Economy 7 meter removed - and we save - can we backdate?

sophlowe45

you can get rid of E7? I was told that what I was on when I moved in, didn't know I could change it, calling today to get rid of it!

I read an article saying e7 is only worth it if 40 per cent of your usage is at night.

amiehall

It depends on your region and supplier. My previous supplier only needed 21% at night to be better off than on their best non-E7 tariff. It's not a big conspiracy. If you have storage for hot water or heating, E7 is a fantastic idea and can save you a fortune.

You can get rid of E7 by changing the meter to a standard one. Sadly a lot of houses would also need to be rewired to make sure all appliances (particularly heating) continue to work after the meter change. It isn't always simple.

Wywth

sophlowe45 wrote: »

...
I read an article saying e7 is only worth it if 40 per cent of your usage is at night.

I remember reading a thread on MSE some time ago demonstrating that on some occassions, it would always be cheaper on the suppliers E7 taiff compared to their comparable single rate tariff no matter what the low cost usage is - the usage that typically saves 50% or more for almost 1/3 of the day

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/1207887

I would suggest people make use of a comparison site to establish the best deal currently available to them

sophlowe45

I got told they just add up the day and night meter readings to take you off e7. Mine has been taken off.

Cardew

Toad wrote: »

As it happens, I later discovered that I am within my rights to demand the removal of this meter to go onto a single rate tariff (thanks to an agent when I called Scottish Power who did volunteer the information right away).

Of course any company 'are within their rights' to charge you for changing the meter, and a lot do so. £50 to £100 seems to be the going rate.

You could get NPower to change your meter and the next day switch to a cheaper company.

Some companies like BGas and E-On(not sure about Npower) don't change the E7 meter but add the 7 hours off-peak and 17 hours daytime readings together and treat it as a single total. e.g. 1,000kWh daytime and 250kWh off peak is treated as 1,250kWh on a single rate tariff.

The 'break even' percentage where E7 becomes financially viable varies according to company, tariff, and geographic location; and varies from one year to the next. It can be as high as 40% off-peak usage, but can be below 20%.(Scottish Power have attractive E7 rates)

Also as the off-peak hours extend past the time when many people get up in the morning, and the ability to run appliances(Washing machine, dryer, dishwasher) overnight, lots of people find E7 cheaper even without storage heating.

sophlowe45

been reading about e7 now, had no clue about any of this.

suspect a lot of properties that have a high turnover of tenants, will have people on tariffs such as e7 without realising it. As you just call up, give your readings when you move in and then again when you move out.

marmitepotato

I have an e7 meter, I do all my washing and dishwashing on e7. sometimes if I am up early enough I will do my soup making and any cake and biscuit making too. Oh, and I do the ironing as well. At the moment my E7 clicks over to standard rate at 8.30 am, so I manage to get most of my electrical chores done by this time. I have saved a fortune.

sunflower_2

Toad wrote: »

I agree, with consideration to the entire thread I see that on the whole I should have done my research

indeed - take this on this chin with the pleasure of knowing you will know better next time

we live, we learn

sunflower_2

incidentally - if i speak to someone with high charges on an E7 meter - i would always ask about their specific usage.

you can benefit from E7 meters without elec heating just by tweaking your washing/drying times e.g.

on some tariffs, any night usage over 22% will save you money.

9 times out of 10, the user will decide to keep the E7 meter knowing how to make the best out of it.

sophlowe45

I changed and my bill went from being 100 pounds in debit to a few pounds in credit as they backdated it. Excellent customer service too.