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Commercial to domestic on CT meter

  • 17 February 2024
  • 11 replies
  • 263 views
S
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Hi there. This subject has been covered before but slightly ambiguous outcomes. 
 

I have had to install a new 3-phase supply at a domestic property, which was (over) rated by our electricians as needing a 3-phase 315A supply. The size of supply was based around having 3 electric car chargers and large heat pumps for the house and some large outbuildings. 
 

I couldn’t find any supplier who would provide a domestic contract on a CT meter, so have got a business contract with Eon until November 24. This contract has painful capacity fees and standing charges and isn’t very competitive on KWh rates either. 
 

I would like to revert to a domestic contract in November this year, so would love to clarify the following :

 

Will Ovo take on this account and revert to a domestic contract with existing CT meter?

 

Will I be able to export any excess energy generated by solar panels?

If my existing meter is not supported, would Ovo install a suitable CT meter to allow the contract to switch over?

 

I’d be hugely grateful for any advice, as it seems I’ve crept into quite a complicated situation. 
 

Thanks a lot

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Best answer by Emmanuelle_OVO 19 February 2024, 12:24

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11 replies

BPLightlog
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Userlevel 7
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Hi @Smithy27 , presumably there is already an AMR meter installed which has an export register alongside the import? I ask because not all devices of this type are set up to record export - and you should also check on net metering for the import too. 
The versions of this I’ve seen are often ‘Elster’ or EDMI devices but the manufacturer has to set up the profile required. 
Once that’s established you need to check with customer support but there are users who have that type of set up with OVO. 
On the export, that part might be better with another supplier as OVO are (at present) not too generous on export tariffs. 
Of course import and export can be split as far as ‘supplier’ is concerned 

Independent volunteer - Sitting in a Faraday cage, waiting for a signal
S
Rank

Thank you so much for the quick response. The meter is brand new and whilst I have a contract with Eon, I’ve not yet switched our supply over to this meter. We will complete those works in the next 3 weeks.  I need to do a bit of research into exactly what the meter is and what it is set up for. 

Emmanuelle_OVO
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Userlevel 7

Updated on 02/07/24 by Shads_OVO

 

I asked one of our metering experts about your situation, they advised the following:

 

It's a slightly rare installation for domestic, but not that uncommon. We have several hundred domestic CT supplies. You’ll need an AMR meter installed, you won’t be able to have smart though, there isn't a smart CT solution.

 

As far as supporting it, our management of AMR isn't the best, but we can do it. If you want export too, you’ll need to get a Supplier to agree to purchase the energy, we don't anything to deal with this for AMR due to the small volumes. Or a way to get the reads.

 

I can see why you’ve had issues but shouldn’t be on a business structure, you are domestic so, under VAT and HMRC rules, should be on a domestic structure. We don't support new connections of AMR installs, we hardly support new connections on non CT/3 phase, but the type of meter should not affect you being supplied by any domestic supplier. You just can't have Smart, but must have AMR. 

Renewable Energy? Big Fan.
S
Rank

Thank you so much for the reply, it’s very helpful. Seems maybe I didn’t have great advice when the new connection was established. 
 

I am committed until end November with this meter, but will look to change to domestic when the time comes. 
 

Cheers

Emmanuelle_OVO
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Userlevel 7

If you have time, pop back and let us know how it goes! It may help other Community Members in a similar situation 😊

Renewable Energy? Big Fan.
S
Rank

I certainly will do. It’s a bit of a minefield to the uninitiated so I really appreciate the help and will be glad to share my future experience, be it good or bad!  Thanks again

T
Rank

Hi

 

I have recently experienced the exact same issue with CT Metering and having to sign up to a costly commercial supply agreement.  I am also in process of working with a Client on another new build and suspect we will face the same issues shortly.  Has anyone found a solution or a supplier who can help untangle this?

S
Rank

Hi TJ,

 

I haven’t found a solution yet but have been soft pedalling for a while as my renewal isn’t until 1st December. I will get cracking with it in the autumn. 
 

The other unforeseen and unpleasant ramification is VAT at 20%!

Emmanuelle_OVO
Rank
Userlevel 7

Thank you for your update @Smithy27, I’m sorry neither of you have found a solution yet @ThorogoodJ. 

Renewable Energy? Big Fan.
T
Rank

I’ve been sending out various enquiries today and it seems that it still isn’t possible to obtain any domestic supply agreement for 3 phase connections over 69kVA.  Furthermore no-one seems to be predicitng any change to this in the near future which is surprising given the amount of new domestic properties which are likely to require large supplies given the switch to electric driven heating systems and electric vehicles.

 

@Smithy27 I did receive some positive advice re being able pay lower rate of VAT as below:

 

There is potential to the VAT status, once live and running the client can apply to the supplier for the lower VAT providing the following conditions are met:

 

Micro-businesses will pay the 20% standard VAT rate on their energy use unless they are eligible to pay the reduced rate of 5%. To qualify for the lower rate, they must meet certain requirements:

Either:

  • At least 60% of their business’s energy is used for dwelling or residential accommodation.
  • They are a charitable or non-profit organisation.

Or they are classed as a low energy user. This means: 

  • They use less than 33kWh of electricity per day or 1,000kWh per month.
  • They use less than 145kWh of gas per day, or 4,397kWh per month. 

Qualifying business should check with their energy supplier to ensure they are on the reduced rate. Businesses that have been paying the standard rate of 20% when they were eligible for the reduced rate may be able to claim a partial refund on any overpayments made during the last four years. To make a claim, you must contact your supplier and fill out a declaration form.

S
Rank

Thanks for that, very useful 

 

Smithy

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