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Spangpan
Rank 1
May 17, 2026
Solved

Smart meter isolator and payment options

  • May 17, 2026
  • 15 replies
  • 270 views

Hi,

 

  1. If I upgrade to a smart meter can OVO fit an isolator switch at the same time?

 

  1. Can I Still pay “on demand” with a smart meter or do I have to go over to directdebit?

Did look on the forum for answers to these but couldn’t find anything recent (apologies if I missed something)

Best answer by Ben_OVO

Good morning ​@Spangpan, and a warm welcome to the OVO Forum community 😁. It’s great to see our Superusers have been so helpful on this thread over the last few days - thanks all!

 

Just to confirm, the isolation switch needs to be installed by OVO, due to the supply being de-energised via the cut out, which is something that only our engineers can work on. We generally charge for installation of an isolation switch, however this job is free if it’s done during the installation of a smart meter.

 

​@Spangpan when you book the smart meter installation, make sure to do it over the phone, rather than your online account, as the advisor you speak to will need to book this job in differently. The correct number to call is 0330 303 5063. Let us know how you get on!

 

Regarding your second question, you can absolutely pay on demand with a smart meter installed. You can find out more about smart meters and In Home Displays (IHDs) in our Forum library section here.

15 replies

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Ben_OVO
Community Manager
Ben_OVOSolved
Community Manager
May 18, 2026

Good morning ​@Spangpan, and a warm welcome to the OVO Forum community 😁. It’s great to see our Superusers have been so helpful on this thread over the last few days - thanks all!

 

Just to confirm, the isolation switch needs to be installed by OVO, due to the supply being de-energised via the cut out, which is something that only our engineers can work on. We generally charge for installation of an isolation switch, however this job is free if it’s done during the installation of a smart meter.

 

​@Spangpan when you book the smart meter installation, make sure to do it over the phone, rather than your online account, as the advisor you speak to will need to book this job in differently. The correct number to call is 0330 303 5063. Let us know how you get on!

 

Regarding your second question, you can absolutely pay on demand with a smart meter installed. You can find out more about smart meters and In Home Displays (IHDs) in our Forum library section here.

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    Rank 1
    SpangpanAuthor
    Rank 1
    May 19, 2026

    Hi ​@Ben_OVO Free! that's the best price!!! thanks for confirming this is a service OVO still offer and confirming I can pay on demand.

     

    ​@Nukecad I’m aware of the isolator in the consumer unit and agree suitable for most stuff. I however will likely need to replace the entire consumer unit* for which upstream isolation is required.

     

    A meter in a previous house had a screwdriver slot in the front above the terminals that I think was to work an isolator tho I never used it and can only half remember

     

    *Mine is plastic, which is no longer allowed in the regs, an electrician doing significant work (such as adding the extra circuits like I'm after) is obligated to upgrade it. If you don’t need this kind of work then old consumer units can still be used, this is why there are so many old style re-wireable fuse boxes still in use

      Peter E
      Super User
      Peter ESuper User
      Super User
      May 19, 2026

      Plastic consumer units are no longer allowed to be installed but if they are in good condition and were compliant when installed then they are still compliant to the wiring regs. You may wish to upgrade to a metal anyway but replacement is not compulsory.

       

      https://www.electrical4less.co.uk/2026/01/04/do-plastic-consumer-units-need-replacing/

       

      Peter

      Reducing my yearly fossil fuel usage with an EV (-900 litres petrol), A2AHP (-8,700 kWh gas) and Timed Immersion heater (-1,500 kWh gas)
        Ben_OVO
        Community Manager
        Ben_OVO
        Community Manager
        May 20, 2026

        ​@Spangpan happy to help! Let us know how you get on when you speak to our Support Team to get it booked in.

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        Newcomer
        Jenifer09
        Newcomer
        June 26, 2026

        If you're planning any work near the meter, it's definitely worth checking with your energy supplier first rather than assuming an isolator is already fitted. It can save a lot of hassle later, and they can usually explain the available payment or installation options for your setup.

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