Changing Electric Meter

Fisher69

Hi There,

I have recently had new central heating put in, oil radiators replacing the terrible storage heaters and wanted to know if I should be changing the electric meter from night save to day. This might sound like a stupid question but as the washing machine and dishwasher are usually turned on early in the morning before I go to work and the hot water is also, all of these would normally be charged at the nightly cheap rate. Bearing in mind the cost of replacing the meter is €190. 

Thanks  

Andy

Electric Ireland: Una

Hi Andy,

Thank you for getting in touch.

As you make use of the night rate first thing in the morning (the night rate is currently in effect from midnight until 9am - this will change to 11pm to 8am when the clocks go back in late October) and as it costs €190 to remove the day/night meter, our opinion on first glance is that it seems advisable to keep the day/night meter.

However, there is no set answer - it depends on the individual's usage habits and appliances. The day/night meter is highly recommended for storage heaters, and as you no longer have them, the day/night meter is not an essential for saving. However, as mentioned, you still benefit from the night rate in the early morning.

The day/night meter does have a higher standing charge though, and the day unit rate is higher than the constant rate for the standard 24-hour meter (the night rate is considerably lower).

The day unit rate (including VAT and before discounts) is 18.33 cent. The night unit rate (same criteria) is 9.06 cent. The 24-hour standard rate is 17.17 cent (including VAT and before discounts).

If you confirm whether you are rural based or urban based, we can make a comparison for you in terms of the standing charge.

Best regards,
Una

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Fisher69

Hi Una,

Thanks for your swift reply. It's a tricky one to decide, probably have to give it a while and work out annual day/night usage.

We are urban based.

Thanks,

Andy

Electric Ireland: Una

Hi Andy,

We are more than happy to assist.

The day/night meter standing charge (urban) is €197.61 annually, including VAT (divided throughout the year) and the 24-hour meter standing charge (same criteria) is €145.58.

If you have any further queries, please let us know.

Best regards,
Una

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