Utility (gas and electric) tariffs / smart meters etc

[jdrobbo]

The net is closing in…

https://www.thisismoney.co.uk/money/bil ... s-why.html

[cblantfanclub]

Was surprised to see this as I was contacted by EDF (having one of these meters) and told it was being switched off 30 March 2024 so would need a smart meter.
It subsequently didn't work as it failed to record off peak usage and they also altered the off peak times without notifying me.
After 9 months they got it working and agreed to compensate me. This was all after assuring me it would be a seamless change over with everything as was under the old meter.

If you get one on two rates like economy 7 I'd advise you to check it fairly regularly to ensure it's recording properly. It's a nuisance as you have to go into several menus to get the off peak reading instead of just looking at two dials.

And whilst I'm at it why do EV owners get off peak rates at around 7p whist everyone else is around 14p. It seems you have to own an EV to get cheap off peak in this country as you have to supply the details of your car/charger to qualify.
Love to hear an explanation as it appears to be a very selective benefit for EV owners. Other consumers who are also using new technologies like house batteries for example don't get the 7p rate so it can't be to recognise them embracing new greener tech. I'm sure there's someone in the industry on here who can explain - I'd love to know.

[clarethomer]

And whilst I'm at it why do EV owners get off peak rates at around 7p whist everyone else is around 14p. It seems you have to own an EV to get cheap off peak in this country as you have to supply the details of your car/charger to qualify.
Love to hear an explanation as it appears to be a very selective benefit for EV owners. Other consumers who are also using new technologies like house batteries for example don't get the 7p rate so it can't be to recognise them embracing new greener tech. I'm sure there's someone in the industry on here who can explain - I'd love to know.

there is and with agile you may find times where you are getting it even cheaper than ev owners

Screenshot 2025-01-19 at 12.57.03.png (234.38 KiB) Viewed 371 times

[cblantfanclub]

I'll check that out thanks for the reply.

[Commy]

I was with British Gas on a fixed which wasn't too bad. I have changed to Octopus though as I have a heat pump and they do half price 3 times in a 24 hour period. You get 8 hours half price in total. The only problem is that it goes way up to 38p between 4 and 7 so I don't like putting the heating on then. I blast it between 1 and 4 and hope it stays warm until 7 . It seems to be ok as I am at home when it is the cheap deal and will be out working between 4 and 7 in a few weeks.

[clarethomer]

I was with British Gas on a fixed which wasn't too bad. I have changed to Octopus though as I have a heat pump and they do half price 3 times in a 24 hour period. You get 8 hours half price in total. The only problem is that it goes way up to 38p between 4 and 7 so I don't like putting the heating on then. I blast it between 1 and 4 and hope it stays warm until 7 . It seems to be ok as I am at home when it is the cheap deal and will be out working between 4 and 7 in a few weeks.

The way a heat pump system is designed to be most efficient is "slow, low heat" on consistently. If you are turning on and off.

I am not sure turning it off and on all of the time will just mean when its trying to get back up to temp its taking more energy compared to just keeping a constant temp?

Have you tested both ways to see? I would be interested to test my understanding.