Official MSE Economy 7 Guide discussion

ADX3

Gerry1 said:

ADX3 said:

This would suggest it's a bit silly me being on E7, especially with SSE's standard rate (27.59p standing, 20.18p day, 12.86p night). I haven't yet asked my landlord to switch supplier.

Welcome to the forum.

You don't have to get the landlord's permission to change your electricity supplier if you pay the bills directly.

You're on a dreadful tariff with SSE.  My day rate, night rate and standing charge are all cheaper at single rate on an E7 meter with Neon Reef ! 12.11343p per kWh, Standing Charge 13.2825p per day inc VAT.

Thank you. My tenancy agreement says I need to ask for permission which they won't unreasonably withhold. I don't believe they will have a problem with it but might if I switch the E7 meter and I'm under the impression this can count as an alteration to the property so I might be responsible to return it back before leaving. I'd rather not have the hassle of changing meters/suppliers back. 

Gerry1

It's courteous to tell the landlord, but you don't need permission. Just keep the E7 meter then you can switch from E7 to single rate and vice versa. If there are no exit fees you could even do this on a seasonal basis. Just use a comparison site that that doesn't check whether you address has an E7 meter, try saying that you have E7 and again saying that you don't. Citizens Advice is a good place to start.

ADX3

So I can effectively choose any standard meter tariff regardless of the fact I have an E7 meter? 
I had got impression only some providers will offer single rate tariffs where you add the day+night when giving readings.

GraveMaurice

Hi, we are buying a one bedroom holiday home and it has electricity only. It doesnt have storage heaters just now but I thought storage heating would be the best way to heat it over the winter during periods when we are not there (it will not be empty for lengthy periods or over a week or two). I dont really want to be switching mains water on and off but that could be the better simpler way but the flat would be Baltic.

Can anyone offer advice as to if this would be the best option?

Gerry1

ADX3 said:

I had got impression only some providers will offer single rate tariffs where you add the day+night when giving readings.

Correct.  Some do, some (such as Bulb) don't.  You don't add up the readings, they just bill the day and night usage at the same rate.

Gerry1

GraveMaurice said:

Hi, we are buying a one bedroom holiday home and it has electricity only. It doesnt have storage heaters just now but I thought storage heating would be the best way to heat it over the winter during periods when we are not there (it will not be empty for lengthy periods or over a week or two). I dont really want to be switching mains water on and off but that could be the better simpler way but the flat would be Baltic.

Can anyone offer advice as to if this would be the best option?

It's probably the least worst option. Consider clever ones such as Dimplex Quantum with a fan and top up daytime heater that are programmable so that you can set it to be warm when you get there.

afmfifgh

GraveMaurice said:

Hi, we are buying a one bedroom holiday home and it has electricity only. It doesnt have storage heaters just now but I thought storage heating would be the best way to heat it over the winter during periods when we are not there (it will not be empty for lengthy periods or over a week or two). I dont really want to be switching mains water on and off but that could be the better simpler way but the flat would be Baltic.

Can anyone offer advice as to if this would be the best option?

You can buy and have installed remote water switches that allow you to turn off your mains water from anywhere. Here is a video that shows one being installed and used:
https://youtu.be/1u5bHUSTjNs

Rory101

In the article that this thread is linked from, https://www.moneysavingexpert.com/utilities/economy-7/  it has electricity rates, apparently updated April 2020, that are far lower than I'm seeing:

Tariffs compared: Economy 7 vs a normal electricity tariff

ELECTRICITY TARIFF	AVERAGE PEAK RATE	AVERAGE OFF-PEAK RATE	AVERAGE STANDING CHARGE	AVERAGE COST (1)
Cheapest Economy 7	12.1p/kWh	8p/kWh	22p/day	£516/year
Cheapest normal	10.9/kWh	10.9p/kWh	22p/day	£538/year

Am I missing something with current price comparisons?

Gerry1

Rory101 said:

Am I missing something with current price comparisons?

Yes - the kWh rates may be low but those standing charges are quite high.  I've just compared those rates for my consumption, and the totals, for both the single and E7 versions, are more expensive than what I'm currently paying.

Rory101

Gerry1 said:

Yes - the kWh rates may be low but those standing charges are quite high.  I've just compared those rates for my consumption, and the totals, for both the single and E7 versions, are more expensive than what I'm currently paying.

Thanks.  The standing charges are the same as I'm seeing looking at the lowest (annual) price deals.  Our usage is relatively high so (I think I've got this right) we'd be better off with high fixed charges and low unit costs.

Who are you with and which tariff?  I've tried hunting in different ways and wondered if I'm doing something wrong.