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Rowdy
Rank 1
September 9, 2022
Solved

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

Show previous replies
Tim_OVO
OVO Staff
Tim_OVO
OVO Forum Legend
September 13, 2022

Thanks for this honest feedback, forum members. It’s much appreciated and will be shared. 

 

I know that there’s some cool work happening behind the scenes for OVO customers with smart meters. Things that customers will like a lot! Smart homes allowing a smarter, greener grid. The faster we get there the better. 

 

@Staff242 for someone on a 100% renewable energy plan, any energy they use will have the same amount of renewable energy generated and put into the grid. For OVO, this is done with power purchase agreements, and via REGO’s.

Carbon neutral - we need a community to get there! My green tech: Aclara SGM 1411-B smart meter, Chameleon IHD6
L
Newcomer
Lesmor
Newcomer
September 14, 2022

I have raised an offical complaint before taking it to Ofgem

there are many reasons not to have a Smart meter including health

Having failed to by normal channels I consider this email to be sharp practice  deceitful and  even discriminatory

A smart meter cannot differentiate Green from Brown energy

but a Smart meter can allow OVO to charge different tarrifs based on the % of how they source the energy they put in the grid

in the future a Smart meter can be used to monitor Smart devices so energy companies can charge  a peak use tarriff

Taxpayers money is also being squandered installing heat pumps no-one can afford to run

 

 

 

Emmanuelle_OVO
Retired Moderator
Emmanuelle_OVO
Retired Moderator
September 14, 2022

Hey @Lesmor, 

 

I’m really sorry for the issues you’ve had.

 

You are right that a smart meter can’t differentiate between renewable energy or otherwise. When OVO refer to a customer being on 100% renewable they refer to what energy OVO purchases on behalf of that customer.

 

@Staff242 for someone on a 100% renewable energy plan, any energy they use will have the same amount of renewable energy generated and put into the grid. For OVO, this is done with power purchase agreements, and via REGO’s.

 

There are many benefits to having a smart meter installed but you are right, there may be reasons some customers are unable to have them fitted.

 

Find out more information about smart meters and their benefits here. 

 

I hope that your complaint is dealt with effectively by our Support Team. 

Renewable Energy? Big Fan.
    L
    Newcomer
    Lesmor
    Newcomer
    September 14, 2022

    Hey @Lesmor, 

     

    I’m really sorry for the issues you’ve had.

     

    You are right that a smart meter can’t differentiate between renewable energy or otherwise. When OVO refer to a customer being on 100% renewable they refer to what energy OVO purchases on behalf of that customer.

     

    @Staff242 for someone on a 100% renewable energy plan, any energy they use will have the same amount of renewable energy generated and put into the grid. For OVO, this is done with power purchase agreements, and via REGO’s.

     

    There are many benefits to having a smart meter installed but you are right, there may be reasons some customers are unable to have them fitted.

     

    Find out more information about smart meters and their benefits here. 

     

    I hope that your complaint is dealt with effectively by our Support Team. 

    I’m afraid only a email sent to all OVO members with a retraction will surfice

    the email I received on 8/9/2022 specifically stated that from 1st October green energy will only be available to customers with a smart meter 

    which IMO is false,deceitful and discriminatory clearly designed to make customers think they have to have a Smart meter

    unless it is retracted rest assured I will be raising a complaint with Ofgem

     

    Jeffus
    Rank 20
    Jeffus
    Rank 20
    September 14, 2022

    Hey @Lesmor, 

     

    I’m really sorry for the issues you’ve had.

     

    You are right that a smart meter can’t differentiate between renewable energy or otherwise. When OVO refer to a customer being on 100% renewable they refer to what energy OVO purchases on behalf of that customer.

     

    @Staff242 for someone on a 100% renewable energy plan, any energy they use will have the same amount of renewable energy generated and put into the grid. For OVO, this is done with power purchase agreements, and via REGO’s.

     

    There are many benefits to having a smart meter installed but you are right, there may be reasons some customers are unable to have them fitted.

     

    Find out more information about smart meters and their benefits here. 

     

    I hope that your complaint is dealt with effectively by our Support Team. 

    I’m afraid only a email sent to all OVO members with a retraction will surfice

    the email I received on 8/9/2022 specifically stated that from 1st October green energy will only be available to customers with a smart meter 

    which IMO is false,deceitful and discriminatory clearly designed to make customers think they have to have a Smart meter

    unless it is retracted rest assured I will be raising a complaint with Ofgem

     

    Could you post the text of the whole email so we can see it in context?

    I don't work for ovo and haven't seen the email 

    Jeffus
    Rank 20
    Jeffus
    Rank 20
    September 14, 2022

    I have raised an offical complaint before taking it to Ofgem

    there are many reasons not to have a Smart meter including health

    Having failed to by normal channels I consider this email to be sharp practice  deceitful and  even discriminatory

    A smart meter cannot differentiate Green from Brown energy

    but a Smart meter can allow OVO to charge different tarrifs based on the % of how they source the energy they put in the grid

    in the future a Smart meter can be used to monitor Smart devices so energy companies can charge  a peak use tarriff

    Taxpayers money is also being squandered installing heat pumps no-one can afford to run

     

     

     

    I don't work for ovo

    This is the government view on health and smart meters. Ofgem is a non ministerial government department.

    https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/smart-meters-radio-waves-and-health/smart-meters-radio-waves-and-health

    Is it that you have an issue with the  Ofgem and government position regarding health? If so, i suggest taking that part of your complaint up directly with ofgem. There is likely to be nothing ovo or any supplier can say other than directing you to the government page as above. 

    L
    Newcomer
    Lesmor
    Newcomer
    September 14, 2022

    I have raised an offical complaint before taking it to Ofgem

    there are many reasons not to have a Smart meter including health

    Having failed to by normal channels I consider this email to be sharp practice  deceitful and  even discriminatory

    A smart meter cannot differentiate Green from Brown energy

    but a Smart meter can allow OVO to charge different tarrifs based on the % of how they source the energy they put in the grid

    in the future a Smart meter can be used to monitor Smart devices so energy companies can charge  a peak use tarriff

    Taxpayers money is also being squandered installing heat pumps no-one can afford to run

     

     

     

    I don't work for ovo

    This is the government view on health and smart meters. Ofgem is a non ministerial government department.

    https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/smart-meters-radio-waves-and-health/smart-meters-radio-waves-and-health

    Is it that you have an issue with the  Ofgem and government position regarding health? If so, i suggest taking that part of your complaint up directly with ofgem. There is likely to be nothing ovo or any supplier can say other than directing you to the government page as above. 

    as for Health that is a completely different issue for another thread

    I think I have made it 100% clear what my issue is regarding the email OVO sent on 8/9/2022

     

    S
    Newcomer
    Sparkless
    Newcomer
    September 14, 2022

    Someone has said that this seems to be deceitful and sharp‘practice’. As for me , this is extremely threatening .   So what happens to my supply on October 1st if I don’t have . or, plan to have,a smart meter? 

     

      Blastoise186
      Super User
      Blastoise186Super User
      Super User
      September 14, 2022

      Someone has said that this seems to be deceitful and sharp‘practice’. As for me , this is extremely threatening .   So what happens to my supply on October 1st if I don’t have . or, plan to have,a smart meter? 

       

      Your supply remains active either way and to be clear… You WILL NOT be cut off.

      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!
      L
      Newcomer
      Lesmor
      Newcomer
      September 14, 2022

      Hey @Lesmor, 

       

      I’m really sorry for the issues you’ve had.

       

      You are right that a smart meter can’t differentiate between renewable energy or otherwise. When OVO refer to a customer being on 100% renewable they refer to what energy OVO purchases on behalf of that customer.

       

      @Staff242 for someone on a 100% renewable energy plan, any energy they use will have the same amount of renewable energy generated and put into the grid. For OVO, this is done with power purchase agreements, and via REGO’s.

       

      There are many benefits to having a smart meter installed but you are right, there may be reasons some customers are unable to have them fitted.

       

      Find out more information about smart meters and their benefits here. 

       

      I hope that your complaint is dealt with effectively by our Support Team. 

      I’m afraid only a email sent to all OVO members with a retraction will surfice

      the email I received on 8/9/2022 specifically stated that from 1st October green energy will only be available to customers with a smart meter 

      which IMO is false,deceitful and discriminatory clearly designed to make customers think they have to have a Smart meter

      unless it is retracted rest assured I will be raising a complaint with Ofgem

       

      Could you post the text of the whole email so we can see it in context?

      I don't work for ovo and haven't seen the meter

      well I did post a copy but it doesnt seem to have got past the moderators

        Show more replies
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