Scottish Power ComfortPlus Control - Should I get it removed?

m-holland

Hey folks,

hoping you can all help me out with something.

I have a Scottish Power ComfortPlus Control system installed (3 rate system)

I understand the basics of the system, but I dont know if it is the best system for me.

Basically, the only thing connected to the Heating rate is a single storage heater.

Everything else, including the water boiler thing, is plugged into the standard mains output.

Is it worth me getting the meter changed over to something like Economy 7?

Thanks in Advance

molerat

Please elaborate on "water boiler thing". You would probably be better off on E7 with few off peak devices. Have you enquired as to what wiring changes, if any, would be needed and the cost ? What is your usage across the 3 meters ?

m-holland

I think the proper term for my water boiler thing is immersion heater. It was originally connected to the Heating rate meter, but is now plugged into a normal mains outlet, as there was a problem with connection.

From what I understand through internet research, the only wiring changes needed are done by a meter installer:

"you need a meter worker to remove and de-energise the heating meter (radio telemeter) and to convert the general meter from single rate to E7 (or white meter in Scotland which is E8). During this conversion the tails from the heating side will be connected to the new E7 meter...not a job an electrician can do as it involves working on the meter(s) and breaking seals."

Unfortunately, I do not have my usage because, although I have been submitted meter readings for over the past year to Scottish Power, I didnt keep a note of them myself and they managed to lose them when, after their computer systems were unable to generate bills for me, apparently their only option was to close my account and create a new one (without asking me or telling me about it in advance of course) But I have been paying £99 a month by Direct Debit to cover my usage over the year.

Basically I would get a timer for the water heater so it comes on during the off-peak times (it only needs like an hour or two to fully heat the water) and I assume that an electrician would be able to install a timer for single storage heater we have, which would only be used in winter months anyway

Sorry for the long post, its not easy to explain

footyguy

m-holland wrote: »

Hey folks,

hoping you can all help me out with something.

I have a Scottish Power ComfortPlus Control system installed (3 rate system)

I understand the basics of the system, but I dont know if it is the best system for me.

Basically, the only thing connected to the Heating rate is a single storage heater.

Everything else, including the water boiler thing, is plugged into the standard mains output.

Is it worth me getting the meter changed over to something like Economy 7?

Thanks in Advance

Too many variables for us to answer that one.

You will need to do your own calculations.
Why have you only 1 storage heater???
You say you have a 3 rate system, and you understand how it works. So please explain the 3 rates as you understand them, as you only seem to speak of 2 rates...

m-holland

Thats what was already installed in the house, other rooms had panel heaters but they are all broken. Getting them all replaced is a very long term project. Currently in winter we use fan heaters but I know thats less efficient.

We have the ComfortPlus Control with Scottish Power, it has two meters. Meter 1 has a day rate and a night rate. Meter 2 has a single rate for the heating circuit.

footyguy

Hello, and welcome to MSE :hello:

m-holland wrote: »

I think the proper term for my water boiler thing is immersion heater. It was originally connected to the Heating rate meter, but is now plugged into a normal mains outlet, as there was a problem with connection.

The solution to that problem is probably to fix it at source, rather than making yet more problems

m-holland wrote: »

From what I understand through internet research, the only wiring changes needed are done by a meter installer:

You can;t get all your knowlendge from the internet. Otherwsie we'd all be brain surgeons.
Consult an expert ... and include that cost in your overall decision.

m-holland wrote: »

Unfortunately, I do not have my usage because, although I have been submitted meter readings for over the past year to Scottish Power, I didnt keep a note of them myself and they managed to lose them when, after their computer systems were unable to generate bills for me, apparently their only option was to close my account and create a new one (without asking me or telling me about it in advance of course) But I have been paying £99 a month by Direct Debit to cover my usage over the year.

Ask your supplier for copy statements... and add the costr into your calculations

m-holland wrote: »

Basically I would get a timer for the water heater so it comes on during the off-peak times (it only needs like an hour or two to fully heat the water) and I assume that an electrician would be able to install a timer for single storage heater we have, which would only be used in winter months anyway

Yes, an electricain could install a timer for you. But it's a bit more difficult if the circuit the wiring is corrected so that its on a timed cirecuit anyway - still consult an expert whoi I'm sure will advise you further for a cost ... a cost you should inclde in your overall calculations

m-holland wrote: »

Sorry for the long post, its not easy to explain

No need to apologise, and....

Good luck!