On Wed, 29 Oct 2003 20:45:35 +0000, dave wrote:

We have an antique elec. storge system still under something called Tarrif 19
(could easily be called something similar I can't recall what!). The heaters
themselves are somewhat newer though and working ok so don't want to change
them. We were sent a notice that a "Statutory meter change" is going to happen
and that we will then be on Economy 7. So I asked the "chap who came to change
the meter, but on this the second visit, turned up again without the appropriate
meter", to confirm that Economy 7 still has two ON cycles per day. He said yes
it has. Could someone please confirm that for me that this in in fact correct?
Is there any difference?
tia.

E7 does *not* have a cheap rate boost during the daytime. Your whole
installation is either connected at day (expensive) rate or night
(cheap) rate. The meter or timeswitch should have a switching contact
that allows your heaters only to be operative during the night period,
probably by using a contactor. You need to be certain that the heaters
are restricted to the night period for the charge, otherwise your next
bill will be astronomical!

You say that the heaters are somewhat newer, but be warned, unless they
are (manufacturer) designed and intended to function properly on a 7
hour cheap rate charge period, they will not be as effective at keeping
you warm on a straight day/night tariff as on an old off-peak tariff
with a day boost.

Unless legislation has changed things in the last few years, your supply
company *cannot* unilaterally change your tariff. That they sent you a
notification advising that you would be put onto E7 when the meter is
changed seems like a bit of sharp practice on the part of the supply
company. If you just accept it, they can argue that you have agreed to
go to E7 by not protesting about the change of tariff.

In your situation, I'd (a) contact energywatch pdq for further advice
and (b) tell the supply company that you don't want to change your
tariff to E7, and also tell them that you're asking energywatch for
further advice!

Energywatch may be more than a little interested if they think that the
supply company is up to sharp practice, and the supply companies don't
like appearing in the energywatch list of complaints!