Skip to main content
Question

blank meter screen after power cut

  • July 3, 2026
  • 11 replies
  • 81 views

I am the landlord of a property and my tenants and surrounding houses had a power cut on the 31st of June. Once power was back on their white inside meter box was completely blank. Tried blue and any other buttons but completely dead and blank.

I contacted OVO on the phone about this but they aren’t coming to repair or replace this they are just fitting a smart meter so they can read and see credit and usage though that. Smart meter isn’t being fitted until 23rd  July. This is a long time not seeing what credit you have or are using.

 

My tenants and I think this should be replaced how do I go about this as telephone conversation don’t seem to get me anywhere. Help please to resolve this matter 

Thanks

11 replies

Chris_OVO
Community Manager
Forum|alt.badge.img+4
  • Community Manager
  • July 3, 2026

Hey ​@Ruby,

 

Welcome to the community 🎉

 

It's always a great idea to use the search function to see if your question has already been answered before posting. Chances are, someone else has been in a similar situation! I’ve put together a few helpful articles below that you might find useful.

 

Just a quick note: unless your tenants are on a pay-as-you-go plan and can't top up or on the priority services register, this situation wouldn't be categorised as an emergency appointment. The supply will keep running until the meters can be replaced at the next available appointment. Feel free to check out the articles below for more information and similar experiences!

 

I hope this helps! 


  • Author
  • Rank 1
  • July 3, 2026

Yes I realise that but OVO aren’t coming out to replace the electric meter they are only coming out to fit smart meters instead and I want the main unit fixed aswell Thanks


Chris_OVO
Community Manager
Forum|alt.badge.img+4
  • Community Manager
  • July 3, 2026

Hey ​@Ruby,

 

I'm sorry, I'm a bit confused. You mentioned that the electricity meter has a blank display after a power cut, and that you've scheduled an appointment for July 23rd to replace it. That should definitely help get everything back to normal for your tenants! Is there anything else going on that we might need to consider?


  • Author
  • Rank 1
  • July 3, 2026

Sorry for the confusion. On the 23rd they are only coming to fit smart meters for Gas and electric there aren’t coming to fix the main electric meter box. Hope that makes sense.

 


Chris_OVO
Community Manager
Forum|alt.badge.img+4
  • Community Manager
  • July 3, 2026

Hey ​@Ruby,

 

I’m a still bit unsure about what you mean by fixing the "main electric box," but I'm happy to figure it out with you! 

 

The electricity meter is that small white box in your photo with the blank display. When the engineer comes to install the smart meter, they’ll take that box off and replace it with a working one, making sure everything is up and running smoothly. 

 

Is there anything else outside of the white meter box that you’re hoping to get fixed? I've included another article below that has a similar photo and some diagrams. It might help you point out any other issues you’re concerned about. Let me know what you think!

 

I’ll also tag the lovely ​@Lukepeniket_OVO to swing by and take a look at the setup when he has the chance and he’ll give us advice from his position as an engineer 😊


Forum|alt.badge.img+3

Hello,

Hopefully a nice and simple one =] The Key Meter is faulty after the powercut (which happens all the time) which will be replaced by electric and gas smart meters, standard dual job which should take about 2 hours start to finish (power being off for 45 minutes). 

If you believe there is a fault with the cutout to the left of the key meter call 105 and itll direct you to your local Distribution Network Operator, DNO. Is the power on to the property?

Cheers


  • Author
  • Rank 1
  • July 3, 2026

Thank you both for your help. I have also done a live chat with OVO  and my mistake I thought the smart meters being fitted were going to be separate  from this rather than replacing it. Thank you both for your help.

My understanding is my tenants, as they can’t see the balance left if it runs out it goes into disconnect mode but they will still have power until the new meter is fitted then the balance will show what to pay to make it up to date. Hopefully that is correct ?
Thankyou for your help 


Forum|alt.badge.img+3

you are correct, the meter has gone into non-disconnect mode so they wont go off supply. The engineer when swapping to a new smart meter will probably put a standard balance of a couple of pounds on the new meter which the account holder can then contact OVO paygo to work out exactly how much should be on the new meter =] does that make sense?


Nukecad
Super User
Forum|alt.badge.img+5
  • Super User
  • July 3, 2026

Remember to tell your tenants that although the electricity will not go off whatever they use will still need paying for eventually.

So they shouldn't go mad with usage just because they don't need to top up at the moment.

Maybe advise them to put the money they would normally use to top up aside each week?

It's summer so usage shouldn't be that high.

PS. Presumably the gas meter is still working so they will need to keep topping that one up.


  • Author
  • Rank 1
  • July 3, 2026

Brilliant thank you both for your reply’s .

Yes gas is working fine and I have advised them already to put back some money. They are long term and very sensible thanks again.

This is actually a very useful way for advice and to ask questions 


Chris_OVO
Community Manager
Forum|alt.badge.img+4
  • Community Manager
  • July 6, 2026

Morning ​@Ruby,

 

We’re so happy to hear that you’ve found the forum helpful! That’s exactly what we’re here for! Please keep us updated on how the meter exchange goes for your tenants and if you encounter any issues let us know. 

 

Just a quick reminder: we’re here to help no matter which supplier you’re with. We have a friendly community of members from all different suppliers who come together for support and questions. So, if you or anyone else needs a hand, just say hi! We’re all here to help each other out 😊