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Economy 7 - meter reading

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Upwind
Upwind Posts: 186 Forumite
Part of the Furniture 100 Posts Combo Breaker
Morning all,

Is there anyone conversant with electricity meters on board today? I think my Economy 7 rates are being applied at the wrong times and need to check.

I am currently a Scottish Power 'customer' - I am on Economy 7 and based in the East Mids. My meter, which is digital seems to be starting my 'Economy 7' rates in mid morning through to late afternoon.

The digital meter I have has two different (5/6 figure) totals which are shown alternatively and each has a smaller 1 and 2 in the top left hand corner and these flashes when I am using that respective tariff - I've assumed that these indicate when I am using normal or E7 usage respectively - can anyone confirm this? Also, do I need to tell Scottish Power about this? It actually suits me to use cheaper electric whilst I am up and about, but could they come back and charge me at a later date?

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  • Wywth
    Wywth Posts: 5,079 Forumite
    Upwind wrote: »
    Morning all,

    Is there anyone conversant with electricity meters on board today? I think my Economy 7 rates are being applied at the wrong times and need to check.

    I am currently a Scottish Power 'customer' - I am on Economy 7 and based in the East Mids. My meter, which is digital seems to be starting my 'Economy 7' rates in mid morning through to late afternoon.

    The digital meter I have has two different (5/6 figure) totals which are shown alternatively and each has a smaller 1 and 2 in the top left hand corner and these flashes when I am using that respective tariff - I've assumed that these indicate when I am using normal or E7 usage respectively - can anyone confirm this? Also, do I need to tell Scottish Power about this? It actually suits me to use cheaper electric whilst I am up and about, but could they come back and charge me at a later date?

    Your supplier won't care - they are not responsible for the times set.

    Ours has been wrong since the house was built over 20 years ago. I used to think our timer was unique to our meter, but as it changed with the change to BST, it is obviously remotely controlled ... but it is still wrong (by the same amount).

    Take advantage of the more convenient times of low rate provided to you - you won't ever be re-charged later even if they do ever reset the clock.
  • macman
    macman Posts: 53,129 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 10,000 Posts Name Dropper
    The DNO sets the E7 hours, and the meter operator is responsible for the time switch. Nothing to do with SP.
    No free lunch, and no free laptop ;)
  • Upwind
    Upwind Posts: 186 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 100 Posts Combo Breaker
    macman wrote: »
    The DNO sets the E7 hours, and the meter operator is responsible for the time switch. Nothing to do with SP.

    Thanks Macman,

    But DNO is?

    What does this mean to me with regard to my useage. can i just leave things as they are and say nothing?
  • macman
    macman Posts: 53,129 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 10,000 Posts Name Dropper
    District Network Operator-the company which supplies the power in your region. As shown on your electricity bill under emergency contacts.
    http://www.nationalgrid.com/uk/Electricity/AboutElectricity/DistributionCompanies/
    Yes you can.
    No free lunch, and no free laptop ;)
  • [Deleted User]
    [Deleted User] Posts: 0 Newbie
    Eighth Anniversary 1,000 Posts Name Dropper
    edited 12 April 2013 at 7:52PM
    The eco 7 switchover can be controlled by an anologue timer. Check the pointer at the bottom to see what time it thinks it is. If its not anywhere near the actual times you can adjust your own electrical items to suit the more favourable times of the cheap rate. Your digital meter will ( mostly )indicate when the night/day rate is on, by displaying the rate in progress or a blinking cursor or a blinking reading or "rate now " etc I can confirm thats how your meter works OP. to confirm, check the reading to see if it advances a digit in the selected time period
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