Hi, we are in the Scottish Highlands and have been told we cannot currently have the THTC replaced by a smart meter due to signal issues, OVO currently have no alternative so we have been left with a fuzzy answer that they may have a solution in two months time. Any body else have any additional information, my communication with OVO has been through the online chat box, although with an actual person
Solved
Issues getting a replacement THTC Meter in Scottish Highlands
Best answer by Firedog
Updated on 08/12/25 by Abby_OVO
Sadly, there are many properties in North Britain (only 0.5%, though) that the radio signal probably won’t reach. OVO will have checked whether yours is one of them against the information they get from the DCC, who are responsible for the network. It might be a false alarm, but the only way to find out definitively is to install a smart meter and see if it connects. That isn’t a cost-effective way of operating, I’m afraid.
If you get a reasonable mobile phone signal at home, there’s a possibility that you could get one of the very latest dual-mode devices which can use either long-range radio or a mobile signal. They’re still being tested, but a few are out there in the wild. I’d regard those two months as perhaps 100% elastic.
There are other possibilities, too, so you can be sure that OVO are doing whatever they can to have your THTC system removed and a smart meter installed by next June, when the RTS signal will be turned off.
One of our other volunteers
I hope this helps 😊
Other users on the Forum are in similar positions, some have been able to have success since their initial post so hopefully we’ll be able to get to you too. Check out their success post below:
Best case scenario - the installation is successful. Worst case is that the engineer will be able to accurately record everything that’s needed to be done second time round for a successful installation. To confirm, the appointment on thursday will not cost you anything, even if it turns out that a re-visit is required. We want to do everything we can to get solutions in place for all our RTS customers - if that means a re-visit is necessary then we will swallow that cost.
I hope this helps!
I got an apologetic phone call on the morning of the appointment to explain that our exchange had been wrongly booked as three-phase rather than remote RTS from meter. Sigh.
The engineer visited anyway, took photographs and said the solution was not available yet. Sigh again.
This morning I got a phone call from OVO about arranging a swap out. When I asked if a solution for the remote RTS was available yet she said another team would call me back. Sigh for the third time.
So,
+4So sorry to hear this
+4Hi again
Just to let you know, I’ve spoken to
Apologies again for the delays here - hopefully we can get this sorted for you once and for all.
To confirm we are having remote RTS stock issues but ill ring fence some for your exchange
To confirm we are having remote RTS stock issues but ill ring fence some for your exchange
I’ve now had a phone call from someone who seemed to be aware of the setup and has arranged an appointment with a ‘specific engineer’ in our area. This was shortly after
+4Morning
I’m wondering whether
We are ploughing through our remote RTS customers so rest assured everything is aligned in the background =]
Log in to the OVO Forum
No account yet? Create an account
Enter your E-mail address. We'll send you an e-mail with instructions to reset your password.
Contact us
Tips & advice
Resources
For business
OVO Energy Ltd, registered office 1 Rivergate Temple Quay Bristol, BS1 6ED, company no. 06890795 registered in England and Wales.
OVO (S) Gas Limited is registered in England and Wales (Company No. 02716495) at 1 Rivergate, Temple Quay, Bristol, BS1 6ED.
OVO (S) Gas Limited is part of OVO Group Ltd