Hi @jbamford92 , unfortunately the OVO API integration is via a third party and not fully functioning (as far as I’m aware).

I use Home Assistant and use a Hildebrand Glow IHD to gather data directly from the meter and feed into HA via an MQTT feed. 
 

I think any direct connection is problematic as there is quite a high level of security involved 

Hi thanks for the reply,

The IHD monitor you have is different to the one I have. Secure Model Pipit 500. How did you implement the MQTT feed into Home Assistant?

Would it be possible to use the Optical IEC1107 and just do away with the IHD if I am just putting it through Home Assistant?

Regards

Jack

Again, as far as I’m aware, the optical interface is only for engineering use - not customers.

The Glow IHD is very useful and can be ready enabled with MQTT. You then just use a MQTT client within HA to gather readings and show on your dashboard.

Okay, with the Hildebrand Glow IHD do you have to contact OVO to get the monitor connected to both meters Electric & Gas ? or do you link them? The original IHS Monitor I mentioned above was configured there end I think back in 2016 or maybe 2015 I can’t remember now but I’ve had it for some while.

Regards

Jack

Hildebrand are very good - they would check against your meter details and pre-pair the unit if compatible 

https://shop.glowmarkt.com/

The electric meter is SMETS1 anyway not sure about the Gas not checked yet but will have a look. Do i buy the Glow IHD myself or do i ask Ovo to send me the unit?

Regards

Jack

It’s not a free issue item unfortunately so it would be your own purchase which is why checking compatibility is important.

Yeah, I get what you mean, I don’t mind buying something as long as OVO will approve or configuration something and getting into a spot of bother, but the old IHS doesn’t really give me much in the terms of usage. I can remember when I first signed up for OVO years ago it use to be in the OVO app then they changed me to Boost which is more than just a Top up App so those features went. If i can find a way and a legit way to implement it into HA app then that would be great.

Thanks for replying

Regards

Jack

If you want a no cost option, there are various third party feeds which might work - there are data download options but I’m not sure how you would integrate these. 
Hugo, Bright, Loop etc

The Hildebrand Glow and other third party feeds are independent of the supplier so wouldn’t need any work or approval from OVO

Just gonna swing by to also clear up one other thing.

The Optical Port is indeed for Engineering Use only. To further enforce that, it’s completely disabled and blocked while the Meter is in the field and can’t be used at all. Please don’t try to do so as that may trigger Tamper Detected Alerts to be sent back to OVO - and these are always investigated.

Thanks for the reply, yeah that is one of things I was worried about, not going to do anything unless I have permission as it’s property of the Company.

I will be purchasing the Hildebrand Glow IHD then use MQTT method with implementing into Home Assistant. Think that is the safest thing to go.

Regards

Jack

As long as they match and are compatible with your meters, make sure to ask them to enable MQTT as well. 

From what I have been reading on the Hiidebrand Glow IHD, you have a option on the monitor to configure MQTT, they have also released a version of the Firmware that doesn’t require there Cloud Solution but on Premise solution, or do you mean I have to ask OVO to enable MQTT ?

Regards

Jack

Nope - simply ask Hildebrand to enable Local MQTT if you want it to work with Home Assistant. :)

You can enable Cloud MQTT if you want, but for HA, Local is fine.

IIRC as long as you’re not messing with OVO’s stuff or interfering with the WAN/HAN, OVO has no problem with you doing this. The only caveat is that OVO can’t help you if it breaks, but I think you probably already knew that.

They may have updated the firmware but when I got mine, I had to ask for it to be implemented 

Where on the website do you request this ? It doesn’t give me any options.

Regards

Jack

Try support@glowmarkt.com as per https://shop.glowmarkt.com/pages/customer-service

They’re REALLY good at responding!

It looks like it’s a general option now. 

Nope - simply ask Hildebrand to enable Local MQTT if you want it to work with Home Assistant. :)

You can enable Cloud MQTT if you want, but for HA, Local is fine.

 

Where on the website do you request this ? It doesn’t give me any options.

 

Regards

 

Jack

It looks like it’s a general option now. 

 

I have contacted them, I will report back when I get a reply from them.

Regards

Jack.

Good evening,

I’ve had a reply from Hildebrand and I thought I’d post this as maybe other people are interested in implementing OVO Smart Meters into Home assistant. I will be purchasing but Im thinking of going with the non display and just connect it via Ethernet then have Home assistant handle it all. 
 

Here is the reply I’ve had,

Hello Jack,

Thank you for your mail and for your interest in our products and services. You will need our CAD for MQTT as it is meant to be used. If you sign up for Bright, we can determine your meters' compatibility with that device. Here are the links to download:

Android: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=uk.co.hildebrand.brightionic

iOs: https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/bright/id1369989022?ls=1&mt=8

If you don't want to use an app, you can also register your meters using our Glowmarkt site: https://glowmarkt.com/register

We are currently running a waiting list for our CAD Without Display, however the list is quite long and our Display / CAD will certainly be a quicker option. Both support MQTT, and the only difference is the lack of a screen and ability to connect via Ethernet on the CAD Without Display. 

Please let me know if you have any further questions or if you'd like me to expand on any of the above.

Kind regards,
Amity Wilson

Regards

Jack.