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Rick H
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February 14, 2022
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Does OVO offer an accessible In-Home Display (AIHD)?

  • February 14, 2022
  • 19 replies
  • 1094 views

Does anyone out there know if there is a smart IHD available that will link with Amazon Alexa so that I can ask Alexa by voice to read out my energy consumption information. I'm disabled and this would help.

Best answer by Jess_OVO

Updated on 18/08/26 by Abby_OVO​​​

 

Yes, we offer an Accessible In-Home Display (AIHD) with new installations. Just ask for an AIHD when you call to book your appointment. Or, if you’ve booked online, please contact the Support Team to request one.

 

An AIHD (Accessible in-Home Display) is a specialized version of the standard smart meter in-home display (IHD) designed for individuals with sight loss or difficulty using conventional IHDs. It provides a user-friendly interface with features like large buttons, a high-contrast display, and text-to-speech functionality, making it easier to monitor energy usage and bill information. 


Here's a more detailed breakdown of the features and benefits of an AIHD:
 

  • Large, Tactile Buttons: Allow for easy manipulation, even for those with limited dexterity.
  • High-Contrast Display: Improves readability for individuals with vision impairments.
  • Text-to-Speech Function: Reads information aloud, enabling users to access data without relying solely on visual cues.
  • Adjustable Volume: Allows users to customize the text-to-speech function to their preferred volume level. 

  • Increased Accessibility:

    Makes smart meter features accessible to individuals with visual impairments or other disabilities.

  • Improved Energy Management:

    Helps users monitor their energy consumption in real-time, enabling them to make informed decisions about energy usage.

 

 

Need any extra support? This topic might have some helpful advice:
​​​​​

 

Thanks for your patience.

19 replies

Show previous replies
Jess_OVO
OVO Staff
Jess_OVOSolved
OVO Staff
May 25, 2022

Updated on 18/08/26 by Abby_OVO​​​

 

Yes, we offer an Accessible In-Home Display (AIHD) with new installations. Just ask for an AIHD when you call to book your appointment. Or, if you’ve booked online, please contact the Support Team to request one.

 

An AIHD (Accessible in-Home Display) is a specialized version of the standard smart meter in-home display (IHD) designed for individuals with sight loss or difficulty using conventional IHDs. It provides a user-friendly interface with features like large buttons, a high-contrast display, and text-to-speech functionality, making it easier to monitor energy usage and bill information. 


Here's a more detailed breakdown of the features and benefits of an AIHD:
 

  • Large, Tactile Buttons: Allow for easy manipulation, even for those with limited dexterity.
  • High-Contrast Display: Improves readability for individuals with vision impairments.
  • Text-to-Speech Function: Reads information aloud, enabling users to access data without relying solely on visual cues.
  • Adjustable Volume: Allows users to customize the text-to-speech function to their preferred volume level. 

  • Increased Accessibility:

    Makes smart meter features accessible to individuals with visual impairments or other disabilities.

  • Improved Energy Management:

    Helps users monitor their energy consumption in real-time, enabling them to make informed decisions about energy usage.

 

 

Need any extra support? This topic might have some helpful advice:
​​​​​

 

Thanks for your patience.

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    Newcomer
    Eckfyfe
    Newcomer
    July 11, 2022

    Good evening,

     

    I have been an OVO customer since They took over SEE customers. My current SSE in house display is not compatible with OVO. I have contacted OVO several times to get an in house display but I am still waiting. Surely it shouldn’t take 6 months plus to arrange to have an in house display sent out to monitor my usage. I can login ti the OVO app but it doesn’t display real time info. How do I get my in house display can anyone help? Is it possible to download something on my Amazon show 5 to display information from my smart meter? 
     

     

    Blastoise186
    Super User
    Blastoise186Super User
    Super User
    July 12, 2022

    Hi @Eckfyfe ,

    I’m one of the forum volunteers here, so I can only give general advice.

    Firstly, I’m sorry to hear you’ve been waiting so long. I’ll give @Jess_OVO a shout in case she’s able to help in some way.

    The OVO Energy app isn’t capable of real-time data right now. OVO did try to offer that feature once, but it didn’t work out and was later abandoned. It might come back someday, but I don’t see it happening anytime soon.

    As for the Amazon Echo Show 5? Sorry, but that device is completely incompatible with anything related to smart meters and energy related stuff. Blame Amazon for such a locked down ecosystem!

    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!
    Jess_OVO
    OVO Staff
    Jess_OVO
    OVO Staff
    July 12, 2022

    Welcome to OVO, @Eckfyfe.

     

    So sorry to hear your original IHD has stopped functioning since you joined us. Just to double-check, what appears to be the issue with the device?

     

    As this related topic advises, your smart meter and IHD should continue to work following the move, so I’m wondering whether this might just need re-pairing, Let us know a few more details and we’ll see if we can help with some trouble-shooting here. 

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      Newcomer
      Eckfyfe
      Newcomer
      July 12, 2022

      Jess,

       

      I have had all this explored when I called in and it was agreed that the SSE IHD doesn’t communicate with OVO. Basically followed all steps for repairing etc. the device does not update with my current OVO tariff and when explaining this the adviser said that my IHD would need to be replaced. They said they would get one to me ASAP. However that has not been the case as I am still waiting. I would appreciate getting this matter resolved asap 

      Tim_OVO
      OVO Staff
      Tim_OVO
      OVO Forum Legend
      July 13, 2022

      Thanks for confirming, @Eckfyfe 

       

      If your smart meters are SMETS2, or have been enrolled from SMETS1 to communicate with all suppliers, they should be able to send their readings to OVO and the IHD should work as well. Perhaps yours has a fault. Did it have a fault previously before moving?

       

      To chase up getting a replacement, our Support team are best placed to help, as they’re able to make the requests depending on the amount of available stock. 

      Carbon neutral - we need a community to get there! My green tech: Aclara SGM 1411-B smart meter, Chameleon IHD6
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      Newcomer
      Eckfyfe
      Newcomer
      July 13, 2022

      Tim,

       

      there is no fault with my meter as it communicates with OVO, it does show usage on my SSE IHD However the information is not correct as it will not change to my tariff I currently am on. I have contacted support on several occasions to get a replacement. However I still am waiting 

      Jess_OVO
      OVO Staff
      Jess_OVO
      OVO Staff
      July 14, 2022

      It sounds like our Support Team have added you to our waiting list for a replacement device then, @Eckfyfe.

       

      I know we’ve been affected by some stock issues recently, but rest assured we’ll get the device sent out as soon as we can.

       

      In the meantime we’d recommend checking the Usage pages of your online account or OVO app (download for Android or iOS) which can also help keep an eye on how much you’ve been using.

       

       

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      Newcomer
      Eckfyfe
      Newcomer
      July 14, 2022

      @Jess_OVO  yeah, they have said I will get one when they come available but surely it should not be taking this long? 

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