Basic THTC Tariff Questions

Sacha

Hi all,

I'll try to keep it brief, but I'm having trouble understanding the basic differences between SSE Hydro's tariffs (to sort out my mum's bill now that her fixed period is up).

The Standard THTC rate gives prices for standard 19.43p, heating control 9.81p and the standing charge 14.79p.

The Standard THTC Economy tariff gives prices for day 19.43p, night 9.53p, heating control 9.81p and the standing charge 14.79p.

Am I missing something in thinking the Economy is automatically the best tariff to go on? Why would anyone pay the standard rate 19.43p all day and night, when they could pay 19.43p during the day and 9.53p at night?

Is this just for all electricity usage other than the storage heaters? And where can I find out what is classed as night time hours?

Thanks in advance for any clarification! I'm a newbie when it comes to energy bills! Also, should we be locking in to an 18 month or 24 month deal just now? Any ideas what prices are likely to do?

Thanks again.

jgjock

On Friday 23rd of Jan 2015 (before reading this thread) I contacted Scottish hydro about THTC Standard Economy as i am currently on THTC Standard and was looking to reduce my bills. After a 30 minute call still no one had heard of it. I asked if i needed a new meter.. again no known answer.

The THTC Standard Economy tariff is still advertised on their site for my "AB" postcode. I had to direct the agents on the phone to its location on the site.

I was informed that they will investigate but I have heard nothing in 10 days.

If anyone is on this tariff or has any further information can you please assist?

Many thanks
Regards J

Fruit_and_Nut_Case

I had no idea what THTC meant so I Googled it. For the benefit of others in the same situation and who may be interested, it is Total Heating Total Control. You're welcome.

jammied

HI - THTC is a remote switched tarriff - that means that you don't get different rates for heating & hot water - they are always on the cheaper rate, but the rest of the 'normal' electricity circuit is generally charged at the higher rate (the economy rates quoted above would be slightly different). The switching on of the heating is controlled by forecasts at two sites (not your house) so it can come on at strange times - we are not far from Inverness, so not always heating when you would expect!

Normally you can tell by checking the meter numbers on the bills - it is possible to save a good bit of money I just helped my wives gran switch hers. Easier to check what you have if you have a copy bill, let me know if you want to have a look for you.

Cheers,

J.

harpo240

Hi I contacted SSE regarding this and this is their reply -

"In regards to THTC this is a type of meter not a type of heating system. Your heaters are storage heaters which means they will only heat up during the off peak hours.
You have period over the night which is from 12pm-7am during the winter and 11pm-6am in the summer. This is when the input switch should be on and the output off so that you can store the heat until the morning. You get another period between 1pm-4pm in the winter and 12pm-3pm in the summer, in which you can use your input switch again making sure at this time that the output switch is off. The last period is from 8pm-10pm in the winter and 7pm-9pm, again the same process input switch needs to be on and the output off. If you leave the output on which the input switch is on you will not store any heat.
If you wish to change your heating system then please make sure it it comparable with the THTC meter, if not we can change the meter"

and also, regarding my hot water heater and focal point heater -

"I can confirm that the boost switch can be used at any time. If you use it out of the time periods below then it will be charged on the higher cost of electricity. If you have an electric shower and your just using the hot water for washing up, to save money I would just boil a kettle of water. This saves alot of money.

If you use the heater in your living room outside of the time periods advised you will be charged the higher price. If you use in within the time periods then you will be charged at the lower rate."

I hope that helps, I had read elsewhere that the THTC system ran the heaters on the cheap tariff regardless of the time of day but the reply above clearly states otherwise so I will now be able to run my system more efficiently with this knowledge.

Rasmie

I have THTC . The different tariffs are on different meters, so that my bill is split. I am under the impression my focal point heaters and water boost are on the lower tarriff all day?

Richie-from-the-Boro

E7 is 7/24 cheaper hours - E10 is 10/24 cheaper hours and THTC is 12/24 cheaper hours.

plucko

We have had SSE''s THTC System installed for 20+ years and during this time we have found it IMPOSSIBLE to switch suppliers because of the TWO METER system. No other supplier is acceptable to taking on this system
There are over 100K homes in Scotland that are being denied the freedom of choice to Switch!!!
The issue been raised with local MP''s and in the House of Commons!!
Ofgem are also aware of the situation and until recently have down nothing to resolve the issue, however I believe there may be a light at the end of the tunnel when in April 2017 changes may take place ( Chk Ofgem website)
In the interim we continue to be bombarded with TV and press adverts informing the public how EASY it is switch supplier, this is simply NOT TRUE and misleading wrt SSE customers on THTC and this should be addressed by the appropriate advertising authorities!

Richie-from-the-Boro

Its now simple. After many decades of political indifference by the UK GOV, kick your own GOV to support its people and legislate in your own parliament to stop SSE and Hydro's imposed 'hangman' tariff along with other exotic E10 tariffs.