Dual Electricity Meter- which suppliers can offer non Econ7 tariffs?

Lognak75

Hi,

I have a dual electricity meter which takes Day&Night readings. I'm currently with British Gas (for Elec & Gas) and I'm on their Standard (clear & simple) tariff. I've recently moved into the property and want to change to a better priced tariff.

Although I have a dual meter BG apply the electricity Day&Night readings into a single tariff (not Econ7).

I've spoken with SSE and EDF and both have said they would charge an Econ7 tariff as they're unable to combine the Day&Night readings into one tariff.
They mentioned the only way I can move onto their lower tariffs is to change the meter to a single one at a cost of approx £50-£60.

Does anyone know if this is the case for all/most providers?
By having to pay £50-£60 to change the Meter the overall cost saving of a new provider/tariff will be minimal if at all.

thanks,
Greg

spiro

It is not just an issue of billing. The industry will have the meter classified as Profile Class 2 (switched load) rather than Profile Class 1 (unrestricted), this impacts the way the supplier settles their energy bill that is why some don't like to offer non E7 tariffs on an E7 meter.

pooch

Lognak75 wrote: »

Hi,

I have a dual electricity meter which takes Day&Night readings. I'm currently with British Gas (for Elec & Gas) and I'm on their Standard (clear & simple) tariff. I've recently moved into the property and want to change to a better priced tariff.

Although I have a dual meter BG apply the electricity Day&Night readings into a single tariff (not Econ7).

I've spoken with SSE and EDF and both have said they would charge an Econ7 tariff as they're unable to combine the Day&Night readings into one tariff.
They mentioned the only way I can move onto their lower tariffs is to change the meter to a single one at a cost of approx £50-£60.

Does anyone know if this is the case for all/most providers?
By having to pay £50-£60 to change the Meter the overall cost saving of a new provider/tariff will be minimal if at all.

thanks,
Greg

They all can supply a single rate tariff

Some may be happy to continue despite you having a dual rate meter, whilst some will want to change the meter so avoiding you having any issues when you want to switch supplier in the future.

Not all suppliers levy a separate charge for changing the meter in the situation you describe, but for the odd few that do, the charge is about £50 ... which is possibly perhaps why they are able to offer a cheaper looking tariff
Afaik, despite the information you appear to have been given, neither SSE nor EDF charge you to change the meter in the situation you describe.

Contact the supplier of your choice directly to explain the situation, and the supplier will advise you how best to proceed.
If a charge does apply, you perhaps need to take this into consideration over whether or not to switch to that particular supplier.

To be honest, if you are trying to switch supplier over a difference of less than £50, I'd suggest you concentrate your moneysaving efforts elsewhere

NeoVR2k6

I would stick with British Gas if you want to stick with single rate.
I moved away from them and it ended up costing me more in the long run going onto a two-rate tariff. (npower)

MeterMan

If you want a single rate electrical supply, then contact your supplier and have them change it from 2rate to 1rate. Its the only way to be sure of a normal bill.

downshifted

MeterMan wrote: »

If you want a single rate electrical supply, then contact your supplier and have them change it from 2rate to 1rate. Its the only way to be sure of a normal bill.

That's not the point though is it. The OP (and also my sister, as it happens) feel restricted into staying with British Gas because they don't charge different rates for day and night, despite the historic meter she has, whereas other companies apparently will not do that.

The fact that she has this type of meter is not her fault, but it complicates the possibility of moving supplier to the point it is not worthwhile!

CJO_1066

This is interesting and something I've not considered. I've moved into a flat which has a dual rate E7 meter however the elec is supplied by BG. As mentioned above BG seem happy to charge the same standard rate and just add the usage numbers together... simples.

I just signed up to transfer to the Scottish Power Fixed Tariff deal and didn't check the E7 issue!! Might have to get the meter replaced although if its £50 its probably worth doing and a good investment. Equally I might try to get the landlord to pay (as well as getting their permission) as they replaced the night storage heaters with an all elec heating system so the E7 meter isn't needed. It's never easy is it ...

Does anybody know what SP's position is on E7 meters?