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scowan
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June 14, 2017
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Can you change a single rate smart meter to Economy 7 after it's been fitted?

  • June 14, 2017
  • 48 replies
  • 11201 views



Earlier this year I had a standard rate smart meter fitted. Since then I have bought a plug-in electric vehicle and I think it may be more economical to charge at 'Economy 7' overnight rate.

I have two questions......

1) Is it possible to retrospectively change a smart meter to dual rate mode?
2) If yes, what are the current costs for each rate?

Many thanks for your help.
    Best answer by Tim_OVO

    Updated on 07/10/25 by Ben_OVO


    Great question to ask about the possibility of updating your Smart Meter to a dual rate function. Bear in mind that Economy 7 has a cheaper off-peak (night time) rate and a more expensive peak (day time) rate. This means that Economy 7 is generally only best if you have night time storage heaters and/or an immersion tank that works on a timer. These appliances use a lot of power in the off-peak hours.

     

    You can find out more about Economy 7 here:

     

     

    Single Rate to Economy 7

     

    Unfortunately, we don't currently have the functionality to change Smart Meters from Single Rate to Economy 7, or vice versa. If this ever becomes available we’ll update the Forum to let you know.

     

    Economy 7 to Single Rate 

     

    Although we're unable to physically change the functionality of meters right now. We can put you on a single rate plan without changing the meter. We’d simply take both sets of readings and charge the total usage on one flat unit rate.

     

    If this is something you’re interested in, please get in touch with our Support Team.

     

    OVO customer but not got a smart meter yet? - Book today!

    Interested but not yet an OVO customer? - Check out our plans!

    48 replies

    Tim_OVO
    OVO Staff
    Tim_OVOSolved
    OVO Forum Legend
    June 15, 2017

    Updated on 07/10/25 by Ben_OVO


    Great question to ask about the possibility of updating your Smart Meter to a dual rate function. Bear in mind that Economy 7 has a cheaper off-peak (night time) rate and a more expensive peak (day time) rate. This means that Economy 7 is generally only best if you have night time storage heaters and/or an immersion tank that works on a timer. These appliances use a lot of power in the off-peak hours.

     

    You can find out more about Economy 7 here:

     

     

    Single Rate to Economy 7

     

    Unfortunately, we don't currently have the functionality to change Smart Meters from Single Rate to Economy 7, or vice versa. If this ever becomes available we’ll update the Forum to let you know.

     

    Economy 7 to Single Rate 

     

    Although we're unable to physically change the functionality of meters right now. We can put you on a single rate plan without changing the meter. We’d simply take both sets of readings and charge the total usage on one flat unit rate.

     

    If this is something you’re interested in, please get in touch with our Support Team.

     

    OVO customer but not got a smart meter yet? - Book today!

    Interested but not yet an OVO customer? - Check out our plans!

    Carbon neutral - we need a community to get there! My green tech: Aclara SGM 1411-B smart meter, Chameleon IHD6
      JonG
      Newcomer
      JonG
      October 3, 2017
      Hi there.

      I'm currently on Better Energy Fixed (all online) for a 12 month period using Economy 7.
      I've recently switched to the new Smart Meter (which I love by the way) and was told I could contact OVO to switch it to a flat rate instead of Economy 7.
      I've done the maths and, depending on what the flat rate is, we should save a bit of money each month.
      Could someone advise me what flat rate I would be on and how I would go about switching from Economy 7?

      Thank you in advance for your help. 😃
      JonG
      Newcomer
      JonG
      October 9, 2017
      Bueller? Bueller? Anyone?
      Don't make me pick up the phone and have to talk to someone.
      😃
      Tim_OVO
      OVO Staff
      Tim_OVO
      OVO Forum Legend
      October 20, 2017
      Hi there.

      I'm currently on Better Energy Fixed (all online) for a 12 month period using Economy 7.
      I've recently switched to the new Smart Meter (which I love by the way) and was told I could contact OVO to switch it to a flat rate instead of Economy 7.
      I've done the maths and, depending on what the flat rate is, we should save a bit of money each month.
      Could someone advise me what flat rate I would be on and how I would go about switching from Economy 7?

      Thank you in advance for your help. :D

      Hi @JonG

      Sorry that your query hasn't had a reply until now.

      Check out the 'best answer' (at the top) about this. You'll be able to go on to the single rate prices that were available at the point at you fixed in. PM me your account number, name and DoB if you wanted me to sort this for you.

      Tim
      Carbon neutral - we need a community to get there! My green tech: Aclara SGM 1411-B smart meter, Chameleon IHD6
      D
      Newcomer
      dayr8x
      Newcomer
      November 12, 2020

      So I need some help/advice please. I have been trying to move to an Economy 7 tariff due to the installation of storage heaters. I moved to OVO having checked and double checked that they would be able to accommodate this.

      The response was yes, we’ll upgrade you to a Smart Meter and can then switch you to an Economy 7 tariff.

      I have since had the Smart Meter installed and today called up to request the change to Economy 7 to now be informed this is not possible.

      So how can I get moved to an Economy 7 tariff?

        Blastoise186
        Super User
        Blastoise186Super User
        Super User
        November 12, 2020

        Hi there @dayr8x and welcome to the forums. Could I ask you to fill out your profile please, as this makes it easier for us to help you out.

        In theory, it should be possible for smart meters to support Economy 7 if the correct model is installed and configured properly. We can certainly try to help figure out some clues here though. Would you be OK to snap a few photos of your meters and post them here for us please?

        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!
          D
          Newcomer
          dayr8x
          Newcomer
          November 12, 2020

          Thanks @Blastoise186 have updated my profile so hopefully now has all the information. Meter is an Aclara SGM1411-B
           

          Also seems to have the option for a second rate

           

           

           

            Blastoise186
            Super User
            Blastoise186Super User
            Super User
            November 12, 2020

            Thanks for this info. The Aclara SGM1300 Series meter that I have also has that TOU feature as well, so it should support the feature set. Unless it’s because your SGM1411-B didn’t get wired up properly?

            @Tim_OVO can you check for any reasons why a customer might have been set up incorrectly like this please? It sounds like there was some kind of mix up here.

            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!
              Blastoise186
              Super User
              Blastoise186Super User
              Super User
              November 12, 2020

              Just a quick thought though @dayr8x .

              How long has it been since you joined OVO and had that smart meter installed? I know it sometimes takes a little bit of time to get things running, so I just wanted to ask

              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!
              D
              Newcomer
              dayr8x
              Newcomer
              November 12, 2020

              @Blastoise186 thanks. I’ve not been with OVO that long but readings are being sent and can be seen in my OVO so assume the meter is working correctly.

               

              @Tim_OVO i moved to OVO as was advised beforehand that I could switch, get a smart meter and then be moved onto an Economy 7 tariff. Speaking to customer services today they’ve told the can’t move me onto the new tariff as have no way to update the meter. 
               

              Surely there must be a way to switch me onto Economy 7 I now have storage heaters that are costing a fortune to run all because I can’t have something I was told I could have. 
               

               

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