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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

    Show previous replies
    BPLightlog
    Super User
    BPLightlogSuper User
    Super User
    August 10, 2023

    Thanks. They’ve told me that they can’t change my meter.

    What are your meters at the moment? And did they say why they can’t change them?

    Bring me Sunshine ~ E&E {Solar PV, Battery Storage, Hybrid EV, ASHP and Home Assistant automation}
    P
    Newcomer
    ParaGirl
    Newcomer
    August 10, 2023

    I’ve been on a smart meter, single rate for years. They couldn’t give me a reason other than “we can’t do it”. I explained that we were on electric heaters previously and now have storage heaters and they said they couldn’t help.

    BPLightlog
    Super User
    BPLightlogSuper User
    Super User
    August 10, 2023

    Ok - that’s similar to us. Our meter is an Aclara which I know has the ability to record peak and off peak but because we didn’t have E7 before it was installed, for some reason we can’t get it either. They did say that it was to do with the billing platform and could change in the future

    Bring me Sunshine ~ E&E {Solar PV, Battery Storage, Hybrid EV, ASHP and Home Assistant automation}
      BPLightlog
      Super User
      BPLightlogSuper User
      Super User
      August 10, 2023

      Hi! - We do offer other tarifs depending on the meter. If you have an economy 7 meter this offers a night and day time rate, which would be great for storage heaters. However if you do not already have this type of meter it is quite hard to change this over to eco7 meter as the existing meter still functions and replacing a functioning meter sadly is not economical :( However you never know! - give OVO a call and see what they may be able to offer as an alternative option 😊

      Hope this helped! 

      With a smart meter which is capable you would think it should be possible to tell it to record that way 🤷‍♂️

      Bring me Sunshine ~ E&E {Solar PV, Battery Storage, Hybrid EV, ASHP and Home Assistant automation}
      Emmanuelle_OVO
      Retired Moderator
      Emmanuelle_OVO
      Retired Moderator
      August 11, 2023

      Updated on 25/04/24 by Emmanuelle_OVO:

      Hey @ParaGirl,

       

      Welcome to the OVO Online Community,

       

      We’ve had a similar query before, take from the topic below:

       

       

      Unfortunately, we don't currently have the functionality to change Smart Meters from Single Rate to Economy 7, or vice versa. This is something we are looking to make possible in the future and we’ll keep you posted with any further updates here on the Forum!


       

      Economy 7 to Single Rate 

       

      Although we're unable to physically change the functionality of meters right now. We can offer an Economy 7 to Single Rate plan! This means you’ll be paying the same rate for each register.

       

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


       

      Single Rate to Economy 7 

       

      At the moment as it stands, there's no way for customers who wish to switch their Smart Meters from Single Rate to Economy 7. 

      Renewable Energy? Big Fan.
        P
        Newcomer
        ParaGirl
        Newcomer
        August 11, 2023

        Thanks @Emmanuelle_OVO . Well it looks like i definitely have to change supplier if OVO are unable to continue with my supply.  Although, having taken advice and supplied a picture of my meter on the FB energy group, one of the experts there does say that actually it’s a very easy thing to change my meter.  So that’s all a little strange. Looks like Eon will be getting my custom then.

        Jeffus
        Rank 20
        Jeffus
        Rank 20
        August 11, 2023

        Thanks @Emmanuelle_OVO . Well it looks like i definitely have to change supplier if OVO are unable to continue with my supply.  Although, having taken advice and supplied a picture of my meter on the FB energy group, one of the experts there does say that actually it’s a very easy thing to change my meter.  So that’s all a little strange. Looks like Eon will be getting my custom then.

        It is unfortunately due to the OVO computer system at the moment rather than your meter. 

        Octopus get by far the best reviews on Trustpilot and are currently the only supplier recommended by Which so they are worth a look if you are thinking about switching to see what they offer 

        P
        Newcomer
        ParaGirl
        Newcomer
        August 11, 2023

        Thanks @Jeffus  I contacted Octopus yesterday. They needed to check out the meter situation and get back to me, which they have failed to do so far.  However, I’m trying to sort this out over the next few days so I shall see if they do come back to me. Eon have been really responsive and helpful.

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