Renewable energy sources - the good, the bad and the ugly

We're starting to see the benefits of wind power in our energy bills - here's a small example today:

 

That's all very nice but what extra electricity are you likely to use in that particular hour, and what is considered what you normally use, surely it varies.

 

At that time of day the usage is normally very little (they take an average), and I can choose what extra energy to use - yesterday I chose to heat water and charge the car.

 

But I would need my hot water first thing in the morning and that tank full lasts all day till the CH comes on at 5pm. I cannot think of anything I would want to turn on. And charging our car takes all day. Then I just thought - it's gas that heats my water!

 

I guess I'm wondering if you have an immersion heater, and if it's possible to charge the car for an hour when you normally don't?

 

Is this hour the same time every week, if it is I suppose you could plan for it.

If it's just random I'd be scratching my head looking for things to turn on.

 

It just doesn't seem to be the idea that most people have of the so called cheap renewable power, most people just want cheaper electricity, full stop.

Trying fit in with power companies whims is just peanuts.

I've had economy 7 for years and my meter is so out of date and apparently not working properly that my cheap 7 hours has been during the day anyway.

 

Agreed. It's just a smoke and mirrors tactic to cover up that fact that in the UK we are overcharged for energy and let down by the regulator at every opportunity.

 

Can anyone think of a so called regulator that is doing their job?
I cant they are just there for the benefit of the business concerned and to look after them rather than the consumer.