite appearing correctly wired and having been quoted a day rate and a night rate, the storage heater circuit is not activating.

    “unit rate1” display shows 7Kwh used since installation yesterday.

    “unit rate2” display shows 0Kwh used despite my switching on 2 of my 3 storage heaters overnight.

    I will be passing this to my complaints handler in the meantime, anybody got any suggestions?

    Blastoise186
    Super User
    Blastoise186Super User
    Super User
    September 1, 2023

    Get them to configure the ECAUL/ALCS :)

    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 1, 2023

    Yes, there’s a relay which switches the off peak circuit.

    We’ve seen a few where this isn’t set up properly so as Blastoise says, ask them to update it 

    Bring me Sunshine ~ E&E {Solar PV, Battery Storage, Hybrid EV, ASHP and Home Assistant automation}
    O
    Rank 5
    Ovouser777
    Rank 5
    September 1, 2023

    Like this for instance? Photo taken at 5.30, I assume at midnight it should show relay II as closed and relay I open if I’ve understood correctly? I will check just after midnight.

     

    Blastoise186
    Super User
    Blastoise186Super User
    Super User
    September 1, 2023

    Best to check after 00:30 - otherwise the random offset might not have allowed the relay to close yet.

    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!
    Firedog
    Super User
    FiredogSuper User
    Super User
    September 1, 2023

    I assume at midnight it should show relay II as closed and relay I open if I’ve understood correctly? 

     

    No, I think (hope) you’ll find that Relay I stays closed all the time. Otherwise, you’d have a lot of soggy stuff in your freezer and all your electric clocks would blink at you in the morning. 

    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. |
    BPLightlog
    Super User
    BPLightlogSuper User
    Super User
    September 1, 2023

    Yes, it should just be the extra circuit that switches on for that off peak time. 
    As has been mentioned, things don’t switch at exactly the same time otherwise there would be a power surge locally from all those using the same system

    Bring me Sunshine ~ E&E {Solar PV, Battery Storage, Hybrid EV, ASHP and Home Assistant automation}
    O
    Rank 5
    Ovouser777
    Rank 5
    September 1, 2023
     

    “ No, I think (hope) you’ll find that Relay I stays closed all the time. Otherwise, you’d have a lot of soggy stuff in your freezer and all your electric clocks would blink at you in the morning”

    Oooops of course how silly of me!! I will also check at around 00.30 if I’m still awake!

    Firedog
    Super User
    FiredogSuper User
    Super User
    September 1, 2023
     

    Oooops of course how silly of me!! 

     

    Not silly at all - it’s a common misconception. There was a user complaining in this forum a few weeks ago that his off-peak (E7) usage was incrementing overnight even though the off-peak (heating) circuits were switched off at the consumer unit. He had difficulty understanding that his always-on stuff’s usage was being recorded on the ‘E7 meter’ and charged at the cheap rate during the night. I’m not sure he was convinced ...  

    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. |
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