Issues getting a replacement THTC Meter in Scottish Highlands

Thanks for your replies.  Here is the set up. I would also be interested to hear from other customers who had been advised they have a complex set up and who have successfully had a proposal finalised and installed. Is there any advice you can give to support this process.

I would say that that looks like a well-organized orthodox RTS installation, but it might be daunting for any less-experienced meter engineer faced with trying to unravel all that wiring. I can’t tell from the photos which of those twin meters is which; I suppose that one is for anytime usage, the other for RTS-controlled heating. Your bills will tell you, giving the meter numbers and their associated readings. When you do find out, you might think of sticking a label on each to say what it’s measuring. The wiring for a single smart meter will be much less complicated.

The harvi monitor suggests that you have a renewable energy generator - solar PV panels, for example. This complicates the installation a bit, if that is the case. Are you currently being paid for any excess generated energy? What does the CT clamp do?

While OVO are trying to find someone to install your new meter, you might think of answering the questions I posed earlier - your response should help us help you. 

Thanks for your answer that sounds slightly more reassuring.

We are in Aberdeenshire 

Simpler energy THTC 01

Direct debit 

3 storage heaters and a water heater 

2 people at home in the day

We have an EV charger that may be something to do with the clamp and energy monitor set up when that was installed.

We do not yet have solar panels but may wish to in future.

Meter 15084 is standard and 15085 is heating rate.

Thank you - that’s helpful.

I’m surprised that there is no other heating than the storage heaters. Most Scottish customers we’ve heard from rely on various forms of direct heating (e.g. panel heaters or wood-burning stoves) to supplement the sometimes inadequate warmth provided by storage heaters, but of course modern ones, adequately sized, should do the job they’re supposed to. Most are designed to store enough heat overnight to warm the space all through the following day. If you think yours would do this, then Economy 7 might be your best choice, with its offpeak tariff 5.3p/kWh cheaper than you’re currently paying for heating. You’d be paying a bit (1.7p) more per kWh for other usage, but electrically-heated households typically use less than 42% of their total consumption for other things. 

Your EV charger adds another element into the mix. Depending on the make of charger and car, you might be eligible for Charge Anytime, where OVO decides when it’s best to charge - subject to a ‘ready by’ time) at a cost of only 7p/kWh - a far cry from whatever you’re currently paying. If this isn’t available to you, then again Economy 7 would allow you to charge overnight at the cheaper rate.

The water heater will normally be wired to the same circuit as the storage heaters, so it only gets power during offpeak periods. Many hot water tanks have two immersion heaters, one of them wired to the constant circuit and usually off unless you need a boost during the day - at peak prices.

The ex VAT rates that OVO publishes for your region are these:
  

You’ll have to dust off the slide rule, dig out your old bills to see how much electricity you use for heating and for everything else, then work out which is the best bet for you. 

Thank you so far for everyone’s advice.

I see that additional information has been provided about the possibility of dual mode devices, but I don’t think the signal is the issue in this case.

We have since contacted OVO support direct.  Initially we were told that the engineer had not done his job properly and were advised to get another appointment.  After speaking to another advisor we clarified with them that was probably not the case and we may be a little further forward. 

The record of the engineer visit was visible to the advisor which was reassuring and the advisor was able to speak to someone with engineering knowledge.

The engineer report had said additional work was required but not what work.  The person we spoke to concluded because the meters were outside and the THTC unit inside that a smart meter would not work, and we may need a time switch solution.  We were advised that Economy 10 may be best, but that decision could be made when an engineering solution is confirmed.  At that point I am also interested to find out whether Charge Anytime works with this solution.

At this point there was no possibility to find out when an engineer is available who could set up something appropriate.  The request has been escalated with the engineer team and we will be advised when that will be available.

I am interested to see that this thread has been solved and ownership taken by Sproutygreenbean with some new questions and answers added.  Some of the earlier questions I have asked are still open and have not yet been answered by OVO support:

What are the process and communication routes when a smart meter initially could not be installed so customers are not left unsure when this happens to them?  

What will happen if it cannot be resolved before the cut off and what reassurance can OVO provide customers they will not face loss of heating or higher bills if they have engaged with the process?

What kinds of technical issues may customers be likely to expect in advance and which can be resolved quickly or which may be slower? What kinds of solutions may be available? Following more information it appears it could be size of kit, signal problems, smart meter not compatible.

These were my main concerns and I would still welcome any updates on these points. 

​@sproutygreenbean

​@CazS 

I hope you have more success than me in regards to updated information with smart meters in no signal areas, I had a failed installation on 29th November due to no signal in Dundee DD2 area and haven't been offered any further information on new processes being looked at, am basically still in limbo with what's happening or not happening as  it seems  

Hi there, I have not received any further information, reading through the volunteer responses on here though, about the work going on in the background to find us all solutions, does reassure me, so I am not worrying too much until we maybe get past Easter!

​@sproutygreenbean 

Same here, now that the temperature has dropped and snow and ice forecast across the UK I am in no rush to have my electricity shut down for a meter installation, hopefully someone from OVO will contact me at some point with an update on what's happening. 

Might be worth mentioning that while the “Stage 1” Sunset is set for June this year, the “Stage 2” Sunset which is also the final kill switch is set for September this year. This allows for cleaning up remaining jobs and stragglers who can’t migrate before the “main” Shutdown.

However, DO NOT hold out until the Stage 2 Sunset unless you absolutely have to. It’s intended for genuinely difficult cases, not for those who are just being lazy.

​@Blastoise186 

The only thing I am holding out for at present is a solution for which OVO have still to contact me about, it's been 6 weeks since my failed installation and as a common courtesy it would have been nice of them to at least inform me of any upcoming issues/ developments in my area , as it is I watch this Forum with baited breath