Updated on 17/12/24 by Emmanuelle_OVO:
Did you know your meters have a ‘best-before’ date?
Meter certification may sound a bit dull, but it’s an important part of making sure we’re able to measure your energy usage accurately. Here’s what you need to know - especially if we’ve let you know that your meter needs to be replaced soon.
Every meter has a certification
When it was installed your meter was certified - giving it a date at which it will need to be replaced. Most people don’t realise that their meter even has this certification, as the information isn’t always written on the meter itself. You can read more about the technicalities behind the certification process on this government website.
Your meter’s certification will expire after a set amount of time
Your meter’s certification can last between 10 and 40 years. The information about the expiration date of your meter is held by the energy industry - who’ll let us know when it’s nearly expired. As your energy supplier, we’ll then be in touch to let you know.
If you haven’t had your meter replaced and the certification expires, the meter is still safe. However it may mean that it’s running slightly too fast or too slow and therefore you may end up being charged the wrong amount for your energy usage.
Getting your meter replaced when it’s certification runs out
As we can’t recertify your meter, when it’s current certification ends we’ll get in touch to arrange a meter replacement, free of charge. We replace expired meters with new, next-generation smart ones also known as SMETS2. Traditional meters aren’t available in the UK as they are no longer being manufactured, which is why we will replace your expired meter with a smart one.
These second-generation smart meters allow you to switch suppliers without needing a meter upgrade. They can also help you track your usage - by sending us daily or even half-hourly usage data which you can view on the ‘Usage’ page of your online account or OVO app (download for Android or iOS). Check out the great guides below for more details on the benefits:
OVO member but not got a smart meter yet? - Book today!
Interested but not yet an OVO member? - Check out our plans!
