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jacobdavies
Rank 2
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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I
Rank 2
IanFerguson
Rank 2
July 1, 2024

Had similar issues couple of years ago and it was a corroded cable in the distribution box down the street. It's an issue for your Network (Grid) provider not OVO or other supplier. They (Scottish Power) came out very quickly for us as it was affecting several properties. You should find a sticker on the main trip switch near your consumer unit( Fuse box)stating who provides your power.

    R
    Newcomer
    Ramiro
    Newcomer
    July 1, 2024

    Thanks for your help!

    I thought that the power supply from the street and up to the meter is the responsibility of OVOEnergy as my DNO supplier, although  carried out (on their behalf) by the power distribution company (UK Power Networks in my area).

    In any case I checked UKPowerNewtorsk website as suggested by Peter and they had on file a report of the intermittent power failure. I didn’t report it to them so perhaps it was OVO who despite their apparent lack of interest had  passed-on up the chain.

    OVO has since sent a list of queries because “they were loosing contact with their smart meter” - maybe loosing power has something to do with it!

    Will try live chat next time although a bit sceptical, but thanks again for all your help

    I
    Rank 2
    IanFerguson
    Rank 2
    July 1, 2024

    Glad you've found the fault. OVO don't appear to be very good at responding to technical issues. Still waiting for my Gas Smart meter to be fixed (actually to start working after it was installed over 18 months ago.) Several visits later from different engineers still not.sending readings and all engineers having conflicting opinions as to the issue. One even stated there is nothing wrong with it and the problem is at the OVO end of the wi-fi network chain. He then felt a bit foolish when I explained that my meter wasn't communicating with my Home Display either! 😭

    R
    Newcomer
    Ramiro
    Newcomer
    July 1, 2024

    For clarity. It seems that the responsibility for the electrical supply to the house up to the meter is direct by the DNO (ukpowernetworks in my area)  and problems should be reported direct. OVO only gets involved on the metering side. Why they couldn’t just say so when contacted !.

    If OVO can’t resolve a Ian’s connection problem between OVO’s own equipment in 18 month I am glad my problem was on the supply side!.   

    Abby_OVO
    Community Manager
    Abby_OVO
    Community Manager
    July 2, 2024

    Hey @Ramiro 

     

    Sorry to hear you had a bit of trouble finding the answer to begin with but glad our community were able to point me in the right direction of the DNO, I hope they’ve been able to get that sorted out.

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