Updated on 05/08/26 by Ben_OVO
Hi @Pilgrim2,
Yep you’ve pretty much nailed it in terms of when to provide a reading, although you can also provide a reading on any date and your balance will update accordingly.
Meter readings, usage and estimates
If you haven’t had smart meters installed, we’ll send you a meter reading reminder a few days before your monthly summary is created. The easiest way to submit these readings is on the ‘Meter readings’ page of your online account or OVO app (download for Android or iOS),
When’s the best date to submit a reading for my monthly statement?
The best date to submit your reading is on or just before the date shown on your bill - the email or text reminder you receive may suggest you enter this the day before to make sure it’s received on time. If you do enter the reading slightly early we’ll only estimate your usage between the date you entered the reading and the date the statement was generated, so it should be fairly accurate.
When I enter my reading how long does it take to update my balance?
Every time you enter a meter reading on your online account, your account balance is recalculated to include your usage costs up-to-date. The balance will usually update instantly although it can take up to 24 hours. It’s worth checking the balance before submitting your readings, so you can easily check that the balance has updated. If the balance shown on your monthly statement is estimated, you can always check the accurate balance by submitting another meter reading.
How are my estimated readings calculated?
If we ever use an estimated reading on your monthly statement, this is calculated based on the last actual reading you gave and your Estimated Annual Consumption (EAC) to give us an idea of what the reading is likely to be. You can always correct any over or under estimated readings by submitting an accurate reading.
What’s the best way to avoid estimated statements?
As a smart meter can be programmed to send us a reading half-hourly or daily, we can always be sure we’ve got a reading on the date your monthly statement is issued. This will mean no more worrying about reading the meter manually and more accurate billing and usage information on your online account or OVO app (download for Android or iOS)
