Storage Heaters

WiserMiser

Scot_39 said:

Compared to say the I guess 3kW water heater - and corresponding flash rate (its a flash per small amount of energy used - often not always set for 1000 per kWh - so 3000 in an hour for your immersion heater or 50 per second).

3000 flashes per hour is not 50 flashes per second...

Scot_39

A bit off topic -

But for years many communal heating systems were un metered.

In Scotland I think the rules changed just over a decade ago - and some have faced metering when systems upgraded, some just HIUs and metered installed.

So yes there's always been the risk.

My sister's LHA mid rises had communal boilers in basements - when upgraded about 10 years ago - all the flats had heat interface units upgraded and by Scottish law metered - the consultations with tennants met some resistance from some on metering welcomed by others. 

Ironically the HA was encouraged to go wood pellet - by highest govt "green" grant rates - a bit like Drax.

Before some tennants complained unfair, after some faced higher bills and complained.

Philis89

How would I switch to economy 7? Just call up utilita? 

WiserMiser

Philis89 said:

How would I switch to economy 7? Just call up utilita? 

Yes, or contact them via your online account.

Scot_39

Philis89 said:

How would I switch to economy 7? Just call up utilita? 

If your using a lot of daytime power - if your NSH is unmetered via service charge - and / or - your hot water just charging as needed on thermostat without a timer - that could be a risky move.

You might need wiring mods to make E7 work or you - like a HW imersion heater time switch - and typically would need 35-40% of tiotal units used overnight - depending on supplier and regional dependent pricing to make E7 even break even with single rate.  And as not your flat any wiring mods would be down to council.

Others have found E7 actually works out more expensive than single rate.  Its not an automatic win.

But it seems strange to fit a NSH - even just the one - and not have it on multirate metering system.

On my system - my CU - like yours - is split - not seperate boxes - has a NSH section with its own incoming isolator switch but in my case fed by my multirate meter restricted feed.

(One CU box doesnt mean everything inside is from the same power feed - mines is actually split 3 ways - as that was how my old RTS worked - so 2 red double pole switches - for NSH section and HW section - as well as 24/7 live normal circuits)

As above it needs a good look around the metering and wiring - maybe you can ask the electricians how the new heater is fed - including that red isolator switch - and so if billed per kWh via your meter or not - on Thursday.

And when we know how wired and what model they have fitted - then their might be options to be had to save over standard plug ins etc. with out wiring mods - or meter changes

Seems poor - to have as above has a confused mix in the different units - so maybe possibly also confusion on the service charging.

Philis89

The problem i have, is the block of flats im in are due to be knocked down as they are rebuilding the old area. There are 3 blocks, 2 arent being used, and then my block. A couple of the flats are condemned and all the tenants here are in emergency or temporary housing. Its costing me a small fortune living here and im struggling to put food on the table let alone heating 1 poxy room for my baby not to be cold. The engineers are coming Thursday so ill see what they say. Plus if the heaters are going to only kick out heat at night, thats no use to me as its 13 degrees in here during the day. And I layer up, use blankets and hot water bottles.

QrizB

Philis89 said:

How would I switch to economy 7? Just call up utilita? 

Yes you could, but you probably don't want to do anything just yet.

If the storage heater is supplied by the council for £20.40 a week, there are limited benefits to E7. 

Plus you said that you're in temporary housing that's due to be demolished before too long; it's really not going to be worth doing any improvements.

While you're waiting for Thursday and the engineer, turn your storage heater back on and see if it makes the red light on your meter flash, or not.

Scot_39

Philis89 said:

The problem i have, is the block of flats im in are due to be knocked down as they are rebuilding the old area. There are 3 blocks, 2 arent being used, and then my block. A couple of the flats are condemned and all the tenants here are in emergency or temporary housing. Its costing me a small fortune living here and im struggling to put food on the table let alone heating 1 poxy room for my baby not to be cold. The engineers are coming Thursday so ill see what they say. Plus if the heaters are going to only kick out heat at night, thats no use to me as its 13 degrees in here during the day. And I layer up, use blankets and hot water bottles.

NSH ideally charge up during the night - at cheaper rate - and ideally give out most of their heat during the day.

Theirs doubt on when your heater charges - and as it's a old heater - albeit with a manual output control - it's nowhere near as good as delivering the heat once charged - in a controlled / automatic fashion - at the times of day you need it.

Hopefully that later part of the problem - will get a marked improvement come Thursday's visit.

And you as above - can get proper answers to how its connected and so paid for.  

WiserMiser

Have you checked with Citizens Advice that you're getting all the benefits to which you're entitled?  https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/consumer/energy/energy-supply/get-help-paying-your-bills/grants-and-benefits-to-help-you-pay-your-energy-bills/

WiserMiser

@Philis89 How did it go on Thursday?