Switching to nPower with Economy 7 Meter

lills1

Hi,
I am currently with British Gas for my electricity. I have an economy 7 meter, but on a non economy 7 tariff (I just send my high a low readings each month and they are combined).

After going on the comparison sites, it would be cheaper to go with nPower. However I would need to have my meter changed to a smart meter in order to be on their cheaper tariff. Seems odd that they can't combine my high and low readings like British Gas currently do.

I was told that I would have to go on economy 7 tariff and then request to have a smart meter installed before I can change to their cheaper tariff "Price Fix April 2015".

Has anyone done this as I would like to know how long it takes for nPower to change the meter? I wouldn't want to be stuck on the economy 7 tariff for months. Trying to get through to them on the phone to find out is a bit of a nightmare. Many thanks.

ExtraMask

Just out of interest, where did you hear or read that you needed a smart meter? Currently npower aren't fitting smart meters. It is possible to combine both meter reads and go on a standard meter tariff, you're best off calling them up and speaking to them about it. An alternative is switch to them on an economy 7 tariff then arrange a free meter exchange with them once the switch is completed.

Xplozion

Smart meters are being rolled out in stages between 2015 and 2020. Unfortunately there's currently not a great deal of information about it.

macman

nPower won't merge the dual rate readings from an E7 meter like BG will. The issue has nothing to do with smart meters-you simply need a meter change to move to a single rate tariff, smart or otherwise.,

ExtraMask

I know of cases where they have merged the low and normal rates and charged it as one unit rate, I know someone who works for them and they've confirmed this does happen. The best bet is to call rather than do it online or do the switch then arrange a meter exchange once your supply is with them.

lills1

Thanks for your advice guys. Any ideas on the lead time of a new meter? I would like to know from someone who has made this kind of switch, cos I don't always believe what the people on the other end of the phone say. Thanks

ExtraMask

The initial supply switch is 4-6 weeks. Once complete you can get a meter exchange booked and the appointment would be around 12 working days after your call.

mililly

I had an economy 7 meter for 22yrs before someone finally told me I didnt need it as no heaters and wasnt using through the night. I was being charged higher rates through the day than anyone else so eventually changed to a normal meter last yr which is when n power told me I would see a big change in my bills..what a load of bull. My bills have nevr been so much. First they underestimated so for the last 6 months ive been paying 235 a month..ive tried everything to get bills down..also for all the years I had economy 7 the tariffs were always worked out separately as the charges were different.

macman

Your bills are higher becaause prices have risen. It'll still be cheaper than it would have been using E7 with nearly 100% of the units consumed on peak rate!

ExtraMask

Economy 7 tariffs are more expensive during the day time than a standard meter tariff. For example:

Economy 7 standard variable tariff.
Normal rate: 19p per unit
Low rate: 6p per unit

Standard meter variable tariff:
Unit rate: 17p

These are approximates to show the difference. I've not included standing charge, which is normally more on economy 7.

So to sum up, if you don't have storage heaters or use your appliances a lot at night, you'll save money on a standard electric meter.