Economy 7

diz79

Ive had a letter saying they are getting rid of this tariff, I live in the countryside and its an old system and saves me a lot of money, well it seems it does. I'm with EDF does anyone have much information on this as I cant see any other provider actually providing this tariff anymore. Ive looked at some providers and Octops seems to be the best for value, will do more research, if anyone has had a similar letter and/or has any info about it would really appreciate it.

Thanks in advance.

Scot_39

Are you sure it says end of economy 7 ?

There are real / definite issues around old RTS and other legacy meter configurations that also give 7 hours off peak (some split night and afternoon).

 [And have seen a couple of threads here where users at EDF been threatened with loss of economy 10 - or older legacy tariffs]
Even if the rts etc gave 7 hours a day - not the same as suppliers modern take on e7.

There was also a few posts where those with old legacy arrangements were being told unless they upgraded to smart, they would be put on single rate tariffs (I guess the rationale was suppliers couldn't be sure the meters were switching at the right time)

But hadn't seen one specifically for economy 7 in terms on it running on modern digital / smart meters.

AFAIK most suppliers will support E7 on a modern meter basis - but might be unwilling to quote you if have an old twin meter or RTS / mechanical switch based install.

What sort of meter( or meters even) do you have ?

Do you still have a RTS time switch in the property (or an even older mechanical time switch) ?   Or a more modern digital / smart ?

How do you heat the home - space and HW - storage heaters / tank - electric boiler etc.

If storage heaters / tank - do you know if they are controlled by your old meter - switching them on only for in E7's case - 7 hours a day.

Some suppliers do bespoke targeted electric tariffs more suitable for different heating - so Octopus do Snug (9p off peak when last checked) for meter controlled restricted feed NSH, Cosy for ASHP and electric boilers etc. (there are a few other similar variable rate time of use at smaller suppliers iirc)

FrugaiMacDugal

There are plenty off suppliers still offering E7, look.

Is this what EDF were referring to?

While Economy 7 electricity tariffs are not being discontinued, the underlying technology, specifically the Radio Teleswitch Service (RTS) used in some older meters, is being phased out. This means that if you have an older Economy 7 meter relying on RTS, you will need to upgrade to a smart meter to continue using the tariff. The RTS is being switched off in phases, area by area, starting June 30, 2025. 

ChaunceyGardiner

Nearly every supplier offers Economy 7. Where have you been looking?

QrizB

I have a suspicion the OP's property either has a RTS, or used to have an RTS and the database thinks it still does.

@diz79 what sort of electricity meter do you currently have? A smart meter? If not smart, could you share a photo of it?

QrizB

I have a suspicion the OP's property either has a RTS, or used to have an RTS and the database thinks it still does.

@diz79 what sort of electricity meter do you currently have? A smart meter? If not smart, could you share a photo of it?

Scot_39

ChaunceyGardiner said:

Nearly every supplier offers Economy 7. Where have you been looking?

But not to everyone.

I have a PC 2 meter and I assume an E10 MTC code as part of my MPAN.

I dont try very often - but sme will offer me E7 based I guess on my meter / mpan profile class 02 - others I guess use my MTC code to determine I'm on E10 - and wont quote me at all.

Others just ask me to select single rate or E7.

Example - I tried Ovo again recently after reading they were replacing THTC with Smart Smets2 E10 configured meters.  It didnt say a flat no - just tried again and the I think different wording - 

"We're currently unable to support your meter setup, but we're working on it and expect to offer quotes in 2025"

It could well be the OP - even if had an old dual meter or mechanical / RTS set-up upgraded in past - but the supplier kept the timing - and so the non standard MTC codes that reflect it  - will flag as a non standard - i.e. not their take on modern - E7 install. 

Ildhund

Scot_39 said:
I tried Ovo again recently after reading they were replacing THTC with Smart Smets2 E10 configured meters.  It didnt say a flat no - just tried again and the I think different wording - "We're currently unable to support your meter setup, but we're working on it and expect to offer quotes in 2025"

I've come across several situations where OVO's online tools will get you so far but no further. They are clearly designed to process just the most common scenarios. When an insurmountable hurdle like this is the tool's final answer, it's often the case that customer support - via phone, web chat or social media - can navigate around it and get you to your target. 

diz79

Hi thanks for such quick and thorough responses. I will add pics now, I think its more the meter is really old and offers a cheaper rate in the afternoon I think, I understand its old tech and want to phase out, but not sure. I will do more research on other companies.

Please see pics below

https://imgur.com/a/pDYEHCT

Meter

https://imgur.com/a/h8cTdf3

Thanks again

QrizB

Thanks for the pictures.

You don't have a radio teleswitch (RTS) but you do have an antique electromechanical timeswitch and an unusual setup with two separate meters, one for peak and one for off-peak.

EDF are saying that whatever tariff you previously had is no longer supported and they're moving you to single rate starting this month (11 data ago).

Over the summer when you're not using your storage heaters (I think you have these, based on your previous threads?) this might even save you a little bit, but come the winter it will cost a small fortune.

I suggest your best bet is to get your meters replaced with a smart meter. You'll then have access to a whole host of tariff options including Economy 7 but also others that might work out even cheaper.

Quite a lot of people have been through the same process recently. When you apply for a smart meter, make sure EDF understand that you have storage heaters and will need ALCS switching (either a five-port smart meter, or four-port with an external contactor).

Scot_39

As above - as I suspected your falling into a no longer supported twin meter legacy situation.

Have they not previously contacted you regarding smart meters ?

The mechanical time switch may not even be keeping correct time anymore (some models lose their power back up after 10s of years - and so lose time in any outages)

And I hate to ask - were you paying 2 standing charges per for having the 2 meters on different rates ?.

Ignorethat - just notices there chargin you 0p SC on the night rate meter on the letter - and that rate does look similar to their E7 night rate.

Were the charging you a premium on the day rate meter ? Or similar to the 28p ?

Looking at the letter rates  I am guessing your SW and standard credit (not cheaper DD ) - see current EDF single rate and E7 rates from July here

https://www.edfenergy.com/sites/default/files/2025-06/DM1903-STANDARD-VARIABLE-DEEMED-AND-WELCOME-JULY-RATES.pdf

(I take it your aware of the premium for paying that way)

Assuming you use around a third of your units for winter space heating and all year round hot water on the off peak rate - chances are you will want to be back on e7.

And as QrizB suggests getting a smart meter on I guess e7 with ALCS to still control your heaters at EDF most likely route forward - which probably wont give you afternoon boost.

But 1 other supplier now does do a smart tariff specific for NSH (Snug Octopus 6 overnight plus 1 hr afternoon boost - including full alcs control so with a restricted feed) and other TOU tariffs may suit different heating types.

Which is something you can look into - or come back and ask about once you decide how to proceed.