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zac-has-limited-knowledge
Rank 2
July 10, 2023
Solved

Can't find my smart electricity meter - help!

  • July 10, 2023
  • 18 replies
  • 3825 views

Hi there, newbie here to Ovo and to smart meters - and certainly not an expert in electrical setup.

We moved into our new property just 10 days ago. Still surrounded by boxes to unpack.

I’m feeling a little stupid, but for the life of me I can’t find our electricity meter (or if I’ve found it, I don’t recognise it as one). 

I’ve found the smart gas meter, next to the gas boiler. This is a SMETS2 meter installed in 2021, with red A and black B buttons on. If I press either of them I get a gas reading with ‘m3’ units. There is also a honeywell smart thermostat. 

I’ve searched all around the outside of the property (front and back), and all the rooms, corridors, etc for the electricity meter. It’s not a huge property so there aren’t many places it could be.

There is an electricity ‘meter box’ outside at the front with the standard triangular key. Inside there is a big Series 7 100A cut-out fuse box. But there is no meter as far as I can tell.

The previous owner left no details or final reading and has not responded to my messages / questions.

I discovered that using UK Power Networks I could do a reverse search using my address and so I discovered the existing supplier (Ovo) and MPAN. Using this I’ve been able to create a new Ovo account, and they appear to have successfully connected to both the Gas and Electricity smart meters and given me a usage pattern for the last 10 days. So the meter must exist and be working!

What am I doing wrong? Any suggestions for where the meter is? Is it combined with the gas meter? Or simply hidden somewhere very strange?

Best answer by zac-has-limited-knowledge

Updated on 12/12/25 by Chris_OVO

@Emmanuelle_OVO @Blastoise186 @BPLightlog  - thanks for your help, I have an update!

I found the meter and distribution board. I do feel a little silly as I should have worked it out / noticed sooner. It was down to my son (10yo) who asked me what was in the ceiling hatch in the hallway and whether we could get through it to the people above. That was a lightbulb moment for me (ha) and I realised I hadn’t considered the hatch.

In my defence I wouldn’t call it the most accessible or sensible of locations as the ceiling is extremely high and I had to buy an extra tall stepladder to get up there (also needed for me to change lightbulbs etc). Coupled with the fact that one of the screws keeping the hatch in place had a stripped head so I had extra complications to remove that to get in.

I’d asked the neighbour but they didn’t know and had simply suggested the box outside. 

I’ve added a photo for your info so you get the idea. Thanks for all your help. Perhaps this will help others out in the future. 

Ceiling Hatch

 

18 replies

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Emmanuelle_OVO
Retired Moderator
Emmanuelle_OVO
Retired Moderator
July 12, 2023

Hey @zac-has-limited-knowledge,

 

Any updates on this? If you’re able to pop back to this topic once you find out as it may help other Community Members. 

 

I had a thought while reading through the thread,  if you aren’t able to find it, could you book in a meter reader appointment? Presumably the meter would have been read before as per OFGEM requirements so the company should be able to tell you where the meter is. 

Renewable Energy? Big Fan.
BPLightlog
Super User
BPLightlogSuper User
Super User
July 12, 2023

Hey @zac-has-limited-knowledge,

 

… could you book in a meter reader appointment? Presumably the meter would have been read before as per OFGEM requirements so the company should be able to tell you where the meter is. 

That’s certainly worth a shot if needed although whenever someone has read mine, the first question is usually “so where’s the meter” 🤔

Bring me Sunshine ~ E&E {Solar PV, Battery Storage, Hybrid EV, ASHP and Home Assistant automation}
    Z
    Rank 2
    zac-has-limited-knowledgeAuthor
    Rank 2
    July 12, 2023

    @Emmanuelle_OVO no update yet as we’re still introducing ourselves to neighbours but I will post here once I know more. Thanks 

      Z
      Rank 2
      zac-has-limited-knowledgeAuthorSolved
      Rank 2
      July 16, 2023

      Updated on 12/12/25 by Chris_OVO

      @Emmanuelle_OVO @Blastoise186 @BPLightlog  - thanks for your help, I have an update!

      I found the meter and distribution board. I do feel a little silly as I should have worked it out / noticed sooner. It was down to my son (10yo) who asked me what was in the ceiling hatch in the hallway and whether we could get through it to the people above. That was a lightbulb moment for me (ha) and I realised I hadn’t considered the hatch.

      In my defence I wouldn’t call it the most accessible or sensible of locations as the ceiling is extremely high and I had to buy an extra tall stepladder to get up there (also needed for me to change lightbulbs etc). Coupled with the fact that one of the screws keeping the hatch in place had a stripped head so I had extra complications to remove that to get in.

      I’d asked the neighbour but they didn’t know and had simply suggested the box outside. 

      I’ve added a photo for your info so you get the idea. Thanks for all your help. Perhaps this will help others out in the future. 

      Ceiling Hatch

       

        Blastoise186
        Super User
        Blastoise186Super User
        Super User
        July 17, 2023

        Wow. That’s a weird spot!

        Unfortunately, that’s gonna cause some possible problems in the future. From what I understand, most engineers aren’t allowed to climb ladders due to… You guessed it! Health & Safety. This may make maintenance of that stuff more tricky.

        I can try to dig into that if you’d like me to.

        Securing energy by zapping security bugs... For that is The Blastoise Way! Remember, I'm just like you - AI Powered Evil Geniuses aren't Staff!
          BPLightlog
          Super User
          BPLightlogSuper User
          Super User
          July 17, 2023

          I’ve never seen a meter in a similar spot before @zac-has-limited-knowledge. I wonder if it’s something to do with any building renovations or similar .. formerly on a stair or stairwell. Anyway glad you found it. 
          Did you manage to take a reading? 

          Bring me Sunshine ~ E&E {Solar PV, Battery Storage, Hybrid EV, ASHP and Home Assistant automation}
            Jeffus
            Rank 20
            Jeffus
            Rank 20
            July 17, 2023

            Interesting as the building was split into flats several decades ago and this is a smart meter installed in potentially in 2021 if it was installed at the same time as the new gas meter.

            Very high meters over front doors are seen sometimes in certain older properties . We had one in our previous house. See the front door in the photo as an example and imagine a meter above the glass panel.

            I wonder if the meter was that high always and at some stage a false ceiling has been added either before or after the smart meter was installed.

            The ceiling may be lower in that section of the corridor 

              Z
              Rank 2
              zac-has-limited-knowledgeAuthor
              Rank 2
              July 19, 2023

              @Blastoise186 @BPLightlog  @Jeffus 

              I think you have it @Jeffus - the ceiling is lower in that section of the corridor, with downlights and insulation installed in the gap. The front section of the corridor near the front door has a much higher ceiling, and a couple of the other rooms do as well.

              I suspect the false ceiling was installed around 15-20 years ago, when I believe a modern set of renovations took place to the flat (flooring, lighting, upgraded bathroom, etc). At that point they would have moved the distribution board (perhaps from above the front door? Or outsdie?) and installed a traditional meter.

              Then a couple of years ago they simply changed it to a smart meter when they were also installing a new boiler and smart gas meter. 

              @BPLightlog I did manage to get a reading, thanks.

                Terms & ConditionsAccessibility statement

                OVO Energy Ltd, Floor 5, Crescent, Temple Back, Redcliffe, BS1 6EZ, (Company no. 06890795) registered in England and Wales.

                OVO (S) Gas Limited is registered in England and Wales (Company No. 02716495) at Floor 5, Crescent, Temple Back, Redcliffe, BS1 6EZ.

                OVO (S) Gas Limited is part of OVO Group Ltd