UK synchronisation of storage heaters and Economy 7 supply timings.

[keithrawes]

please could somebody tell me how storage heaters are linked/synchronised with the electricity supplier so that they switch themselves off and on to coincide with the timings of the Economy 7 rate. In my case, for example, the E7 timings are allegedly 11.30 to 6.30am but the storage heaters are still taking in current up to 8.30 am. Is this 'extra' two hours being charged for at the day or night rate and how do i find out. All enquiries to SSE and Dimplex have got nowhere. Thanks.

 

[brianmoooore]

I strongly suggest that everyone reads their own meter regularly and keeps records. Never underestimate the incompetence of the suppliers.
I once had a meter that was changed without my knowledge, while I was on holiday, but the supplier continued to bill me with estimated readings for four years, from a meter that didn't exist.
I've also had a few years of meter readings being rejected before we eventually discovered that the suppliers records said we had a five digit meter, whereas the actual meter had six digits.
Both incidents were eventually forced to a conclusion by me simply ceasing to pay them, and both resulted in substantial ex gratia payments of compensation.

 

[marcuswareham]

I wouldn't opt for a smart meter. I too use economy 7 and if I get a smart meter the economy 7 equivalent i will be given is terrible, 9p pew kwh off peak, 18p per kwh normal and 35p per kwh "Peak" (between 5pm - 7pm)

currently i have 9p off peak and 18p peak
So check with your electricity supply what they plan to-do

I keep getting contacted trying to get me to have one, they say 'but you will be able to see in real time your usage', I said i can do that now there is numbers on the front of my meter and a kwh flashing light, I also said i think it is so you can figure out at which times I used the most amount of electricity and charge me accordingly to your benift

Perhaps smart meters my help the people controlling the grid, But i am getting one as late as i can

 

[Zerax]

I quite like the idea of the Octopus Agile tariff with ½ hourly prices... gives the scope to save quite a bit especially if you need EV charging too. It does of course mean that you need a 'way of life' change to make sure you move as much usage as possible into the cheaper time slots.

Added to that... I quite fancy setting up my own battery storage... so that I can buy power from the grid when it's about 5p and use it when the grid power usually sells for 35p !

When we start to get alot more 2nd hand EV batteries on the market... the prices should come down even further.

 

[keithrawes]

I strongly suggest that everyone reads their own meter regularly and keeps records. Never underestimate the incompetence of the suppliers.
I once had a meter that was changed without my knowledge, while I was on holiday, but the supplier continued to bill me with estimated readings for four years, from a meter that didn't exist.
I've also had a few years of meter readings being rejected before we eventually discovered that the suppliers records said we had a five digit meter, whereas the actual meter had six digits.
Both incidents were eventually forced to a conclusion by me simply ceasing to pay them, and both resulted in substantial ex gratia payments of compensation.

Thanks Brian, interested in your compensation claims but reluctant to share my own problem in an open forum - if you can email me on [email protected] i'd be grateful

 

[keithrawes]

I quite like the idea of the Octopus Agile tariff with ½ hourly prices... gives the scope to save quite a bit especially if you need EV charging too. It does of course mean that you need a 'way of life' change to make sure you move as much usage as possible into the cheaper time slots.

Added to that... I quite fancy setting up my own battery storage... so that I can buy power from the grid when it's about 5p and use it when the grid power usually sells for 35p !

When we start to get alot more 2nd hand EV batteries on the market... the prices should come down even further.

thanks - i'll check out Octopus Agile

 

[keithrawes]

I wouldn't opt for a smart meter. I too use economy 7 and if I get a smart meter the economy 7 equivalent i will be given is terrible, 9p pew kwh off peak, 18p per kwh normal and 35p per kwh "Peak" (between 5pm - 7pm)

currently i have 9p off peak and 18p peak
So check with your electricity supply what they plan to-do

I keep getting contacted trying to get me to have one, they say 'but you will be able to see in real time your usage', I said i can do that now there is numbers on the front of my meter and a kwh flashing light, I also said i think it is so you can figure out at which times I used the most amount of electricity and charge me accordingly to your benift

Perhaps smart meters my help the people controlling the grid, But i am getting one as late as i can

Thanks, they're doing the same to me - but i can't even see the meter before or after. Saves them a fortune on meter readers of course.

 

[Zerax]

I think the only reason to have a smart meter fitted is if it's a stipulation before you can move to a particularly cheap tariff. All other reasons don't really wash with me.

 

[littlespark]

Dont be reliant on the "smart meter can be used to turn off the power remotely"

Thats a load of tosh.

Yes, it may be possible, but they wont do it for the fear of turning off someones home dialysis machine, or some other essential medical equipment.

They may however do it to a property that has been empty for some time, or is used as a weed garden

 

[snowhead]

Turning off remotely is possible but I don't believe the current legislation allows for it.

What is in the early planning stage is Smart Meter gen 3, where they will be able to turn off or just reduce the consumption of new generation high energy use appliances in the house like Heat Pumps and not so essential appliances.
They're going to have to agree a common comms system between appliances and Meter so don't hold out any chance of it coming in this Millenium.

 

[7029 dave]

As mentioned, cut off of supply is not allowed, however the smart meter would be changed to PP mode,thus the meter still being energized that is just 1 example, theft of electricity is another matter.

 

[brianmoooore]

As mentioned, cut off of supply is not allowed,

Even for someone (like me) who hadn't paid them anything for over two years?

 

[7029 dave]

Even for someone (like me) who hadn't paid them anything for over two years?

Ouch until the bill drops on your door mat.

 

[brianmoooore]

Had multiple bills/final demands/ threatening fake solicitors letters plus a visit in person from someone claiming to be from said fake solicitors. Still took two years to get the attention of someone intelligent in the organisation.

 

[7029 dave]

Had multiple bills/final demands/ threatening fake solicitors letters plus a visit in person from someone claiming to be from said fake solicitors. Still took two years to get the attention of someone intelligent in the organisation.

Without knowing the full story or your situation, cant really comment.

I would never let that go on for so long.

 

[brianmoooore]

Long story short. They made a mistake, multiple messages to call centre, no progress, never the same person twice, so even when a small amount of progress had been made, it reset to the beginning again. Stopped paying them to get their attention.
Never thought it would go on for two years+ myself.