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Lionhart127
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September 23, 2022
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Smart meter economy 7 off peak times change with Eon - not ideal for storage heaters?

  • September 23, 2022
  • 14 replies
  • 6989 views

Since having Smart Meters fitted, I have TOTALLY regretted it!   With the previous meters you knew exactly the times when Economy 7 came on and went off, (1 hour earlier in winter GMT time).  With Smart Meters the variation of times with E7 on and off, is vast!  Sometimes the E7 stays on up to 9.20am and other times the E7 goes off at 6.40am BST, 1 hour earlier in winter GMT.  With older heaters like mine that are over 30 years old, the heat retention is not very good, and if the heater goes off at 5.40am GMT, later in the afternoon they are barely warm, and almost cold in the evening.  The timings of Smart Meters are highly unreliable, definitely NOT suitable for Storage Heated homes with older heaters. IN MY VIEW THIS IS A TOTAL FAILURE OF TECHNOLOGY.  I will demand to have previous meters restored!  I am a 72 yo man with health problems, and heating technology that is USELESS!

Best answer by Emmanuelle_OVO

Updated on 06/05/25 by Emmanuelle_OVO:

Hi @Lionhart127,

 

Sorry for the issues you’ve had.

 

The Economy 7 times with smart meters installed by OVO vary very little, you can find out your peak and off peak hours in this similar thread:

 

 

It sounds like you may have a faulty time switch. I’d advise getting in touch with Support and they should be able to help with this. 

 

Here are some similar articles you might find helpful:

 

 

Hope this helps. 

14 replies

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Lionhart127Author
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September 27, 2022

Just as a side note, some suppliers are better at dealing with Economy 7 capabilities than others, just like how some Smart Meters handle it better than others.

You seem to have a five terminal meter, but there also seems to be an external contactor. I could do with a photo taken a bit further back so it shows the entire meter backboard as I think I’m onto something here.

Thanks for help. Here is another photo taken much further back. You can see the rcd/mcb consumer

 unit at top. The storage heater rcd/mcb unit is behind this wall in a cupboard inside flat. 

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Lionhart127Author
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September 27, 2022

Hi all, 

 

Thanks for keeping us in check with the advice we’re giving. I’ll go ahead and update the info given by Emmanuelle to make sure all the facts check out. 

 

@Lionhart127 as for your smart meter issue, I can really understand and empathise. It’s essential to have your E7 times be consistent (other than the shift by an hour between GMT and BST), and correct, especially when you have a heating system connected only to the off peak. 

 

Could you share what advice Eon Next have given to you when you ask for this to be fixed? 

Thank you Tim. I have sent EON.Next 3 emails explaining everything and also sent tweets. Regarding the erratic E7 timings and also asking about E9 or E10. As the storage heaters are over 30 years old the heat retention is not that good, so a late afternoon boost is really essential, and more so now, as the E7 timings are erratic. Soon as I get a reply, whenever that is, I will let you know. May be wrong, but I have a feeling the wrong type of meter was fitted? 

Blastoise186
Super User
Blastoise186Super User
Super User
September 28, 2022

This seems to be the right type of meter, but it’s more a case that E.On Next doesn’t support E9/E10. Unfortunately, all my contacts there seem to have abandoned me and I’ve been unable to summon anyone about this.

If your supplier doesn’t offer Economy 10, you’ll have severe problems trying to make it work at all.

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meldrewreborn
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September 28, 2022

@Lionhart127 

i’ve raised a question on the Eon forum about this situation to try and get some sensible answer.  I’m not that hopeful but I can try.  I think a friend of @Blastoise186 lurks there too so we will be trying on your behalf.

I know too well the problems older storage radiators have.  More modern devices have thermostatic controls which only release the stored heat when its actually required and are much more efficient as a result.  Fitting some those might improve your comfort levels and reduce your running costs.

Obviously, I’m with you that E7 should operate to set times.  I can see though that lots of storage radiators drawing power all at the same time could pose some potential issues for the grid.  I suppose that is why the timings in different regions were staggered. On the other hand, there are not that many customers on E7 as the majority of homes use gas, not electricity to heat their homes

Eon and EDF customer. Don't think smart meters are worth the expense.
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