EON heatwise advice

J_E_Foster wrote: »

We are currently on heatwise for our hot water only ( we have gas heating)and economy 7 for all other electricity. EON have advised that they are ending this tarrif where we currently have the 5 different meter readings, including boost which we have never used. We have a choice of a standard unrestricted meter, economy 10 or economy 7. I have no idea which will be the best option.
I understand how at present our hot water takes electricity on lower heatwise tarrif at certain times of the day but when does it take this as we have no timer to use? is it just as heatwise times when needed to top it up?
If we go to say economy 7 how will the heatwise be wired in ?will the hot water just take from economy 7 rate electric at night or will it take from the expensive day rates if needed?
If we went unrestricted meter am i looking at using the same amount of units as now just at one rate?
Apologies for all the questions and thank you in advance
As we only use approx 25% of our electric on heatwise would we be better off on an unrestricted meter?

Hello J E Foster and sounds like your metering set up is Heatwise with Economy 7. These arrangements have one meter with five readings. If it was installed like this from new with gas as the main form of heating then, I agree, it's a bit unusual. With new builds, we fit meters as requested by the builder, developer or their agents. Thought it might help to give you some information about Heatwise meters and the alternatives we're talking about. Sorry in advance if I go on a bit.

Heatwise meters were designed mainly for all electric properties with storage heaters and electric water immersion heaters. They're set up to give 10 hours of cheaper off peak electricity during every 24 hours for heating and hot water. This is split into 3 time slots during the afternoon, in the evening and at night. The times can vary depending on where you live and the make of meter fitted. If you contact us, we'll be happy to let you know the times the off peak rates kick in.

To work, the meter will be wired directly into the water heating circuits. Unless manually overridden, this lets the meter automatically turn the water heating on during the off peak periods and off again afterwards. During these times, all electricity used for hot water will go through these dedicated circuits and be charged at the cheaper prices. The amount used will be recorded as separate meter readings.

The Heatwise is part of a conventional meter that records all other usage. As you've Economy 7, you'll have 7 hours off peak electricity for all usage at night. Again, these hours vary depending on where you are. Any electricity used during these times will be recorded as separate meter readings and charged at cheaper prices too.

We've only ever had the one tariff for Heatwise and, as you say, this is being replaced. We'll still only have the one tariff but this will be based on our standard Energy Plan prices.

Heatwise meters are nearing the end of their shelf life and we're looking to replace them. We'll have written to you with the options currently available. We're offering a choice of a two rate Economy 10, the more conventional Economy 7 or a single rate.

Economy 10 meters are fitted in the same way as your existing Heatwise meter. It will be wired into the relevant circuits so the water heating can be used as now. There's still 10 hours at off peak prices in each 24 hour period at night, in the afternoon and during the evening but this is for all usage. There isn't a boost option though. Also like Heatwise, we've only the one tariff available. Meter switching times still vary depending on where you are and the make of Economy 10 fitted but will be roughly in line with your current Heatwise times.

There'll also be the option of having a single rate or Economy 7 meter. Either of these will give you access to more tariffs both with us and with the other suppliers. These meters might not suit the current water heating set up and I suggest talking to a qualified electrician before going down this route. We don't charge to replace Heatwise meters. Any remedial work will depend on the individual circumstances. At the moment, if necessary, these associated costs are the customer's responsibility.

Following their report last year, the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) introduced a number of new protections for customers with restricted meters like Heatwise. We're currently working on these measures and are looking to have the results in place later this year.

If you decide to go for Economy 7, all electricity used during the 7 continuous hours at night will be charged at off peak prices. Anything used outside of these times, including for hot water, will be charged at the higher peak rate. Although Economy 7 off peak rates are cheaper, peak usage is charged at a premium rate compared with single rate tariffs. To benefit, you need to use a significant amount of electricity during the off peak times. The actual amount depends on the region and tariff.

We've a specialist team who look after these types of meter exchanges and they'll be able to give you more information. Their contact details will be on the letter we've sent. Alternatively, please phone our general number (on your bills and our website) and ask for the Simpler Metering team. Whatever option you go for, this team will be able to book the appointment for you as well.

Sorry to ramble on J E Foster but hope it's of interest.

Malc

molerat wrote: »

If it only feeds the hot water then there is unlikely any wiring changes needed whichever you choose. You certainly need to do the maths over which way to go but if you choose E7 E.On are one of the suppliers that will let you have a single rate with an E7 meter, they just add the 2 reads together.

Certainly a strange set up, why would anyone in their right mind install gas CH and electric water - unless of course they were getting a kick back (sorry, incentive) from the electricity board - as it could never be economical, it was designed for use with electric heating !

You're right on the tariffs for standalone Economy 7 meters molerat. Customers with these can go on to single rate tariffs. As you say, we add the day and night usage together and charge it all at the one price. They can do the switch through our website too.

It's different, though, where the Economy 7 is part of a Heatwise set up. As with all restricted meters we support, adding usage from the different registers together and charging at the one price is not currently possible. This is something we're looking at as part of changes being made in light of the CMA report I mentioned above.

Hope this is of interest molerat.

Malc