Skip to main content
R
Rank 1
RitaP
Rank 1
January 10, 2019
Solved

I've got smart meters, so why did Morrisons Data Services come to read my meters?

  • January 10, 2019
  • 52 replies
  • 60937 views
Hi. I am a bit concerned that, even though I have a smart meter, someone from Morrisons called to read my meter. I thought having a smart meter obviated having someone call to the house. Fortunately my daughter was at my house at the time as, if I had been on my own, it would have made me very uncomfortable.
Best answer by Eva_OVO

Updated on 20/04/26 by Ben_OVO

 

Sorry for any confusion or distress caused by the recent meter reader visit.

 

Even if you’ve got a smart meter installed, we’re required to carry out certain checks on your meter every 1 - 2 years. We use Morrisons Data Services to carry out these checks so you if you’re concerned you can ask the visiting meter reader for some ID to confirm this. You can find out more on our website.

 

If you qualify for extra services as part of our Priority Service Register (for our customers who may require extra support) you can also set a personal password so in future all visiting engineers will confirm this to you, giving you an added sense of security. Read more about this and find the application form here.  

 

Hope this helps put your mind at ease. 

 

 

52 replies

Show previous replies
Emmanuelle_OVO
Retired Moderator
Emmanuelle_OVO
Retired Moderator
May 15, 2023

Hey @Ellay,

 

Did they say they were from Morrisons? That’s the name of our data collector. 

 

We’re required to carry out checks every 1-2 years, even if a customer has a smart meter. If your meters are inside the property and you don’t feel comfortable letting them in, that is your right. You could also ask to see some ID.

 

Hope this helps. 

Renewable Energy? Big Fan.
E
Newcomer
Ellay
Newcomer
May 15, 2023

Emmanuelle_OVO that's a great help .  Thanks so much :)

    M
    Newcomer
    MoiraF
    Newcomer
    October 11, 2023

    Is Morrisons taking a meter reading for billing purposes? Or is it only ‘data collection’ I felt  a bit flustered and didn’t ask. He was nice and showed his badge and gave me time to read if and showed me the info on his phone. As others have said an unexpected visit and these days you don’t trust people easily, it did make me a bit uncomfortable. OVO should definitely inform customers that they may get a visit

    BPLightlog
    Super User
    BPLightlogSuper User
    Super User
    October 12, 2023

    @MoiraF , as was mentioned earlier, the supplier has an obligation to check meter readings every 1-2 years to see all is in order

    Bring me Sunshine ~ E&E {Solar PV, Battery Storage, Hybrid EV, ASHP and Home Assistant automation}
      A
      Rank 1
      Andrewlrosser
      Rank 1
      January 18, 2024

      We have a smart meter fitted for our gas but today we had someone from OVO come and read the meter. 
       

      Seems odd to me as the account shows a consistent reading every hour/half hour. 
       

      Is this something that normally happens to check it’s calibrated correctly? 
       

      Thanks 

      BPLightlog
      Super User
      BPLightlogSuper User
      Super User
      January 18, 2024

      As far as I’m aware, there’s an industry requirement for reading visits every year or two. 

       

      Bring me Sunshine ~ E&E {Solar PV, Battery Storage, Hybrid EV, ASHP and Home Assistant automation}
        A
        Rank 1
        Andrewlrosser
        Rank 1
        January 18, 2024

        Brilliant, thank you for replying so quickly 

          H
          Newcomer
          hughie501
          Newcomer
          September 24, 2024

          My new smart meter was installed just two weeks ago. I have now had a card through my door to say Morrison Data Services need to read it. Is this correct? 

          Blastoise186
          Super User
          Blastoise186Super User
          Super User
          September 24, 2024

          Hi @hughie501 ,

          Yup! That’s normal - it’s part of the bi-annual visit that OVO has to do, for which they use Morrison Data Services. Please respond to it using the instructions on the card when you get a chance. It’s still required even with Smart Meters.

          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!
            Firedog
            Super User
            FiredogSuper User
            Super User
            September 24, 2024

            That’s normal - it’s part of the bi-annual visit that OVO has to do, for which they use Morrison Data Services. 

             

            Normal? No-one has ever to my knowledge been just to read my smart meter. An engineer came to install a smart meter in 2017, then another one to upgrade it to SMETS2 in 2023. Who says that OVO have to read it (manually) bi-annually? The only requirement I know of is that suppliers have to take “reasonable steps to obtain a meter reading (including any meter reading transmitted electronically …) … at least once every year” (SLC 21B.4). I take this to mean that if the smart meter is transmitting readings as intended, there’s no need for a visit by a meter reader.

            That is for electricity meters, though. Is it different for gas meters?

            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. |
            Show more replies
            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