OVO still refuse to change my 3-rates meter - next steps?

AngryArmadillo

Hello,

I'm using OVO (ex-SSE) Superdeal 3-rates tariff (electric heating only: day rate, night rate, stored heat rate) and I find it being extremely expensive but they can't offer me a different tariff because I'm using very old type of meter (with 3 rates), and they can't replace the existing meter with a smart meter as well. The reasons why from OVO have been very confusing, they asked me to wait until Jan 2024, then until end of March 2024, and finally... there's no date when they will be able to replace my meter! 

I asked them to give me their reply in writing and the below is what I received:

The primary reason for the delay in installing a smart meter is due to the system updates and developments required to accommodate what we consider "exotic meters" such as the THTC meter. While we have successfully implemented smart meters for single-rate and economy 7 tariff customers in the past, the transition to multi-rate meters, particularly those with unique features like the super deal meter, has presented us with certain compatibility challenges.

Our dedicated technology team is tirelessly working day and night to develop a solution that will make these exotic meters compatible with our smart meter technology. We recognize the value of offering smart capabilities to all our customers, regardless of their meter type, and we are committed to ensuring that this becomes a reality.

The migration of exotic meters, including the THTC meter, necessitates several intricate process changes and updates. Our aim is to ensure that once these updates are ready and thoroughly tested, we can provide you with the smart meter capabilities you desire.

Therefore,
1. I can't replace my meter
2. I can't switch to a different tariff (because of the type of the meter)
3. I can't switch to a different supplier (because other suppliers want me to change the meter first)
4. There's no date from OVO when anything is supposed to change. 

OVO have nailed me down, have left me with no options and are charging me high prices. I see why they don't want to change anything!

But what can I do, may I ask anyone to advise step by step? I heard that one of the options could be to contact the ombudsman, is it correct? Any advise would be appreciated... really exhausted fighting OVO.

Qyburn

Is this actually THTC? THTC, at least as implemented by the Hydro Board, has two rates one for heating both off peak storage and direct panel heaters, and one for everything else. The heating circuits are billed at their cheaper rate 24/7. Storage heaters are switched on or off at variable times depending on expected weather and maybe on expected demand as well. Its actuslly the supplier who has "Total Control".

The complexity and difficulty in migration comes from those variable timings and the fact that many installations dont have enough storage capacity to keep up with demand if you switch to fixed hours like E7. 

frostysaver

Their response reads to me that the delay is for a date they can support your current exotic 3-rate tariff.

An alternative you could explore is swapping to a standard single rate or economy 7 tariff. That will require YOU to get an electrician to do all the necessary work your side of the meter, and convincing them to replace your current legacy meters with a standard smart meter.

This may result in more expensive or cheaper bills, depending entirely on your patterns of use. Do your sums first.

In the long term I think this is the right strategy for you - it'll open up your access to different smart meter tariffs, and avoid problems caused by legacy products that aren't well understood or supported.

Scot_39

Is this the deal - your on

https://www.ovoenergy.com/help/article/electric-heating/three-rate-tariffs

On first reading that may just be 3 rates - 2 on normal wiring - one on restricted wiring - but it's getting late - even for me now.

Any chance you could send picture of meter showing wiring around it (serial numbers redacted) 

- or tell us how many meter tails the meter has (suspect possibly 5) - reading that.

As if I read that the restricted supply is seasonal. 

The 7 or 6+1 or 5+2 for the HW / NSH - I suspect you are going to need to lose - if don't wait for Ovo solution.

Although a few - just a few -  others have reported changes after OTA updates to tariff and even ALCS switch timings o  existing meters.

That 1 or e hours could matter if rely on the top up on coldest days - to e.g. smooth out heating delivery for older lossy NSH or even just HW if use a lot from tank after night time heating.

Scot_39

Qyburn said:

Is this actually THTC? THTC, at least as implemented by the Hydro Board, has two rates one for heating both off peak storage and direct panel heaters, and one for everything else. The heating circuits are billed at their cheaper rate 24/7. Storage heaters are switched on or off at variable times depending on expected weather and maybe on expected demand as well. Its actuslly the supplier who has "Total Control".

The complexity and difficulty in migration comes from those variable timings and the fact that many installations dont have enough storage capacity to keep up with demand if you switch to fixed hours like E7. 

Suppliers - at least one - did work on solutions for some more complex than dual rate dual wiring circuits.

Secure Liberty for instance developed a model 114 - 7 port (yes SEVEN) - which mentions 3 circuit heating and THTC.

https://www.securemeters.com/uk/product/smart-prepayment-electricity/liberty-114/

The original 100/ 110 were smets1 generation  - the 114 also mentions smets1 in spec.

Probably wasn't ready to handle all possible tariffs - but it certainly shows they were preparing more complex  meter solutions to go smart back in the day.

No idea if any suppliers ever fitted that model though.

Recently there was a post from someone being refused a smets2 E7 meter.  The first smets1 specs were issued c2012.  The last release on a DECC page Mar 2014 - 10 years ago.

What has happened to UKs once  proud engineering history ?



But getting back on topic - not convinced the OPs home wiring is as complex.

But unless comes back ....

molerat

OP posted last year but didn't come back

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/6472787/3-rates-meter-sse-ovo-refuse-to-change#latest

OP, did you do the sums to see if the single rate cap would be cheaper ?

Scot_39

Thanks @molerat

I could be wrong - the request for a meter piccy - was only posted late last night - but it might be home wiring etc - would suit an E7 smart with ALCS control - but perhaps critically rates and timings would also change - not for the better.

I edited the post earlier - to split the reply to @Qyburn re older complex smart metering - and leave only the piccy / meter port connections - request for OP - but I only posted the initial version - late last night. 

They might yet come back.

QrizB

Qyburn said:

Is this actually THTC?

I seem to recall Superdeal was Southern Electricity Board's THTC-alike, with separate tariffs for day, might and stored heat:

https://www.ovoenergy.com/help/article/electric-heating/three-rate-tariffs

If this is what the OP has, it should be simple enough to move the heating stored-heat circuits to the 5th port of a smart meter (or to a contactor switched by the ALCS). Everything else can be on the 4th port.

(I've lived in Southern since the late 80s, when these tariffs were  current and advertised on TV and billboards.)

Scot_39

Thanks @QrizB

That was my initial though on reading the Ovo link - circuit wise - late last night / early this morning.

But they would also lose any winter afternoon boost - and the night normal / storage rates would merge into E7 off peak and the timing would be the same - was my take from a tariff perspective.

I have no idea what the Ovo 3 rates are, how they compare to E7 peak / off-peak, or how that would then pan out total cost wise - the OP - might be able to guestimate.

Losing the flexible winter afternoon boost - worries me a little cost wise for OP's sake.

As I like my 3 daily charge periods for my old NSH - night afternoon and evening - so knowingly pay the E10 price penalty.