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sproutygreenbean
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November 12, 2024
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Issues getting a replacement THTC Meter in Scottish Highlands

  • November 12, 2024
  • 63 replies
  • 3162 views

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

Best answer by Firedog

Updated on 16/04/26 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 @Blastoise186 has also written a guide on the RTS/THTC changes that you might find helpful which i’ll link below

 

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:

 

63 replies

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Firedog
Super User
FiredogSuper User
Super User
June 2, 2026

It would be interesting to know where you are; the problems with Long-Range Radio  (LRR) connectivity are often very localized and not common over a large area.

To answer your question, yes, Communications Hubs (CHs) fitted with mobile network SIMs were approved for use in Scotland last year, but there was a bit of a delay in getting the newest 4G versions out to customers. Some customers had 2G/3G CHs fitted last year in advance of the RTS switch-off, and they are now being prioritized for upgrading from 2G/3G to 4G. It was not a large number (relatively speaking), so more customers should be offered the latest 4G CH before long if LRR doesn’t work for them. Have a word with Support, who may be able to book a replacement.

How we’re working to support customers to address non-communicating smart meters | Smart DCC

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. |
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    Newcomer
    WilliamT
    Newcomer
    June 2, 2026

    ​@Firedog Thanks for your comments.

    OVO have sent engineers in the past who didn’t know how the communication was achieved so couldn’t say if the one they were installing was Radio or Mobile and some even thought it might be using the house WiFi.

    It’s only recently that I realised the options were different around the country.
    I’ll try and see if Support have a clue 😊

     

    Firedog
    Super User
    FiredogSuper User
    Super User
    June 3, 2026

      

    OVO have sent engineers in the past who … couldn’t say if the one they were installing was Radio or Mobile and some even thought it might be using the house WiFi.

    …

    I’ll try and see if Support have a clue 😊
      

    Good luck with that! 

    It’s obvious (if you know what you’re looking for) from the CH (usually on top of the meter) what sort of communication the meter uses. You can see pictures of the most common varieties here: Information and details on UK SMETS Smart Meter Comms Hubs. If it’s marked EDMI, it’s a LRR device. Cellular or WNC means it uses a 2G/3G system parallel to mobile phone networks, while 4G means it’s one of the latest 4G devices using a Vodafone network.

    The ones using home Wi-Fi (the system known as VWAN) are still very much in the experimental stage and a year or three away from general availability - there are vital security considerations for the whole smart meter network to be taken into account.   

    You didn’t say where you are - the first part of the postcode is usually enough to pin it down.

    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. |
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