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Best answer by Bumblebee

Updated on 18/08/25 by Abby_OVO

 

Figured out how to read your Economy 7 meter but not sure which reading is which?


On a traditional meter sometimes the readings will be labelled - high and low or day and night - if not you might be able to check the current reading against your reading history on the ‘Meter Readings’ page of your online account or OVO app (download for Android or iOS) and match them up to the new readings. 

If you can’t work it out using these methods the best way to tell is to carry out a Load Test​. This involves taking two sets of readings during your peak hours - only one reading should change which will be your daytime register:

 

How to do a load test

 

Just read both readings on your electricity meter twice on the same day – first in the morning (after 9am) and then in the afternoon or evening (before 9pm). Then email us at hello@ovoenergy.com with the following info:

  • Meter Serial Number: ***********
  • Date you took the meter readings: **/**/**
  • Morning meter readings and the time you took them: 
  • Time: **am
  • The day register ID and reading: R* - *****
  • The night register ID and reading: R* - *****
  • Afternoon or evening meter readings and the time you took them: 
  • Time: **am.
  • The day register ID and reading: R* - *****
  • The night register ID and reading: R* - *****
  • Do you have an electric heating system (e.g. storage heaters)? Yes/No

Register IDs are the little numbers or letters on the left-hand side of the reading (e.g. R1/R2/L/N etc).

 

We’ll then get back in touch with you to clarify matters! 

 

Not sure how to find your peak/off peak times? - This topic might help.​​​​

OVO member but not got a smart meter yet? - Book today!

 

Interested but not yet an OVO member? - Check out our plans!

 

21 replies

Show previous replies
Emmanuelle_OVO
Retired Moderator
Emmanuelle_OVO
Retired Moderator
November 9, 2023

Hey @Soozeeb123,

 

You can check this by seeing which register clocks during day or peak hours.

 

Let us know how you get on 😊

Renewable Energy? Big Fan.
S
Newcomer
Soozeeb123
Newcomer
November 9, 2023

Thank you Firedog and Emmanuelle

These are the readings.

 

Blastoise186
Super User
Blastoise186Super User
Super User
November 9, 2023

I’ve seen these Ampy meters before quite a few times.

Rate 1 is Night

Rate 2 is Day

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!
    Blastoise186
    Super User
    Blastoise186Super User
    Super User
    November 9, 2023

    Attention! End of Service Life Meter detected.

    Your meter(s) appear to have reached the end of their Service Life and are up for possible recertification due to their age. It’s time to replace them anyway so you might want to get that booked in.

    The fastest way is via https://smart-booking.ovoenergy.com .

    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!
      S
      Newcomer
      Soozeeb123
      Newcomer
      November 16, 2023

      So thanks Blastoise186 for your suggestion that meter might be due for replacement.  Hadn't noticed end date of previous service.  As a rented property we assumed that landlord would arrange this but now understand it's our responsibility.

      After numerous attempts I've still not been able to book a replacement.

      Any suggestions?

      Abby_OVO
      Community Manager
      Abby_OVO
      Community Manager
      November 17, 2023

      Hey @Soozeeb123 

       

      Sorry to hear that.

       

      What’s the issue you’re facing when trying to book? Are you unable to speak with someone, or have you tried booking online? 

       

      This topic may be helpful if you’ve not tried making a booking online yet:

      Currently Playing: She's Electric
      S
      Newcomer
      Soozeeb123
      Newcomer
      November 17, 2023

       

       

      Tried to book online and message reads

       

      Sorry, we encountered an error

      We're having difficulty setting up your smart meter booking at the moment. Please try again later.

       

      Abby_OVO
      Community Manager
      Abby_OVO
      Community Manager
      November 20, 2023

      Hey @Soozeeb123 

       

      Sorry to hear that.

       

      It could be that there are no available times at the moment. You could contact the Support Team who’ll be able to confirm what’s preventing you from booking and appointment, and if it’s a technical issue, and there in fact slots available, the team will be able to book this with you.

      Currently Playing: She's Electric
      B
      Newcomer
      Big G
      Newcomer
      March 6, 2024

      My meter says R1 and R2 which one is day rate and which one is off-peak?

       

      Firedog
      Super User
      FiredogSuper User
      Super User
      March 6, 2024

      Impossible to say without doing some testing. Assuming you’re talking about an Economy 7 set-up, take a reading for both R1 and R2 during the day, then again a few hours later. The one that is now higher is the Day rate. If they’re still the same, boil a couple of kettles and then look again.

      If you’re on a different tariff, tell us which and where you are in the country. Then we can adjust the test to make sure you’re only measuring higher rate usage.

      Noel | I have no official status; I'm just a volunteer who comes here to help other customers. My gear: Aclara SGM 1416-B Electricity-only E7 meter; Chameleon IHD3-PPMID-AAA | It may look as if I know what I’m talking about, but don’t let that fool you. |
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