Smart meter in block of flats - Is it possible to have one fitted?

You can check whether a smart meter appointment is possible by heading to your online account or app. You can find out how to do this in this guide:

You may be advised that the booking isn’t possible at the moment. If you live in a block of flats check out the advice below which might help explain why we’re not able to offer this (please note that living in a block of flats doesn’t mean you won’t be able to have a smart meter).

Why are smart meters in blocks of flats sometimes an issue?

In order for a Smart meter to send us readings it needs to be installed in a place where it’s able to get a signal.

If you live in an area where S2 Smart meters use mobile phone signal to send the readings, the meters would need to be installed in a place where there’s a mobile phone signal. Check out the table below to see which areas this would affect:

For this reason, we wouldn't normally recommend having smart meters installed in communal cupboards or basements, in areas which use a mobile signal.  If the meter cupboard doesn’t have strong enough signal this can lead to smart meter communication issues.

The other issue with blocks of flats is that, sometimes, our engineer won’t be able to replace the meter without cutting power to other flats. This is something you can check with the landlord or facilities management company before making the appointment. You can find out more about this here:

What if the meters aren’t in the same place?

This can also cause some issues for flat-dwelling smart meters. As the gas meter needs to be within range of the communications hub (which is attached to the electricity meter) it may not be able to communicate with us if the meters are too far apart. We wouldn't currently advise booking a dual smart meter installation if the meters are on different floors within a block of flats.
 

If I’m not affected by the issues above can I get an installation booked?

Of course! Click here to book today - just make sure you’re able to get access to the meter cupboard on the day of the installation.

Will the In Home Display work if the smart meter isn’t in my flat?

The In Home Display (IHD) needs to be near the electricity meter, which houses the communications hub, connecting devices to the smart meter via the Home Area Network (HAN). So if your flat isn’t right next to your meter, your IHD may not work. However, we do now have specialist kit that can improve the signal in these instances, so it may also be possible to set up the IHD.

The smart meter itself will still be able to send us your readings even if the IHD isn’t possible, which gives you access to some great usage graphs on your online account or OVO app (download for Android or iOS):