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uniquerex
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August 28, 2023
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Smart Meter time of use tariffs? Is this possible?

  • August 28, 2023
  • 13 replies
  • 668 views

Hello.

I have an Aclara SGM1411-B. I would like to make use of one of the time of use plans so that I am charged less for electricity usage during off peak times.

 

Customer support says my smart meter can’t do that, but from what I have read the Aclara is able to support time of use tariffs and can also be remotely updated to do that.

 

So why am I being asked to pay (£100) for an engineer visit? Can the meter not be updated remotely?

Best answer by Blastoise186

Updated on 28/03/25 by Ben_OVO

Economy 7 tariffs only benefit people who use a large amount of power at night - generally when they are using night time storage heaters / water heating. Without high night time usage, economy 7 can be very expensive compared to a standard plan. You can find out more about economy 7 here 👇

 

 

If charging an electric vehicle at night, this may not use enough to mean economy 7 is needed. You’ll be much better off using our Charge Anytime plan:

 

 

 

OVO doesn’t currently do Time of Use tariffs other than Economy 7/Economy 10. What did you want to use that tariff type for @uniquerex ?

As it stands, your current meter suggests that you might not have a valid use case for E7 anyway - the cost during daytime hours are significantly more expensive than Standard Variable. It’s not worth it unless you have a use case.

13 replies

Blastoise186
Super User
Blastoise186Super UserSolved
Super User
August 28, 2023

Updated on 28/03/25 by Ben_OVO

Economy 7 tariffs only benefit people who use a large amount of power at night - generally when they are using night time storage heaters / water heating. Without high night time usage, economy 7 can be very expensive compared to a standard plan. You can find out more about economy 7 here 👇

 

 

If charging an electric vehicle at night, this may not use enough to mean economy 7 is needed. You’ll be much better off using our Charge Anytime plan:

 

 

 

OVO doesn’t currently do Time of Use tariffs other than Economy 7/Economy 10. What did you want to use that tariff type for @uniquerex ?

As it stands, your current meter suggests that you might not have a valid use case for E7 anyway - the cost during daytime hours are significantly more expensive than Standard Variable. It’s not worth it unless you have a use case.

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!
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uniquerexAuthor
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August 28, 2023

Thanks for your quick response on a public holiday :)

My current plan is “ Simpler Energy” at a unit rate of 29.25p

Something like Simpler Energy - Flex Rate - 16/08/2023 

which has the same day rate and a night rate of 19.81p would be useful if charging the EV at night?

I put my postcode (N14 7**) into the plans.ovoenergy.com which is where the plan was mentioned

Blastoise186
Super User
Blastoise186Super User
Super User
August 28, 2023

There may be a better option.

What EV and Charger do you have?

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!
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uniquerexAuthor
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August 28, 2023

Kia e-Niro with a Podpoint. It’s not compatible with the intelligent plan, unfortunately.

Blastoise186
Super User
Blastoise186Super User
Super User
August 28, 2023

In that case, the flex plan that OVO offered you is probably the best one atm. If you’re able to take it, the system will allow it. Otherwise, the system will block it

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uniquerexAuthor
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August 28, 2023

Yes, I think so. The sticking point is that they are stating the meter can’t support the tariff and that they want to charge £100 to install a new one. I am not going to do that, especially since they installed a new meter in December.

So I just wanted confirmation that they cannot make the change remotely.

Blastoise186
Super User
Blastoise186Super User
Super User
August 28, 2023

I’ll have to ask backstage, bear with me.

Sorry for the slow reply btw. I was in a meeting with the community team of another energy supplier (I’m too well known!).

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BPLightlog
Super User
BPLightlogSuper User
Super User
August 28, 2023

Hi @uniquerex , I looked at the tariff page and can see the options you mention but the thing is, if your meter is not currently set up for multi-rate tariffs, then you can’t get one without a meter change/update. 
I’m in a similar position with an Aclara meter like yours but because I only had a single rate supply previously, that’s how the meter has been set up and because there’s an issue with changes due to their billing system, I can’t change to Economy 7 or similar. Others mention the same thing 

 

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Jeffus
Rank 20
Jeffus
Rank 20
August 28, 2023

@uniquerex

I would recommend talking to Octopus Energy and see what they can offer with your meter. 

 

    Firedog
    Super User
    FiredogSuper User
    Super User
    August 28, 2023

    they are stating the meter can’t support the tariff and that they want to charge £100 to install a new one.
    .

    That may be correct. The Aclara SGM 1411-B is the ‘no bells and whistles’ model, with only one usage register. For dual-rate metering (peak and off-peak), you’d probably need a de luxe model.

    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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