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I'm getting an electric vehicle (EV) charger but how to get my meter tails upgraded and a DP isolation switch fitted? Who and how much?

Forum|Forum|5 years ago
July 24, 2021
45 replies
9734 views

Hi,

I’m in the process of purchasing an EV. Before the charger install I’ve been advised to have the meter tails uprated and an isolator switch fitted before my electrician fits a new consumer unit and installs the charger.

I have been charged £264.25 for OVO to carry out the work in the meter cupboard. Thinking this seemed a bit much I did some research and came across this price list by OVO. DP isolator says £158.25 but has no mention of the meter tails. I called my DNO and they said the tails are normally updated during any work carried out by the supplier like a new meter. My smart meter was installed last year and the old tails were left in place. So my question is, why have I been charged £264 for an isolator normally costing £158 and the DNO says meter tails are normally updated during any work carried out as they are not my responsibility and down to the supplier to ensure they are safe and sized according to the demand required.

Many thanks.

Best answer by Tim_OVO

Updated on 21/01/26 by Ben_OVO

Often when an EV charger is fitted some work is required to the electricity equipment, between the main fuse (cut out) and the consumer unit (fuse box).

Let’s try and outline common upgrades needed.

Meter tails

The meter tails between the main fuse (cut out) and the meter are the responsibility of the supplier (full list of who owns what, here). These may need to be upgraded, which would be classified by OVO as a ‘Technical site survey’. Latest job prices here.

Isolation switch

Installing an isolation switch will act as a circuit breaker on the mains electrical supply, so that the installation of the EV charger can be completed safely by a private electrician. It also negates the need for a supplier to send an engineer to the property to de-energise the cut out (and re-energise afterwards) whilst the charger is being fitted. Latest job prices here.

If the fitting of the isolation switch is done at the same time and alongside another job. So actually getting an isolation switch fitted and getting the meter tails checked/upgraded, will cost the same as just getting the isolation switch fitted.

How to book

Give the Support team a call so we can make sure we discuss all aspects of the appointment. Our Support team can be contacted by phone on 0330 303 5063 between 9am to 5pm Monday to Friday.

We’ve got a similar topic which may also be helpful:

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Colzee

Newcomer

Anyone else having a long wait to get meter tails upgraded or is it just me ?

Blastoise186

Super User

I'm not aware of anyone else who has posted here about it

Securing energy by zapping security bugs... For that is The Blastoise Way! Remember, I'm just like you - AI Powered Evil Geniuses aren't Staff!

Emmanuelle_OVO

Retired Moderator

Hey @Colzee,

I’m really sorry to hear of the experience you’ve had,

There’s always the option to raise a complaint, you might be able to ask for a priority appointment. Especially if you are being disadvantaged by the delay.

Keep us posted with how you get on.

Renewable Energy? Big Fan.

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Colzee

Newcomer

Raised a complaint already, not had any response and to be honest don't think OVO give 2 hoots about it all, just say lack of capacity for my area regarding engineer's, if engineer fails to turn up for 3rd appointment will be switching supplier, had enough of it.

Emmanuelle_OVO

Retired Moderator

Hey @Colzee,

Really sorry to hear this,

I’ll get Forum_Support to reach out, keep an eye on your private messages.

Renewable Energy? Big Fan.

Jeffus

Rank 20

@Colzee keep an eye on this page for a message as per the post from@Emmanuelle_OVO

https://forum.ovoenergy.com/inbox/overview

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Colzee

Newcomer

Thank you as it totally messes up schedule for Ev charger getting fitted and sure they could get engineer to turn up long before September

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Colzee

Newcomer

Got a call from SMS this morning and they are saying OVO are just booking engineer's for appointments without checking 1st they have availability for the areas, so Sept is the earliest they will have an engineer available for the Aberdeen area, guess they need enough appointments to fill his day to make it worth the journey from Glasgow where they are based.

Jeffus

Rank 20

Got a call from SMS this morning and they are saying OVO are just booking engineer's for appointments without checking 1st they have availability for the areas, so Sept is the earliest they will have an engineer available for the Aberdeen area, guess they need enough appointments to fill his day to make it worth the journey from Glasgow where they are based.

Did you get sorted in the end @Colzee ?

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Colzee

Newcomer

Afraid not, sept 8th for meter tails and isolation switch fitting , fingers crossed. A week this Monday SSE coming to upgrade incoming mains cable and upgrade cut out fuse to 100amp, suspect they will just go ahead with work, leave me on my current 60amp and then send someone back out to change fuse to 100amp after SMS have done the meter tails. Car due for delivery end of this month, so everything might , just might work out fine in the end. But honestly what a long drawn out process, car, unlooping , meter tails and to top it off OVO charge anytime are far too slow in introducing more car manufactures to list of compatible vehicle's , not surprised people are jumping ship to Octopus energy. Kia one of the best selling EV in UK for last few years and they don't support this maker, not good enough.

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