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How do I get this low voltage error on my smart meter fixed?

  • January 5, 2026
  • 6 replies
  • 104 views
U
Rank 1

When we have high demand in our house (like switching on a shower), the lights go dimmer. Recently our car charger has frequently stopped working saying there is a supply problem. I’ve just discovered that we can see the voltage on our smart meter, and it goes down as low as 190V.  The highest reading I’ve seen, with virtually nothing on, was 220V. We are in a very rural area. We have storage heating and when the meter was installed we were told it was a 3 phase supply. Does anyone know what’s going on?

 

Best answer by Firedog

Updated on 15/01/26 by Abby_OVO

 

The supplier can’t do much about the quality of your supply. You should raise your concern with your DNO; did they approve the installation of an EV charger? 

 

Please let us know what they say.

 

SSEN, our network operator, have had a look. They are planning to put in a device to monitor the voltage over a week. It’s a very rural area, and the engineer did comment that the transformer on a pole near us looks quite small for the number of houses. 

It would have been useful if the OVO helpline had suggested checking the voltage in the first place.

 

The following similar topic may also be helpful:

 

6 replies

Firedog
Super User
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  • FiredogSuper User
  • Super User
  • Solved
  • January 5, 2026

Updated on 15/01/26 by Abby_OVO

 

The supplier can’t do much about the quality of your supply. You should raise your concern with your DNO; did they approve the installation of an EV charger? 

 

Please let us know what they say.

 

SSEN, our network operator, have had a look. They are planning to put in a device to monitor the voltage over a week. It’s a very rural area, and the engineer did comment that the transformer on a pole near us looks quite small for the number of houses. 

It would have been useful if the OVO helpline had suggested checking the voltage in the first place.

 

The following similar topic may also be helpful:

 

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. |
    U
    Rank 1
    • unhappyuser
    • Author
    • Rank 1
    • January 6, 2026

    Our neighbours have not had problems, and the low voltage happens even when the charger is not in use. 

    Jeffus
    Rank 20
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    • Jeffus
    • Rank 20
    • January 13, 2026

    Our neighbours have not had problems, and the low voltage happens even when the charger is not in use. 

    Did you get sorted?

    Always useful to know for other users

    U
    Rank 1
    • unhappyuser
    • Author
    • Rank 1
    • January 14, 2026

    SSEN, our network operator, have had a look. They are planning to put in a device to monitor the voltage over a week. It’s a very rural area, and the engineer did comment that the transformer on a pole near us looks quite small for the number of houses. 

    It would have been useful if the OVO helpline had suggested checking the voltage in the first place.

      Chris_OVO
      Community Manager
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      • Chris_OVO
      • Community Manager
      • January 14, 2026

      Hey ​@unhappyuser,

       

      I just wanted to share that our OVO Support team specialises in account-related questions, so engineering inquiries are a bit outside their expertise. That's why our users were spot on in suggesting that you speak directly with the DNO in this situation! I'm really glad to hear that SSEN is going to keep an eye on things. Hopefully, they'll uncover the cause of the voltage issue soon. If it turns out that a transformer needs an update, it could make a real difference for you and your neighbors!

      Renewable energy jokes never get old.
        U
        Rank 1
        • unhappyuser
        • Author
        • Rank 1
        • January 15, 2026

        You must be joking! Just after this , and it’s completely unrelated, OVO switched off our off peak heating on a day when it didn’t rise above -5 outside. It was due to a mess up with our tariff, but no one (and I spoke to several) on the support team noticed this. I’m going through an escalated complaint at the moment. Not seeing much sign of expertise.

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