Skip to main content
M
Rank 2
MT_OVO24
Rank 2
May 27, 2024
Solved

How do I get an unused 1980's off-peak meter removed?

  • May 27, 2024
  • 38 replies
  • 1557 views

I am trying to get a smart meter installed (and 2 very old meters removed) at my late father’s house which we are purchasing.

I have been told that it is impossible at the moment by an OVO reply to my email requesting this.

Currently there is a very old (1970s) mechanical off peak meter installed (pictures attached), this hasn't been used since the 1980s.

The property was built with the old underfloor electric wire heating which was too expensive to run so was converted to gas central heating in the 1980s.

As you can see in the attached pictures there are no fuses installed in the off peak side of the supply. We will never want to use the off peak again.

We will be installing a new consumer unit and electric car charger after the purchase has been completed.

Is there any way forward with this?

 

Electric box

 

Best answer by Firedog

Updated on 14/07/26 by Ben_OVO

 

I am just paying one standing charge for the 2 meters and am on the simpler energy tariff.

 

OK, that’s one less thing to worry about!

  

According to the DNO it is a simple matter for the energy supply company to request removal of a MPAN number from the database but for some reason the person I spoke to in squad 70 at OVO said it is impossible to remove a MPAN number once it has been assigned!
  

That’s a bit unlikely. Of course the MPAN can’t be removed from the database while the supply is still connected. As I understand it, you have to persuade OVO to request a ‘logical disconnection’ from the DNO. Then the question arises of whether this disconnection can be carried out while the meter is in place, so chickens and eggs come to mind. UKPN’s page suggests that removal of the meter has to precede the logical disconnection and subsequent deletion of the MPAN. National Grid only mention disconnection prior to demolition, so you may have to knock the house down. 

 

If you’re on a standard variable tariff with all consumption going through the one meter, and that meter is out of certification (one of the reasons why we ask for a photo of it; there’s usually a certification date stamp on it), then you should be able to persuade OVO to install a new one and (incidentally) take both the old meters away when they’re done. The second MPAN becomes an anomaly to be sorted out between OVO and NGED. 

 

If they still refuse to do anything, complain bitterly.   

 

If you have a disused meter that you’d like to be removed, contact our Support Team to discuss, and see this article for further info:

 

 

38 replies

Show previous replies
Firedog
Super User
FiredogSuper User
Super User
July 5, 2024

it's the next step we can't do at the moment, which is completely removing the secondary meter information from the account. We can make it show as removed on the system but not remove it from the account as yet

 

I’m not quite sure what the problem is here, specifically what the difference is between ‘removed from the system’ and ‘removed from the account’. If, as I suspect, having the account showing a second meter - even though it’s (a) defunct and (b) not RTS anyway - will result in ‘computer says no’ to allowing the installation of a smart meter, then computer needs a kick up the backside. Perhaps that’s what ‘when we’re able to fully remove the meter from the account’ means. Who knows how long this will take?

It’s a really sad and silly situation you’re in, and I feel for you.

 

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. |
Shads_OVO
Retired Moderator
Shads_OVO
Retired Moderator
July 5, 2024

Hi @Firedog,

 

Unfortunately the process is not yet as simple as we’d like and although work is starting soon on removing these meters, we can't remove them completely from accounts which is causing further issues. This is currently being worked on so we can hopefully soon make those changes too.

 

At the moment I’m afraid we don’t have a confirmed date or deadline for this but will keep the relevant topics updated when we know more.

M
Rank 2
MT_OVO24Author
Rank 2
July 5, 2024

What do you do when a property is demolished?

Blastoise186
Super User
Blastoise186Super User
Super User
July 5, 2024

That’s a completely different process - the one for a Physical Disconnection of the entire supply applies there.

In those cases, the OVO account would be completely closed down in a similar way to if you moved out, except that no new account would be opened and the entire property - and ALL MPAN/MPRN - would be disassociated from it. All meters would also be removed from the property before it gets pulled down.

In other words, OVO would decommission the entire property from its systems permanently.

On the DNO’s side, the MPAN (and MPRN for any Gas Transporter) would be decommissioned and removed from the national database - ECOES for Electricity and Xoserve for Gas - along with all their equipment being removed before demolition.

It’s not the same process as for a Logical Disconnection like in your case.

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!
M
Rank 2
MT_OVO24Author
Rank 2
July 5, 2024

That is how I imagined the process

Such a pity this method can't be 'part' applied to allow the many customers who are stuck in my position 

Having a smart meter is a necessity for me as we have 2 electric cars and are considering an air source heat pump.

My ONLY option seems to be to move to another supplier who does this meter change without any problem

Blastoise186
Super User
Blastoise186Super User
Super User
July 5, 2024

The fact it’s two completely different processes is something set down by the industry many years ago - OVO didn’t make it be that way, that’s just how it is.

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!
M
Rank 2
MT_OVO24Author
Rank 2
August 9, 2024

Final update on getting the off peak meter removed and having smart meter installed

I did have to swap energy suppliers, which went through yesterday. I had a call today asking me if I wanted smart meters fitted (duel fuel swap), they suggested an econmoy 10 smart meter as they noticed the 2 electric meter numbers but when I explained the situation (we don’t need the off peak side) they have arranged an appointment next week for installation of an electric and gas smart meter plus removal and de-energise for the secondary meter & MPAN.

Completely different response to a cusomer’s needs.

 

Emmanuelle_OVO
Retired Moderator
Emmanuelle_OVO
Retired Moderator
August 12, 2024

I’m really glad to hear that you’ve finally managed to get this sorted @MT_OVO24 

Renewable Energy? Big Fan.
Terms & ConditionsAccessibility statement

OVO Energy Ltd, Floor 5, Crescent, Temple Back, Redcliffe, BS1 6EZ, (Company no. 06890795) registered in England and Wales.

OVO (S) Gas Limited is registered in England and Wales (Company No. 02716495) at Floor 5, Crescent, Temple Back, Redcliffe, BS1 6EZ.

OVO (S) Gas Limited is part of OVO Group Ltd