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August 15, 2023
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Moved in to a new house, top up meter, but can't top up!

  • August 15, 2023
  • 31 replies
  • 5618 views

This message here is my last chance to get help. No one at OVO will help. They just pass me around, 10 times!!! Next step it to take legal advice. I have no choice! OVO support staff WILL NOT HELP!!!

 

I spent two hours on the phone and spoke to 10 different people. And not a single one can help. The web site will not allow me fix the issue online as the house has a pre payment meter. I have to phone.

 

My old OVO account was closed when I moved out of my flat a month ago. I could not be sure my purchase would happen. So I had no new address at that time. So the account was closed.

I have now purchased a new house.

The new house has a pre payment meter with a key

I need an OVO account so that I can then buy electric

No one at the OVO call centre can help. They just keep passing me from department to department.

 

Why can I not buy electric from you? I want to give you money but you don't want it.

 

My old account number is *edited by moderator* (which was closed)

 

Best answer by Emmanuelle_OVO

Updated on 28/07/26 by Ben_OVO

 

Hey @richard c,

 

I’m really sorry to hear this. Below you’ll  find some info and useful links that should help you with this:

 

 

Topping up for the first time?

 

To register your new electricity key or gas card, put it into the correct meter for at least a minute. The electricity meter will show a message to let you know it's registered, and the gas meter will beep.

 

For gas meters

  • Insert your card into the gas meter and follow the instructions on the screen.

  • Make sure the gold-coloured chip is facing the meter display. Press and hold the red ‘A’ button, and the credit will appear on your meter.

 

For electricity meters

  • Insert your key into the electricity meter, and follow the instructions on the screen. 

  • Make sure the arrow on the key is facing upwards. The new credit should show automatically.

 

When you buy gas or electricity credit at the shop, we recommend keeping your receipt. This means that our Support Team can make sure your reimbursed if there’s any issue topping up the meter.

 

 

My key/card isn’t working – what should I do?

 

We recommend taking the key/card out of the meter and wiping the chip with a clean, dry cloth. If you re-insert it in the meter and it still doesn’t work, please get in touch with us and we can send you a replacement.

 

Is your meter showing an ‘error code’ when you insert your key/card? Was there an error code when the shop assistant popped your key or card in a PayPoint terminal? If so, note the error code down and compare it to the list of codes we’ve listed in our guide on error codes here.

 

If you go off supply our Support Team can book in an emergency appointment. If you’re on the priority services register and have any electrical equipment that relies on electricity, such as a stairlift or refrigerated medication, please let the team know when you contact.

 

 

31 replies

Ben_OVO
Community Manager
Community Manager
January 12, 2026

Morning ​@TonyD6310, I hope you had a good weekend.

 

I’m sorry for the difficulties you’ve been experiencing. Did you manage to speak to anyone in the end? 

 

Just to let you know, there is no online account access at all for customers with traditional key/card meters. I’d recommend upgrading to a smart meter - it’s a free appointment, and the smart meter can be topped up via an app, rather than you having to top up the key or card at the shop. Our Support Team can book this in for you. If you have a smart meter installed, you’ll also be able to switch over to pay-monthly, if you’d prefer to pay by Direct Debit etc.

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