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strategic_goose
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December 18, 2023
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Getting a gas smart meter installed- Is access needed to the electric meter/cellular hub?

  • December 18, 2023
  • 41 replies
  • 5936 views

A relative has had a smart electricity meter installed at their property. They’re now looking to get the gas one changed too. They’re wondering if access to the electricity meter (likely the cellular hub) is needed when a smart gas meter is installed?

The electricity meter is inside, under the stairs, while the gas meter is about 3m away, mounted on an external wall outside. 

As the electricity meter is under the stairs, and they use that space for storage (nothing flammable or likely to catch fire if anything were to happen!), it is an absolute faff to empty that area.

If access is needed to scan the barcodes on the cellular hub, such as the CHF or GPF ID, will a picture of the meter suffice? There is a little viewing window in the wooden panelling so the meter can be seen and numbers verified, but impossible the barcode be read by a scanner at that distance. 
 

They’re not with OVO (I am, however) so thought I’d ask here. Their gas is with British Gas, and electric is with EDF (they’re not interested in switching - no matter how much convincing I’ve tried) 

Best answer by Emmanuelle_OVO

Updated on 11/03/25 by Abby_OVO

Hey @strategic_goose,

 

Unfortunately it’s not a clear cut answer, but here’s advice from one of the experts:

 

It depends. So the dependency is on the signal to the gas meter from the location of the electricity meter where the Communication Hub is situated.

 

The fact you have different suppliers adds complexity but doesn't affect it all being possible. It also depends on the process the installer follows.. they WILL need the details of the ​​​Comms Hub Function in the Gas meter (it's a code on the Communication Hub needed to join to the Gas meter) to set up the Gas meter and get it joined but may not need to scan those locally.. some do, some don't... the key deciding factor is if the gas cannot connect and a Dual Band Communication Hub is needed.

 

That will require a process known as ‘Trust Centre Swap Out’ to replace the single band Communication Hub and replace it... so the Gas meter can connect and work... to 'punch' a signal through the wall... having both fuels with the same supplier is easier but not explicitly required as it's designed to work with separate suppliers.

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Ben_OVO
Community Manager
Ben_OVO
Community Manager
August 14, 2026

Morning ​@MAli890 and welcome to the OVO Forum.

 

Thanks for your post, we’ll await your photos as requested by ​@Firedog. 

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