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J
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jacobdavies
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December 31, 2022
Solved

Lights flickering throughout flat since Smart Meter installation

  • December 31, 2022
  • 35 replies
  • 4145 views

Hi there,

 

I had a smart meter installed about a month ago. In the last couple of weeks the lights in the apartment have started flickering, particularly when power-hungry devices (e.g. kettle, microwave) are used. Over the last week or so this has got worse, and now occurs even when no appliances are in use. 

An electrician came today and couldn’t find any potential causes, but isn’t allowed to look inside the smart meter because it’s property of OVO. I contacted OVO this afternoon and they’re not able to send anyone out to resolve this worsening issue for the next 3.5 weeks. 

 

Is this issue common with smart meters? Are there any potential solutions to this in the short term?

Many thanks!

Best answer by BPLightlog

Updated on 15/10/25 by Chris_OVO:

 

Hi @jacobdavies if it is just light flickering (rather than power sockets and appliances) it will not be caused by the smart meter.

 

Lights will be on a different circuit and it is that circuit which is more likely to be the cause. You mention an electrician taking a look - unfortunately an intermittent fault like you describe is very difficult to detect but if there is poor wiring in and around the main distribution board, that is where to start. It could be that something was disturbed when the swap was made

 

Issues with household appliances, such as flickering lights, will need to be reported to an electrician. You can find electricians in your area here.

35 replies

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J
Rank 2
jacobdaviesAuthor
Rank 2
December 31, 2022

Sorry - photos are below.

 

BPLightlog
Super User
BPLightlogSuper User
Super User
December 31, 2022

@jacobdavies that sound could indeed be arcing. I also don’t like the bare earth cable tracking across that old connection. It might have been there for some time but any disturbance could have moved things, even a little 

Bring me Sunshine ~ E&E {Solar PV, Battery Storage, Hybrid EV, ASHP and Home Assistant automation}
J
Rank 2
jacobdaviesAuthor
Rank 2
December 31, 2022

Thanks very much @BPLightlog .

I think I’m not actually able to do anything about this arcing as I currently can’t arrange for OVO to do an emergency meter exchange until their phone lines reopen in 3 days time. I’ve just called 105 and Scottish Power wouldn’t be able to do any sort of repair except for pulling the main fuse to the property. The electrician that came yesterday wasn’t able to touch the meter or the box marked property of Scottish Power. 

Am I best off turning off the power to the apartment and moving out for a couple of days?

BPLightlog
Super User
BPLightlogSuper User
Super User
December 31, 2022

I’m for safety first @jacobdavies so if that’s an option, it might be best. Given the issues you’re having, I would be cautious .. there may be internal arcing or what’s called partial discharge - the problem with both these things is they are destructive forces, even if very slowly. Sorry I can’t be more helpful

Bring me Sunshine ~ E&E {Solar PV, Battery Storage, Hybrid EV, ASHP and Home Assistant automation}
J
Rank 2
jacobdaviesAuthor
Rank 2
December 31, 2022

Likewise @BPLightlog - I’m going with that option as it’s safest. Thanks so much for your help today.

PeterR1947
Newcomer
PeterR1947
Newcomer
December 31, 2022

 

Thanks very much @BPLightlog .

 

Am I best off turning off the power to the apartment and moving out for a couple of days?

You could try phoning your DNO as it’s an emergency and that might be able to send someone out, worth a phone call

PeterR
    Jeffus
    Rank 20
    Jeffus
    Rank 20
    January 1, 2023

    @jacobdavies pop a post on the ovo twitter page.

    It is an official ovo channel and the ovo staff there have access to your account.

    Perhaps include the word Emergency in the post. It may get picked up earlier than after the bank holiday . I see ovo did reply to some posts overnight. 

    As well as a public twitter post, try a private message ovo twitter. In the private message include your name, address, account number and date of birth for security purposes. 

     

      J
      Rank 2
      jacobdaviesAuthor
      Rank 2
      January 1, 2023

      Hi @PeterR1947 and @Jeffus ,

      Thanks very much for your responses.

      Re the DNO: I called 105 last night and the DNO said that they weren’t able to do inspections or repairs - all they could do is pull the main fuse for the apartment.

      I’ve just DM’d OVO on Twitter. Fingers crossed.

      Tim_OVO
      OVO Staff
      Tim_OVO
      OVO Forum Legend
      January 3, 2023

      What’s the outcome of this one, @jacobdavies? 

      Carbon neutral - we need a community to get there! My green tech: Aclara SGM 1411-B smart meter, Chameleon IHD6
      J
      Rank 2
      jacobdaviesAuthor
      Rank 2
      January 3, 2023

      Hi @Tim_OVO ,

      It turns out there was a loop external to the flat that was coming loose and burning out. Nothing to do with the smart meter at all - false alarm!

      Thanks

       

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        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