Economy 7 Teleswitching

kai_lani

Hi all,

I've just bought myself one of these geeky OWL wireless monitors as I have moved into a new flat with economy 7 electricity as there's some kind of covenant that says no gas in the building.

I've watched the meter switch over for a few nights and have talked with swalec, it's a teleswitched meter and seems to change at 12.45 each night. The CSA at swalec didn't know whether this time would be roughly the same each night or whether it changes drastically.

I know teleswitching helps manage loads on the grid and so it can change, I just wonder whether it is normal for it to change or whether the elec companies try to keep it regular.

Many thanks.

penrhyn

I used to have a similar system when I was a flat dweller, (East Midlands).
It switched over at 1:00 am and off at 8:00 am, I seem to remember that adjusted itself for GMT and BST.
The only time I had problems was with the original 'Clockwork Timer' which went haywire and had to be replaced with the Radio Teleswitch.
The timing never changed apart from this.

garybuk

The only ones who know when your meter switches is Channel 4 and the teleswitch is sent over this channel, They will send the signal different in different places to help the load on the national grid. The Energy companies aren't usually aware of the timings just the reads on your meter.

Edit: Sorry it's channel 4 in Scotland iirc and BBC Radio 4 in England.

kai_lani

thanks for the replies.
i'm wondering about people's experiences though, does it tend to be a static time or tend to vary.

oh and if it helps anyone, I'm in s. wales region.

E.ON_Company_Representative

Hi

There are two types of Economy 7 meters Teleswitch and Timeswitch.
Teleswitch operate via a radio signal (Radio 4) and timeswitches are built in and change at the same time each day (7 hours reduced electricity somewhere between 12am and 8am).

The Teleswitch again changes the same time each day, it will also be between 12am and 8am.

The exact time for Economy 7 electricity varies from area to area and can also change depending on BST and GMT.

The information about each type of meter is difficult to find out about due to the different manufacturers and areas; but your energy supplier will be able to give you this information from either their records or the records of the company that installed the meter (your supplier will know who this is).

kai_lani

cheers brian.

as i say I have checked the meter type and confirmed it is teleswitching. i needed the energy provider to confirm switching times.

as i understand it you are telling me that as long as i don't move home and change area, it is reasonable to assume my teleswitch will switch at the same time each night for 7 hours. the only time the switching time will effectively change is during BST as the teleswitch actually changes at the same time each night and doesn't recognise BST.

E.ON_Company_Representative

Yeah thats correct, you will receive the 7 hours reduced price electricity at the same time each night, the only change may be the difference between GMT and BST, which your supplier can confirm.

Brian

Garz

kai_lani wrote: »

thanks for the replies.
i'm wondering about people's experiences though, does it tend to be a static time or tend to vary.

oh and if it helps anyone, I'm in s. wales region.

Varies. I've know them to come on as early as 11pm, but the number 7 denotes the amount of hours your using at the cheaper rate. I would just clarify with your supplier or better still contact your local distribution company which probably is swalec as they will know more than the generic suppliers who can be based anywhere around the country.