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Nogasfreezing
Rank 1
Jan 9, 2025 2:51 PM UTC
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Blinking red light on meter after failed top up?


took my electric key to the shop to top up, failed to top up on the shops side, put key back in and now there is a blinking red light? Any idea why this failed to be topped up (was able to top up gas card at the time) and is now doing this? 

Firedog
FiredogBest Answer
Super User
Jan 9, 2025 9:22 PM UTC

Updated on 27/08/26 by Ben_OVO

… and now there is a blinking red light?
  

The red light is the pulse indicator. It blinks once for every watt-hour (Wh) passing through the meter (if the label your blue circle obscured reads 1000 imp/kWh). The fact that it started doing this when you tried topping up suggests to me that the meter was again allowing electricity through, and whatever was switched on inside the house was busily gobbling it up. If you can count the number of flashes in a minute, multiply the number by 60 to find the number of watts being drawn that minute. Divide that by 1000 to get the result in kW (there are 1000 watts in a kilowatt, kW).

That to me wouldn’t indicate any fault with the meter - the red light is supposed to flash. The more power being drawn, the faster the flash rate.

 

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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3 replies

Blastoise186
Super User
Blastoise186Super User
Super User
Jan 9, 2025 4:34 PM UTC

Hi ​@Nogasfreezing ,

Based on your other thread, it sounds like both your meters need replacing urgently. Please contact OVO Support ASAP via https://ovoenergy.com/help or 0330 175 9669 - they’re open until 8pm tonight - to ask for the meters to be replaced due to faults. Alternatively, you can ping OVO’s Social Media Team and they can process this for you.

Given the issues you’ve experienced recently, I feel it is probably for the best that you get upgraded to Smart Meters as a matter of priority.

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    Chris_OVO
    Community Manager
    Chris_OVO
    Community Manager
    Jan 9, 2025 4:48 PM UTC

    Hey ​@Nogasfreezing,

     

    I’m sorry to hear you’re having issues with your meter. As ​@Blastoise186 has recommended please reach out to our Support Team who’ll arrange an emergency appointment to get you back on supply. 

     

    You can reach our Support Team at:

     

    Phone: 0330 175 9669
    Opening hours:
    Mon-Fri 8am to 8pm
    Sat-Sun 9am to 5pm



    Social links -
    https://www.facebook.com/ovoenergy/

    https://x.com/ovoenergy?lang=en

    https://www.instagram.com/ovoenergy/?hl=en

     

    Let us know when you get things resolved. 

    Renewable energy jokes never get old.
    Firedog
    Super User
    FiredogSuper UserBest Answer
    Super User
    Jan 9, 2025 9:22 PM UTC

    Updated on 27/08/26 by Ben_OVO

    … and now there is a blinking red light?
      

    The red light is the pulse indicator. It blinks once for every watt-hour (Wh) passing through the meter (if the label your blue circle obscured reads 1000 imp/kWh). The fact that it started doing this when you tried topping up suggests to me that the meter was again allowing electricity through, and whatever was switched on inside the house was busily gobbling it up. If you can count the number of flashes in a minute, multiply the number by 60 to find the number of watts being drawn that minute. Divide that by 1000 to get the result in kW (there are 1000 watts in a kilowatt, kW).

    That to me wouldn’t indicate any fault with the meter - the red light is supposed to flash. The more power being drawn, the faster the flash rate.

     

    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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