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tony.davies2
Rank 3
July 27, 2025
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Do I need a meter upgrade - I want to go to single rate to Economy 7?

  • July 27, 2025
  • 13 replies
  • 871 views

Spoke to customer care on the 23-07-2025 regarding a meter change, i need to go from a single tariff smart meter to a dual tariff such as Smart economy 9. I’am having HHR storage heaters and solar panels installed on 01- 08 - 2025 under the ECO4 Scheme. After twenty minutes on hold, off hold with the adviser speaking to technical support the issue was not resolved, i told them to look at their web site for online accounts under full electric homes, then select ( smart time use of tariffs ) this i would qualifier for as am 100% electric, electric heating and water. In reading economy 7 meter topics, i see OVO don’t fit these any more but do fit a SMETS2 ( S2 ). Why wasn’t one off these options offered to me ?i  have been a loyal customer for over twenty years firstly  SWALEC then SSE and now OVO surely this should count, if this can’t be resolved i will be forced to look at another supplier. I presently have a smart meter ( EDMI  Standard 420 ).

 

                                   Thanks  Tony 

Best answer by Firedog

Updated on 08/12/25 by Ben_OVO

Thanks for the photo.

That is indeed a SMETS2 meter with an Auxiliary Load Control Switch (ALCS). That means it is quite capable of managing ToU plans like Economy 7, 9 and 10, so long as the supplier has the appropriate systems in place. If you need the meter to control the timing of power to a heating circuit (for your storage heaters and hot water tank), an external contactor would have to be installed, presumably as part of the ECO4 work. 

Is the meter in good communication with the smart network (WAN)? It probably is if your meter readings and usage data are appearing in your online account. That being the case, it should be possible to make the changes needed to get the meter set up for your new plan remotely when you’re ready. 

 

PS You might find this handy: ES-10B 4 Terminal Single Phase Electricity Meter

As it stands, we generally can’t change customers from a single rate meter to a dual rate meter. Having an Economy 7 tariff normally only benefits people with night time storage heaters, which can be expensive and use a lot of electricity in off-peak hours. If you’re thinking of having storage heaters installed then we’d recommend speaking to an electrician to find out if it will actually benefit you and your property.

 

 

 

13 replies

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T
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tony.davies2Author
Rank 3
July 29, 2025

Thanks Nukecad , so many to look at and i thick E9 or E10 will suit me best, what do you think ?

T
    Nukecad
    Super User
    NukecadSuper User
    Super User
    July 29, 2025

    Sorry but without knowing your setup, or your habits/usage cases it's difficult to say what may be best.

    I don't know any better than you how your new HHR units will suit your heating needs.

    if I was able to offer an opinion then it could only be an opinion; and one that may well be wrong.

    In the end you have to make your own choice and see if it was the right one. If it wasn't the best choice then you change it down the line.

    I said, Hey - Watts going on.
      Emmanuelle_OVO
      Retired Moderator
      Emmanuelle_OVO
      Retired Moderator
      July 30, 2025

      Hey ​@tony.davies2, 

      This topic explains more about the different tariff options:
       

       

      Renewable Energy? Big Fan.
      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