I have an EV due to arrive in about 2 weeks. We are with EDF and have solar panels on FIT, but no smart meter. We are looking to move to OVO Charge Anytime, but I am unclear about whether we will need a smart meter, whether I should get EDF or OVO to install it, and what order should the installation of smart meter and charger and account transfer happen. Can somebody advise please? I assume that we will need an Indra Smart Pro, but I would also be interested in whether that charger is also supported by other energy providers. The car is an Audi E-Tron if that makes any difference.
Solved
Do you need a smart meter for Charge Anytime
+1Best answer by BPLightlog
Updated on 05/02/26 by Ben_OVO
Hi
A smart meter takes a few weeks to get in ‘sync’ and so you wouldn’t be able to use Charge Anytime until that happens.
With solar PV , it becomes difficult to distinguish where the power for the EV is coming from and so that’s where the Indra charger comes in to things.
Even if you get a smart meter fitted before a switch, on supplier change, it again takes a few weeks for a smart meter to connect properly so perhaps a switch, then get a smart meter installed is the way to go
5 Charge Anytime Eligibility
5.1.4 You have a smart meter that communicates half-hourly data to OVO – currently the main types of smart meters that work with Charge Anytime are SMETS2 meters by any manufacturer, and SMETS1 meters manufactured by Secure
5.1.5 You opt in to sharing half-hourly smart meter data with OVO. If you aren’t currently opted in to sharing half-hourly data you agree that we can automatically update your preferences if you select the Charge Anytime add-on
If you’re interested in having a smart meter installed to get Charge Anytime, you can book this via your online account, and the appointment is free of charge:
You can find out more Charge Anytime information here:
Who can get Charge Anytime?
There are now two ways you can connect with Charge Anytime:
Want to know more about how Charge Anytime works? Check out this really helpful YouTube video from the team!
+9- Super User
- Solved
Updated on 05/02/26 by Ben_OVO
Hi
A smart meter takes a few weeks to get in ‘sync’ and so you wouldn’t be able to use Charge Anytime until that happens.
With solar PV , it becomes difficult to distinguish where the power for the EV is coming from and so that’s where the Indra charger comes in to things.
Even if you get a smart meter fitted before a switch, on supplier change, it again takes a few weeks for a smart meter to connect properly so perhaps a switch, then get a smart meter installed is the way to go
5 Charge Anytime Eligibility
5.1.4 You have a smart meter that communicates half-hourly data to OVO – currently the main types of smart meters that work with Charge Anytime are SMETS2 meters by any manufacturer, and SMETS1 meters manufactured by Secure
5.1.5 You opt in to sharing half-hourly smart meter data with OVO. If you aren’t currently opted in to sharing half-hourly data you agree that we can automatically update your preferences if you select the Charge Anytime add-on
If you’re interested in having a smart meter installed to get Charge Anytime, you can book this via your online account, and the appointment is free of charge:
You can find out more Charge Anytime information here:
Who can get Charge Anytime?
There are now two ways you can connect with Charge Anytime:
Want to know more about how Charge Anytime works? Check out this really helpful YouTube video from the team!
Hi
I have an EV and have recently moved to OVO. I want to install an OVO charger and join their EV tariff but my home doesn’t have a smart meter and I can’t get an appointment to fit a charger as they say they have no availability. Am I right in thinking I can’t have an EV tariff without a smart meter ?
thanks
+8- Super User
Hi
I’m really sorry but without a Smart Meter, Charge Anytime isn’t the only thing you won’t be eligible for - you won’t be able to get ANY EV Tariff regardless of supplier.
Please upgrade to a Smart Meter first. You might then be able to get the Charger installed by another installer - if you’re looking at either Hypervolt or Indra, contact them directly and they can help you with the Charger install by recommending other installers.
Ok thanks for the advice. OVO are saying they have no availability for smart meter installation so I will try the ones you suggested
It seems none of the suppliers or utility providers have any availability in Kent to fit smart meters. Does anyone know why there is such a shortage of availability currently ?
+8- Super User
The most likely reason in that case is probably the mad rush to get RTS → Smart jobs done. Those are max priority right now and gobbling up something like 90% of engineer time.
I’ve been with OVO and on Charge Anytime for around 3 years to get the 7p EV charging rate, even had Power Move Flex for a while (they said I can’t have it anymore for some reason)… anyway, I get an email today to say if I don’t get a smart meter by 18th Sept I can’t have Charge Anytime anymore. We’ve tried before to get a smart meter from OVO and they can’t fit one for some reason (we have an 8 year old new build house so no idea why)?
Anyone else in the same spot? Have tried to call them and stuck listening to music for too long so had to hang up…
+8- Super User
Hi
I’m afraid the rules are crystal clear for Charge Anytime (and even more so for Power Move Flex) - a Smart Meter is mandatory. I’m not sure how you managed to enrol without one, but it sounds like the loophole is being closed off.
If you want to discuss this with the team, the best number is 0330 175 9678.
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