Skip to main content
F
Rank 1
fiji
Rank 1
March 20, 2026
Solved

Shared fuse preventing meter replacement

  • March 20, 2026
  • 11 replies
  • 281 views

Hi everyone,

My old prepayment meter has gone into fail safe mode, and it’s neigh impossible to arrange replacement (it’ll be a smart meter) as it’s on a shared fuse. I’m looking for advice on who’s responsible for what, and what my opetions are to get out of this mess. 

Here’s how my issue unfolded:

  • January: supllier’s engineer came to replace the meter, but abandoned job due to the shared fuse. we contacted the DNO (from my phone), the engineer asked for my supply to be unlooped.
  • February: DNO (SP Energy Networks,  Scotlland) replied that they ’don’t see a strong reason to unloop’ and that my supplier should organise power outage with the neighbours.
  • My supplier asked me to organise outage with the neighbours. 
  • I tried, but failed to get hold of anyone next door. I asked my supplier to organise safe isolation or unlooping with the DNO. They said they will ask their meter operator, but answer is still pending.
  • March: My supplier sent an unannounced Revenue Protection people (haste ldt), who couldn’t do the job nor any ‘inspection’ as they lacked a ladder. I was not in when they came, so I didn’t have the chance to explain to them what the issue is.
  • I had to schedule another appointment with the RP team; my concernts that this is pointless unless the neighbours had been contacted were ignored. When the RP guys came (they were not friendly, and said they are investigating enegy theft)  I had to explain to them the installation and shared fuse (I’m on a blue cable, which is labelled ‘L’ (live) going ino my meter). Then the penny dropped at team RP, they couldn’t isolate the main use, but they left me with a red ‘warrant is underway’ letter.
  • I am supposed to coordinate the meter replacement date with an engineer of my supplier, the RP team (who will just remove the old meter afaik) and the neighbours.

    I am wondering who is responsibility it is to get things done. I am quite unhappy in my current admin position. I cannot find any guidelines about what the options are, and how should things unfold if the neighbours are not cooperating (they seem to be running a buisness from next door, I never met them in person and they do not live there but rent it out to random people). I don’t understand why the supplier cannot communicate withe DNO and stop the useless RP team to be involved, which would at least reduce my admin burden as I then would only deal with 2 parties - the supplier and the neighbour. How to get out of this mess (in particular the pointless warrant threat)?

    Thank you in advance!
Best answer by Ben_OVO

​@fiji good morning and welcome to the OVO Forum.

 

Thanks for your post, and I’m really sorry to hear what’s happening - it sounds really frustrating 😫.

 

Firstly, I’d recommend raising a complaint with your current supplier, if you haven’t already. Send them an email detailing everything that’s gone wrong, and the alarm / stress caused by the contact from RP. Make sure to also include the information provided to you by the DNO. The complaint will have to be resolved somehow, and it really makes sense for the meter to be changed, and for the fuses to be unlooped if possible. The meter isn’t working as it should do, so needs to be replaced, but also the current set up could be a real issue if one of the meters goes off supply. If there are any vulnerabilities within your household (disabilities / illnesses / young children etc) make sure to let your supplier know when you raise the complaint.

 

If you’re not making any progress it might also be worth speaking to Citizens Advice about this. Hopefully you’ll also be able to get hold of your neighbour soon, as it sounds like the meter can be changed as long as they give permission for the power to be cut off. Please do keep us updated as to how you get on with this - I hope its fixed for you asap.

 

 

11 replies

Show previous replies
Chris_OVO
Community Manager
Chris_OVO
Community Manager
April 6, 2026

Hey ​@fiji, 

 


I understand that if there's a dispute and the Distribution Network Operator (DNO) has enough evidence, they can ask the court for a right of entry warrant to disconnect the supply and unloop it since they own the infrastructure. 

 

It might be helpful to explain to them again that you've tried reaching out to your neighbors several times but haven't heard back. You can also let them know that your energy supplier's revenue protection team has been in touch and suggested replacing the meter because it’s currently in fail-safe mode. 

 

Sometimes, it really depends on who you talk to in customer service, so occasionally a second call to explain your circumstances can help move things along.  I hope you can get things sorted it sounds really frustrating. 

Renewable energy jokes never get old.
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