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January 12, 2018
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How do I get a smart meter when I have a 3 phase supply?

  • January 12, 2018
  • 61 replies
  • 16961 views


I have 3 phase electricity with a dual rate meter. I would like a smart meter. I have asked my electrician and he says that it is very easy however the OVO technician who came to fit a smart meter said he couldn't do it. So I am paying over the odds for my electricity because OVO will not put me onto a single phase and install a smart meter

Best answer by Tim_OVO

Updated on 10/10/25 by Ben_OVO:​​​​

 

Do OVO offer 3 phase smart meters?

 

3 phase (aka polyphase) installations in domestic properties are few and far between, so it's a minority of meter engineers across the country that have the skills required to complete these installations. There are also some technical challenges in making sure your job is allocated to an engineer with these skills but we are just as keen as you are to have Smart available for these sites ASAP.


If you have a three phase supply we’d would encourage you to book a smart meter appointment as normal online or over the phone on 0330 303 5063. 


This will then go through to a specialist team who will validate that it is single rate job and that an 3 phase engineer is available in your region. If this is the case, they will re-book your appointment with the right engineer. (So please bear in mind your appointment date/time will likely change, but we'll try to keep it the same where possible.)


Unfortunately, if you have a 2-rate meter or are not in an area covered by our current crop of 3 phase skilled engineers, you will need to continue with your heritage meter. We know this will be frustrating, so we are sorry about that, we are working to expand our coverage and by you flagging your interest to us, you are helping us shape where and when that coverage develops. - thank you!

 

 

OVO member but not got a smart meter yet? - Book today!

Interested but not yet an OVO member? - Check out our plans!

 

61 replies

DartmoorAuthor
Rank 1
July 2, 2019
No time switch does it automatically. No the previous owner took the night storage out 20 plus years ago
Simon
Newcomer
July 2, 2019
ok, thanks for all the info.
August 11, 2019
@Tim_OVO - your answer seems like a cop-out. If your premises is using a 3 phase supply properly ie feeds off of every phase to some sort of machinery etc then you can't realistically expect the customer to go to the expense of having 3 separate single phase supplies put in; surely that would mean 3 smart meters would be required to be installed.

We couldn't have a smart meter installed at work because of the lack of support for 3 phase installations (However we are with a different supplier)

Just my 2p worth, having spotted this conversation.

At the moment smart phase 3 meters are not being fitted but not far off so I've heard,
But going back to the 3 phase, it sounds like this home is a massive consumer of electric to be using all 3 phases.
If not....
It doesn't necessarily need ripping out and having a single phase cutout put in you can run a single phase on 3 phase and a single phase engineer could work on it
Amy_OVO
Retired Moderator
Retired Moderator
August 12, 2019
It's possible, @Dartmoor
You will need to get your 3 phase supply downgraded to a single phase supply, before a smart meter can go in. Here's the process:

- Get an electrician to check if downgrading the supply is possible (you've done this already - nice work).
- Arrange a date for (and pay for) a visit from your Distribution Network Operator (DNO), who will rewire your supply to make it a single phase set up.
- Liaise with OVO to make sure we can get an engineer to you on the same day that the DNO visit, to fit your smart meter free of charge: 0330 303 5063.

Tim

Updated on 12/07/2019


We follow the above process, @Tufty71, here at OVO.

Thanks!
OVO-Joyed to help!
August 12, 2019
No probs, every company has its own processes.
Newcomer
March 2, 2020

Is this still the case? Your 8-legged competitor now fit 3-phase smart meters.

Transparent
Rank 20
Rank 20
March 2, 2020

I too would be interested in the answer @phproxy .

There was a Government Consultation (BEIS) on energy matters in January where we were being asked to comment on a number of ideas, including Part-L of the Building Regs.

There is serious consideration of a requirement for all new-build homes to have 3-phase supplies. This will reduce losses due to phase-imbalance at sub-stations, more easily facilitate EV charger installation for 2-car households, and increase the installed base of energy-storage technology.

 

8-legs aren’t actually installing 3-phase Smart Meters yet AFAIK. There are none yet shown on the Approved List.

In any case, OVO’s next priority is likely to be SMETS2 Meters with a 5th terminal for time-related devices (storage radiators etc). Rival Suppliers have been able to install these for many months already.

Save energy... recycle electrons!
Newcomer
March 2, 2020

I spotted it on their forum, posted by staff.

 

 

Transparent
Rank 20
Rank 20
March 2, 2020

And I spotted this on their main website, @phproxy 

I’d suggest it’s imminent, but they can’t actually install them without DCC Approval.

Save energy... recycle electrons!
Newcomer
March 3, 2020

And I spotted this on their main website, @phproxy 

I’d suggest it’s imminent, but they can’t actually install them without DCC Approval.

They’re installing them now but it’s location specific/not yet nationwide. So hopefully you’re right and they’re imminent for nationwide availability..