How does variable electricity tariff work

[David345]

This might sound like a stupid question but if someone was on a variable electricity tariff and they didn't have a smart meter, and let's say the electricity was cheaper at night between 6pm to 11pm. How would the electricity provider know how much electricity you used at night so they could charge you adequately. Thanks

 

[James]

Many old meters that are not smart meters have dual tariff recording.
They have a built in clock and can total both on and off peak usage.

 

[snowhead]

I doubt you can be on a variable tarrif without a "Smart" meter.
Have you seen a supplier advertising Variable, if so can you post a link.

 

[David345]

Many old meters that are not smart meters have dual tariff recording.
They have a built in clock and can total both on and off peak usage.

Ahh right makes sense now. Cheers

 

[David345]

I doubt you can be on a variable tarrif without a "Smart" meter.
Have you seen a supplier advertising Variable, if so can you post a link.

I haven't seen any but I remember my college lecturer saying that when he was younger electricity used to be cheaper at night. So at night his storage heater would heat up when the tariff was cheaper and then in the morning it would heat the house up.

 

[SJD]

Octopus have what they call an "agile tariff". You get half hour pricing, based on the wholesale price, and even paid to consume electricity when there is a surplus (where suppliers are paid to take electricity off the grid). You need a SMETS2 smart meter to sign up to it.

 

[JBW175]

Here’s an old one I ripped out on a rewire earlier this year. You have 2 meters and a timer that would switch on and off at set times.

 

[David345]

Here’s an old one I ripped out on a rewire earlier this year. You have 2 meters and a timer that would switch on and off at set times. View attachment 62273

Thanks for that much appreciated

 

[JBW175]

Thanks for that much appreciated

No worries, you’re welcome. ??