I've just switched to OVO and was told that we could have a smart meter installed, but since then I haven't heard anything further. I am concerned because our meter isn't in our flat, it is in a communal cupboard to which I don't have access. I'm worried I won't be able to read the meter regularly if we can't get a smart meter. Has anyone had experience of this?
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Smart meter in block of flats - Is it possible to have one fitted?
Best answer by Anonymous
Updated on 19/03/25 by Chris_OVO
You can check whether a smart meter appointment is possible by heading to our online booking tool. 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.
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:
| North - Meter Point Administration Numbers (MPANs) starting 15, 16, 17, 18, 23 | South - MPANs 10, 11, 12, 13, 19, 20, 21, 22 |
| Uses radio signal - doesn’t depend on mobile signal strength | Uses mobile signal |
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.
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 won’t work.
This won’t stop the smart meter from sending us your readings, which gives you access to some great usage graphs on your online account or OVO app (download for Android or iOS):
OVO member but not got a smart meter yet? - Book today!
Interested but not yet an OVO member? - Check out our plans!
+1- Plan Zero Hero
- 7904 replies
I’d need to see photos of the meter to confirm what you’ve got. Not all S2 Meters are set up with Dual-Band Comms Hubs (it’s not done by default!) and no amount of ChatGPT can replace the skill of this Blastoise. :)
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!
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