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Rowdy
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September 9, 2022
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100% ‘green’ energy now only with a smart meter - how does this work?

  • September 9, 2022
  • 60 replies
  • 1059 views

Today I received an e-mither from OVO detailing how those with smart meters will get 100% ‘green’ energy. I’ve replied (twice now) to OVO asking how this is possible when all electricity is extracted from the National Grid! All I get by way of an answer is the party line about smart meters. Maybe someone on here can explain how the meters only use ‘green’ energy and not the other kind when it is all lumped together!  They must think we’re all as gullible as their staff that regurgitate the smart meter mantra!

 

Best answer by Tim_OVO

Updated on 14/09/23 by Abby_OVO

Hi @Rowdy and thanks for asking this question. 

 

What are the changes to the core green proposition?

 

From 1 October 2022, 100% renewable electricity is only available to customers who currently have an electricity smart meter or choose to have a smart meter installed.

 

Why are these changes happening?

 

We’re committed to tackling climate change and enabling the energy transition here at OVO. We want to bring our customers into the new era of green energy and getting a smart meter is the first step. Smart meters let the national grid better estimate energy demand so we maximise the use of renewable power. Meaning that we rely less and less on fossil fuels. Since the inception of REGOs (renewable energy certificates), the energy market has developed and moved on and we believe there is now no such thing as a non-smart green energy plan.

 

We want our customers to engage with their energy usage, and with these changes we are encouraging them to be active participants in the energy transition. With thousands of members actively involved - the difference is huge.

 

How is the energy I use 100% renewable?

 

OVO can’t ensure that the energy from the national grid to your home is renewable. It all gets mixed up when matching supply with demand. OVO buys renewable energy from power purchase agreements, and via REGO’s, ensuring that the right amount of renewable electricity goes onto the grid. 

 

Hope that helps, check out the articles I’ve linked to for more info! 

60 replies

S
Newcomer
Staff242
Newcomer
September 9, 2022

Sorry I may be a little slow on the uptake but having just received a email stating that only smart meters will receive renewable energy.

Survey the electrical power supply comes down one cable to our areas so how can you sub divide of this one main cable which may be renewable power then into non renewable???

 

    Blastoise186
    Super User
    Blastoise186Super User
    Super User
    September 9, 2022

    Hi @Staff242 ,

    I’ve never known OVO take this kind of stance. Where did this email come from, if you don’t mind me asking?

    You’re also right. The way the National Grid works means the only way to truly force only renewable sources to ever come down the wire is to shut down literally every non-renewable source out there.

    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!
    S
    Newcomer
    Staff242
    Newcomer
    September 9, 2022

    It came from customer support and supply to me yesterday must admit was a bit baffled.

    Surely it shouldn't make any difference smart meter or not we all want renewable energy. Maybe another way to try and charge extra if not fitted though they did state this will not effect my costings?

    Blastoise186
    Super User
    Blastoise186Super User
    Super User
    September 9, 2022

    I see. That might have been a mistake because OVO’s Fuel Mix confirms what you’re after. Smart meter or not, the OVO Fuel Mix is meter agnostic and you get the same sources regardless.

    The prices are also the same with OVO whether or not you have a smart meter, with the exception of the Better Smart Energy tariff which is cheaper than the other tariffs, but requires you to already have a smart meter, or consent to having one installed within three months of signing up.

    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!
    nealmurphy
    Newcomer
    nealmurphy
    Newcomer
    September 9, 2022

    I expect we’re going to get lots of similar questions, judging by the interest it’s generated on social media.

    I can’t really get my head around the response that OVO have given to customers on there so it may be useful to have an article posted on here to explain.

     

    nealmurphy
    Newcomer
    nealmurphy
    Newcomer
    September 9, 2022

    I see. That might have been a mistake because OVO’s Fuel Mix confirms what you’re after. Smart meter or not, the OVO Fuel Mix is meter agnostic and you get the same sources regardless.

     

    Not from 1st October apparently?!

    S
    Newcomer
    Staff242
    Newcomer
    September 9, 2022

     
    		 
     

    Green energy and tree planting
     

    From 1 October, 100% renewable electricity will only be available to customers with a smart meter¹. Getting a free smart meter is the simplest way you can help to create a greener energy system.
    This was the message from ovo
    Blastoise186
    Super User
    Blastoise186Super User
    Super User
    September 9, 2022

    I’ve not seen any emails myself yet so I can’t say for sure. Thanks for the heads up though. As soon as I know more, I’ll be able to give better advice.

    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!
    juliamc
    Rank 20
    juliamc
    Rank 20
    September 9, 2022

    @Staff242 can you see what’s in the small print referred to by the little 1 please! It sound like a right ‘terms and conditions apply’ mishmash.

    S
    Newcomer
    Staff242
    Newcomer
    September 9, 2022

    Thanks,

    The OVO Energy Team
     

    ¹ From 1 October 2022, 100% renewable electricity is only available to members who currently have an electricity smart meter or who have a smart meter installed. To book a smart meter installation or for more information, head here. Not all members may be able to have a smart meter installed. Terms and eligibility criteria apply, please see here for details. The renewable electricity we sell is backed by renewable certificates (Renewable Energy Guarantee of Origin certificates, also known as REGOs). Get more details on REGOs and how these work here. A proportion of the electricity we sell is also purchased directly from renewable power generators in the UK.
     
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      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