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MrsH
Rank 2
February 21, 2022
Solved

OVO has let me know my meter needs replacing with a smart meter - Why?

  • February 21, 2022
  • 26 replies
  • 21159 views

Ovo have informed me that my gas meter needs replacing and that they can only replace it with a smart meter, they have also stated that it will be necessary to change the electric meter at the same time.

I am extremely reluctant to have a smart meter, my main concerns being their accuracy and the ability of the energy company to charge higher prices at peak usage.  My fixed tariff is coming to an end soon and I feel that Ovo will use it as a condition of renewing with them. It seems I have very little choice.

Also how do they know that my existing meter needs replacing?

 

 

Best answer by Jess_OVO

Updated on 17/04/26 by Abby_OVO

 

Hi @MrsH and welcome to the OVO online community,

 

Great to see our community volunteer, @Blastoise186 - on hand as ever to help ease your smart meter concerns!

 

In answer to your meter certification question, the details of your meter’s expiry date are held by industry who’ll advise us when it’s time to get your meter replaced. Whilst it varies meter to meter, the shelf-life is usually between 10 and 40 years. For more details on the meter certification process check out this in-depth guide:
 

 

@Blastoise186 has also got it spot on in terms of the future potential of a Time-Of-Use tariff, whilst the smart meter technology does make this technically possible, it’s by no means imminent and would, like all energy plans, be offered as one of many tariff options. We’ve appreciate this can be a common hesitation so have covered this (and other smart meter concerns) over here:
 

 

I’m hoping these guides help - please do let us know if there’s any aspects of the smart meter upgrade process that still worry you. We’re keen to understand these concerns so we can better help all our members when facing this new technology adoption. :slight_smile:

26 replies

Jess_OVO
OVO Staff
Jess_OVOSolved
OVO Staff
February 22, 2022

Updated on 17/04/26 by Abby_OVO

 

Hi @MrsH and welcome to the OVO online community,

 

Great to see our community volunteer, @Blastoise186 - on hand as ever to help ease your smart meter concerns!

 

In answer to your meter certification question, the details of your meter’s expiry date are held by industry who’ll advise us when it’s time to get your meter replaced. Whilst it varies meter to meter, the shelf-life is usually between 10 and 40 years. For more details on the meter certification process check out this in-depth guide:
 

 

@Blastoise186 has also got it spot on in terms of the future potential of a Time-Of-Use tariff, whilst the smart meter technology does make this technically possible, it’s by no means imminent and would, like all energy plans, be offered as one of many tariff options. We’ve appreciate this can be a common hesitation so have covered this (and other smart meter concerns) over here:
 

 

I’m hoping these guides help - please do let us know if there’s any aspects of the smart meter upgrade process that still worry you. We’re keen to understand these concerns so we can better help all our members when facing this new technology adoption. :slight_smile:

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    B
    Newcomer
    Barcrob5
    Newcomer
    February 2, 2023

    Do I have to have a smart meter or can I have a new dial meter to replace my old one

    BPLightlog
    Super User
    BPLightlogSuper User
    Super User
    February 2, 2023

    Hi @Barcrob5 There are very few of the ‘old style’ meters left now so it may have to be a smart version

    Bring me Sunshine ~ E&E {Solar PV, Battery Storage, Hybrid EV, ASHP and Home Assistant automation}
    B
    Newcomer
    Barcrob5
    Newcomer
    February 2, 2023

    Hi BPLightlog, thanks for replying will have to look into it further 

    A
    Newcomer
    AB2023
    Newcomer
    February 9, 2023

    We have received an OVO letter saying that our electricity meter is approaching the end of its certification and needs to be replaced. I have two questions: a) Is there any way of not having a Smart meter installed as a replacement? (we really don’t want one); and b) if OVO insist that only a Smart meter will be installed, will this affect, in any way, our ability to have quarterly billing - we do not want to move to Direct Debit billing? Grateful for advice.

    Blastoise186
    Super User
    Blastoise186Super User
    Super User
    February 9, 2023

    Hi @AB2023 ,

    I can answer both for you.

    1. Nope, sorry! The stocks of non-smart meters have all but run out and only smart meters get fitted now
    2. No, your billing cycle won’t be affected, nor will your payment method. It just means the meter itself gets swapped but everything else remains the same
    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!
      A
      Newcomer
      AB2023
      Newcomer
      February 9, 2023

      Thanks. Slightly disappointing but perhaps not unexpected.

      J
      Newcomer
      Jonesac1
      Newcomer
      February 14, 2023

      I have been informed that the certification has expired on the the electricity meter. 
       

      The meter is situated currently outside my property. I have also been informed that it will be replaced with a smart meter which I  believe is not compulsory. Other companies can replace with a standard meter. How will this affect the readings if a smart meter is installed outside? When are the smets3 being installed. 
       

      I do not want new installation inside due to future building works and remodelling inside property. How will this affect the collection of data? Does anyone else have an outside smart meter? 

      BPLightlog
      Super User
      BPLightlogSuper User
      Super User
      February 14, 2023

      Many smart meters are installed outside. As long as the enclosure is suitable it will be fine. 
      There are no plans for a 3rd gen smart meter as far as I’m aware

      Bring me Sunshine ~ E&E {Solar PV, Battery Storage, Hybrid EV, ASHP and Home Assistant automation}
        Jeffus
        Rank 20
        Jeffus
        Rank 20
        February 14, 2023

        Hi @Jonesac1

        It is a question often asked. 

        If your meter is faulty or out of certification, suppliers are under no obligation to fit a non smart meter and you can't refuse a smart meter. 

        You can decline an upgrade to a smart meter if your meter is working and still certified.

        My gas smart meter is outside in a meter box. OVO simply swapped my traditional meter for a smart meter in the same space.

        If you post some photos of your meter and where it is, i am sure someone here can give some extra feedback.

        You don't have to have the smart meter moved inside your home. 

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          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