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wkeithg
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February 19, 2024
Solved

Can't OVO use info from Charge Anytime to make the usage tracker on the OVO App more accurate?

  • February 19, 2024
  • 5 replies
  • 172 views

The estimate OVO supplies in the usage stats on the app for EV charging are much lower than actual.  I can see the actual in the Charge Anytime app.  Why can’t OVO do the same.  Shouldn’t be a privacy issue as it’s all my/OVO data.

Best answer by BPLightlog

Updated on 03/03/26 by Abby_OVO

 

Hi @wkeithg , I’m not sure that’s the right way around. Your overall usage should come from your meter which is calibrated - although the half hour usage isn’t quite as accurate. 


Your charging usage, depending on set up, comes from either the charger app or charge anytime app which is one step removed. Agreed that you would expect it to be correct but I can’t see how it would be more accurate than directly from your smart meter. 

 

The ‘Usage’ section of the online account / app is constantly being improved by our Product teams to give the most accuracy possible. The graphs are there as a guide, and shouldn’t be taken as gospel over and above your statements, which can be downloaded via the online account / app. The Usage graphs are reliant on regular smart meter readings, and perform best when the meter reading schedule is set to half-hourly. You can request a reading schedule change by contacting our Support Team. 

 

5 replies

BPLightlog
Super User
BPLightlogSuper UserSolved
Super User
February 19, 2024

Updated on 03/03/26 by Abby_OVO

 

Hi @wkeithg , I’m not sure that’s the right way around. Your overall usage should come from your meter which is calibrated - although the half hour usage isn’t quite as accurate. 


Your charging usage, depending on set up, comes from either the charger app or charge anytime app which is one step removed. Agreed that you would expect it to be correct but I can’t see how it would be more accurate than directly from your smart meter. 

 

The ‘Usage’ section of the online account / app is constantly being improved by our Product teams to give the most accuracy possible. The graphs are there as a guide, and shouldn’t be taken as gospel over and above your statements, which can be downloaded via the online account / app. The Usage graphs are reliant on regular smart meter readings, and perform best when the meter reading schedule is set to half-hourly. You can request a reading schedule change by contacting our Support Team. 

 

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wkeithgAuthor
Rank 9
February 19, 2024

It’s not my overall usage I’m querying but the estimated breakdown they give (which is truly smoke and mirrors and I don’t really know why they do it). In the app and on the web page OVO gives you a breakdown of energy usage.  It’s obviously an estimate as they don’t know what energy is used for, just the total and the 30 minute chunks.  I guess they just assume peaks at mealtimes are cooking and others are washing and dishwashers and overnight ones are car charging.  However as I’m getting a rebate on Charge Anytime they know exactly what I’m using to charge car and it is considerably more in kWh and considerably less in £ than they show in the estimate.  
it really is a pure guesswork.

Abby_OVO
Community Manager
Abby_OVO
Community Manager
February 23, 2024

Hi @wkeithg 

 

In the app you can view a breakdown of the usage and I know they use technology to work out a guess of what appliance is using what based on smart meter usage, but it can’t be 100% sure what’s being used as it can’t see - it can only judge based on an average amount of power being used at the time.

 

There’s a little more about that on this topic below:

 

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    wkeithgAuthor
    Rank 9
    February 23, 2024

     it can’t be 100% sure what’s being used as it can’t see 

    The point I’m making is that it ovo CAN SEE my charging!

     

    Emmanuelle_OVO
    Retired Moderator
    Emmanuelle_OVO
    Retired Moderator
    February 26, 2024

    That’s a good question @wkeithg, I’ll put this one to the team. 

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