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Firedog
FiredogBest Answer
Super User
November 1, 2024

That sounds normal; Economy 10 only specifies which hours are offpeak, not what the electricity used during those hours is used for. The two readings you see for each day should be marked peak and offpeak. The heating/anytime distinction is a hangover from before the new meter was fitted and it should with any luck go away in a few weeks’ time when everything’s settled down.

There should be a switched circuit that’s only live during offpeak hours. Any storage heaters (including an immersion heater for water) will probably be on this circuit, but it’s worth saying again that any electricity you use during offpeak hours is at the cheaper rate. You could save a lot by only doing washing, drying, cooking and hoovering at offpeak times, and anything else that’s power-hungry, like an electric shower. 

 

Noel | I have no official status; I'm just a volunteer who comes here to help other customers. My gear: Aclara SGM 1416-B Electricity-only E7 meter; Chameleon IHD3-PPMID-AAA | It may look as if I know what I’m talking about, but don’t let that fool you. |
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5 replies

Firedog
Super User
FiredogSuper UserBest Answer
Super User
November 1, 2024

That sounds normal; Economy 10 only specifies which hours are offpeak, not what the electricity used during those hours is used for. The two readings you see for each day should be marked peak and offpeak. The heating/anytime distinction is a hangover from before the new meter was fitted and it should with any luck go away in a few weeks’ time when everything’s settled down.

There should be a switched circuit that’s only live during offpeak hours. Any storage heaters (including an immersion heater for water) will probably be on this circuit, but it’s worth saying again that any electricity you use during offpeak hours is at the cheaper rate. You could save a lot by only doing washing, drying, cooking and hoovering at offpeak times, and anything else that’s power-hungry, like an electric shower. 

 

Noel | I have no official status; I'm just a volunteer who comes here to help other customers. My gear: Aclara SGM 1416-B Electricity-only E7 meter; Chameleon IHD3-PPMID-AAA | It may look as if I know what I’m talking about, but don’t let that fool you. |
    Rank 1
    SheilAuthor
    Rank 1
    November 1, 2024

    Firedog, Many thanks for your information which makes sense. I am slightly concerned that I try to use most devices during the off peak hours but on switching on my storage heater today, the IHD running total is quite high in the short space of time the heater has been on. I was advised it can take the full 6 weeks after the smart meter was installed for everything to stabilise so will monitor.

    Thank you.

     

    Firedog
    Super User
    FiredogSuper User
    Super User
    November 1, 2024

    … the IHD running total is quite high in the short space of time the heater has been on.
      

    A storage heater takes a lot of power, (typically 3kW) especially if it’s starting from cold. Your Economy 10 arrangement allows it to heat up for perhaps five hours during the night, although it might not need to be charging all the time. Then you probably get a top-up period during the afternoon, which might keep it pumping out heat for the rest of the day. It won’t be using any more electricity than it was before you got the new meter, but you’ll have to monitor its performance under the new regime to make sure it’s keeping you comfortable.  

    You didn’t mention hot water. An immersion heater can also draw 3kW, but it won’t normally take more than three or four hours to reach its target temperature. If that’s the case, and one tankful is enough for the day’s consumption, you won’t need to have it on during the daytime offpeak periods. Again, keep an eye on it. It’s often not a good idea just to leave it switched on.

    If you told us the first bit of your postcode, we might be able to see just what your offpeak hours are and what your peak and offpeak unit rates are. 

    Noel | I have no official status; I'm just a volunteer who comes here to help other customers. My gear: Aclara SGM 1416-B Electricity-only E7 meter; Chameleon IHD3-PPMID-AAA | It may look as if I know what I’m talking about, but don’t let that fool you. |
      Rank 1
      SheilAuthor
      Rank 1
      November 1, 2024

      Great information thanks.

      The below information is what Ovo quoted to me;

      Off peak times  SUMMER
      ALL START AND FINISH 5 MINUTES LATER THAN QUOTED***

                         I.e.    05:35 - 08:35
                                  14:35 -17:35
                                  21:35 - 01:35

                                  WINTER

                                  04:35 - 07:35
                                  13:35 - 16:35
                                   20:35 - 00:35

      Standard rate per kw    20.25p (old rate 24.58p)
      Off peak rate      "     "    24.92p (old rate 18.70p)
      Standing Charge           59.93p

      Rank 1
      SheilAuthor
      Rank 1
      November 1, 2024

      **Standard rate and Off peak should be the other way around sorry.

      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