Economy 7 query

[factor-fiction]

I have had problems with Economy 7 electricity. It used to run on low night rate from around 2.00 am to 7.30 pm, and around 40% of my consumption was on low night rate.

Then 4 years ago the meter stopped working and it was replaced. But it now seems to come on low rate for a bit, then go to high rate, then back to low , then back to high. Certainly low rate electricity now accounts for only 30%of my consumption despite me heating water, doing washing and dishwashing at night.

I have tried to find out when the cut off periods are but no-one takes responsibility for the meter as I have changed electricity suppliers four times in the four years since the meter was replaced. My supplier said I should pay an electrician to look at it.

Please can anyone advise me? Thanks

[Hymie]

Most, if not all, dual rate meters have some indication of which rate is being applied at any given time � normally through indicator lamps.

Take a close look at your meter, although to determine the time of day it switches tariffs, will require close monitoring of the meter throughout the day.

[factor-fiction]

The only way is to watch the meter clock tick over. I would switch on enough electrical items so that the meter digits tick over quite quickly, then I wiuld need to stand over the meter in my garage between 12 at night and 8 in the morning with a torch, clock and notebook- something I have tried a few times but given up after an hour in the cold, preferring my bed.
Anyone in the industry got any tips please?

[Disco Fever]

I'm a sparky and ive been told that the Economy 7 tarriff times vary from 12-7, 12.30-7.30 and 1-8 but you will deffo get 7 hours a night, the best bet is to make sure your water heating or whatever you are using the Economy 7 for, switches on at say 2am til 7am then you know you will deffo be getting the lower rate, but your energy supplier should be able to tell you when the 7 hours are if not ask the local electricity supplier as the meter is owned by them and not the people you pay your money too....

[factor-fiction]

Thanks Disco Fever. I know mine definitely comes on for a bit around midnight, then goes off for an hour or so, then comes back on until about 8.00 in summer, 7.00 in winter. The person who installed it mentioned this to me as he was installing it but left before I could get the exact details. So I don't know whether it goes off in the early hours- say 1.3�2.30 - or later on- say 4-5, so I don�t know when to set my heating and washer up. My current supplier says they can�t help so I�ll ask Norweb (UU) who replaced the meter.
Thanks