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Bbernie
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January 17, 2019
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How do I take a manual reading on my smart meter?

  • January 17, 2019
  • 45 replies
  • 11816 views

Hi, I have not had anyone round to check my smart meter readings for months and months. I’d like to check the meters match my bills? Is it possible to read them the old fashioned way to check?

Best answer by PeterR1947

Updated on 23/10/25 by Ben_OVO


Smart meters send us reads automatically so you don’t have to. We do also send an engineer to take manual reads around once every two years.

You can check the most recent readings that your Smart meters sent to us on the ‘Meter Readings’ page of your online account or OVO app (download for Android or iOS).

​​​

To check this against the reading shown on the meter itself follow the directions below to read your Smart meter manually - 

 

For SMETS1 ‘Secure’ smart meters:

 

There’s a slight difference between the the S1 meters we used to install. To take a dual (day/night) reading from Secure Liberty 110 S1 smart meters (which are designed to work best with storage heaters), press 9 on the meter’s keypad. If you’ve got a Secure Liberty 100 S1 smart meter, press 6 to confirm the Day and Night meter readings (pressing 9 will show the reading if you’re a single rate member with this meter).
 

For SMETS2 Aclara, Flonidan, Honeywell or Elster smart meters:

 

  Aclara (Elec) / Flonidan (Gas) Elster (Elec) / Honeywell (Gas)
Reading the meter
  • Elec: Press A three times until TOU Rate 1 appears.
  • Gas: Press C to wake up, then C to access the menu. Use B to scroll and C to select the reading option.
  • Elec: Press the top button once or twice
  • Gas: Press the circle button once or twice

 

 

Worried that your smart meter has lost communication? You can help diagnose this by following the smart meter health check for your meter type below, then reaching out to the Support Team:

 

SMETS1 Secure Smart Meter Health Check guide

 

The SMETS2 Smart Meter Health Check

 

There’s also some great smart meter troubleshooting steps on our website here.

 

 

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

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

 

45 replies

Show previous replies
C
Newcomer
cityman2uk
Newcomer
September 1, 2019
I have just joined OVO from First Utility/Shell Energy who fitted me with a smart meter. I now am being asked to submit my opening meter readings but haven't a clue how. The meter in the garage has a blank screen and the display in house doesn't show anything other than current or historical usage. Can someone help? Thought the whole reason for these things was to make things easier and more accurate!!

Cheers
Amy_OVO
Retired Moderator
Amy_OVO
Retired Moderator
September 2, 2019
I've popped your post here, @Tammy, the best answer by, @PeterR1947, will put you in good stead.

If our rates are more favorable in the future, please keep us in mind!

😃
OVO-Joyed to help!
Amy_OVO
Retired Moderator
Amy_OVO
Retired Moderator
September 2, 2019
Welcome to the forum, @cityman2uk, we can communicate with the smart meter fitted by First Utility.

We still ask for opening meter readings to ensure that the validated readings are correct, more info here.

Check out @PeterR1947's best answer, this will help you take a reading!

☺️
OVO-Joyed to help!
PeterR1947
Newcomer
PeterR1947
Newcomer
September 2, 2019
HI, my fixed plan is ending soon. Ive been on uswitch and bulb is coming out a lot cheaper.... Ovo installed my smart meter and I understand if I changed to bulb I will have to start giving meter readings again soon. However when I look at my meter the screen is blank. I have a blue A button and a red B button... how do I view my reading?

Thanks

Tammy

Tammy, Press the red A button until you see the CREDIT ON screen, this should be followed by METER INDEX the next number you see will be your meter reading. Electricity reads will in kWh and gas reads will be in m3.
PeterR
    O
    Newcomer
    oligopoly
    Newcomer
    September 25, 2019
    After 2 happy years with Ovo I have just switched to a different company as their rates were better than what Ovo could offer. Ovo fitted a smart meter to my electricity box in April 2018 (not the Gas for some reason but that's another story) but now I need to know how to disconnect the smart meter. Last night I opened up the meter box door in order to give my new supplier my first reading but the Electricity display is switched off.

    Does anyone know whether this is normal? How can I correct the issue?
    Amy_OVO
    Retired Moderator
    Amy_OVO
    Retired Moderator
    September 26, 2019
    It's a shame to hear you're leaving, @oligopoly, I've moved your post here as the best answer by @PeterR1947, will give you all the info you need on how to obtain a reading.

    If our rates are more favorable in the future, please keep us on mind!

    Thanks!
    OVO-Joyed to help!
    H
    Newcomer
    Hilary B
    Newcomer
    October 31, 2019

    I’ve just switched from OVO to EDF who apparently cannot read my Smart meter.  Looking at the actual gas and electricity main meters no numbers are showing.  Does anyone know what I need to do so I can actually get traditional meter readings? TIA

    Amy_OVO
    Retired Moderator
    Amy_OVO
    Retired Moderator
    October 31, 2019

    Please take a look at the best answer, @Hilary B!

    Hope this helps! 

    OVO-Joyed to help!
    R
    Newcomer
    Reebee
    Newcomer
    November 27, 2019

    My new supplier need my final read how do I get this I’m no longer a customer with ovo 

    Amy_OVO
    Retired Moderator
    Amy_OVO
    Retired Moderator
    November 28, 2019

    Check out the best answer, @Reebee!

    OVO-Joyed to help!
    Show more replies
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