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struan
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February 15, 2024
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Unused RTS meter blocking smart meter install?

  • February 15, 2024
  • 14 replies
  • 1447 views

Hey, I have a bog standard single phase meter, which I would like to have switched to a smart meter but I’m being told that “Sorry, we can't install a smart meter yet” on the eligibility website. My neighbours and just about everyone I know seems to have a smart meter so it isn’t a signal issue.

There IS an unused Teleswitch + meter for an old heating system that is unused.

Ideally I would like that Teleswitch meter removed, then the single phase meter changed to a smart meter but I’m assuming the Teleswitch is what is blocking the upgrade? I have asked support but they also just repeat back that they can’t install one at the moment without giving a reason.

Any ideas on how to get this fixed?

Best answer by Firedog

Updated on 04/12/25 by Ben_OVO

 

Update on RTS shutdown:

 

As part of the RTS Project development, we’re happy to share our progress:

 

As you may be aware, the RTS signal that instructs some of our meters when to move to the “Off Peak Period”  is closing down, and we’re arranging for all RTS customers to have a meter exchange so they don’t lose any of their meter functionality.

 

The RTS signal began ending on 30 June 2025. The period between 1 July - 30 September 2025 was then used to fully close-down the RTS signal and allow us to manage any unexpected customers impacted.

 

We will continue to update you on our progress.

 

 

Have you asked your DNO? It’s their fuse, so if you told them it sometimes smokes, they should rush out to change it, at which point they could remove the feed to the RTS meter. There also seem to have been leaks at some stage from the connection boxes to the right of the cut-out, and since they’re directly wired to the main DB cable, SSEN (if you’re north of the Tay and that’s your DNO) might be interested in that, too. 

 

If you did get them to disconnect the RTS meter, you could ask for certification to OVO that they’ve done so and so clear the RTS flag on your account. 

 

It looks like you’re going to have to be a bit creative!

14 replies

Blastoise186
Super User
Blastoise186Super User
Super User
February 15, 2024

Howdy @struan ,

Sure thing. Can you show us a few snaps of the current setup please? As a forum volunteer, I can’t access your account so these photos help me figure out your options.

We won’t use them to spam you with forum marketing either as they purely help us with context for your question - 100% promise on that! :)

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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Rank 2
struanAuthor
Rank 2
February 15, 2024

Green circled meter in use. The rest is unused and the meter hasn't moved since I bought the place a few years ago. Could do with a tidy but the active part of the system is the 2 cables for the meter plus the earth then the breaker box. All the wood can come out once that other meter is removed so should be plenty of space.

    BPLightlog
    Super User
    BPLightlogSuper User
    Super User
    February 16, 2024

    Hi @struan , the other devices in your picture show that Teleswitch (RTS) meter which might not be used to feed any appliances but it is connected to the grid so would need some additional work. 
    That meter will also still be showing in your property profile and those set ups are problematic to replace. 
    There’s certainly physically enough space for a smart meter but it would require some significant work to change. 

    Bring me Sunshine ~ E&E {Solar PV, Battery Storage, Hybrid EV, ASHP and Home Assistant automation}
      S
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      struanAuthor
      Rank 2
      February 16, 2024

      Yeah, I need these 3 wires disconnected then I can remove everything else myself unless they want the old meter back. It's just frustrating because it's a 5 minute job to disconnect it and nobody is coming to do it.

      Emmanuelle_OVO
      Retired Moderator
      Emmanuelle_OVO
      Retired Moderator
      February 16, 2024

      Hey @struan,

       

      I can see our Community Members have already given some helpful advice here.

       

      Just wanted to add that the following topics may be helpful:

       

       

      Renewable Energy? Big Fan.
        BPLightlog
        Super User
        BPLightlogSuper User
        Super User
        February 16, 2024

        Yeah, I need these 3 wires disconnected then I can remove everything else myself unless they want the old meter back. It's just frustrating because it's a 5 minute job to disconnect it and nobody is coming to do it.

        Yes .. it’s the fuse pull that’s the key restriction. Only certain engineers are allowed to do this. 
         

        The earth and neutral are not so much of a problem but do also need to be disconnected at the same time. 

        Bring me Sunshine ~ E&E {Solar PV, Battery Storage, Hybrid EV, ASHP and Home Assistant automation}
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          struanAuthor
          Rank 2
          February 16, 2024

          I thought smart meter installers would be popping out the fuse anyway since they're working on the live right next to the one I want out... Annoying but I'm stuck with the blanket "He has an RTS so no". Any solutions from OVO or am I just stuck with this forever?

          Firedog
          Super User
          FiredogSuper UserSolved
          Super User
          February 16, 2024

          Updated on 04/12/25 by Ben_OVO

           

          Update on RTS shutdown:

           

          As part of the RTS Project development, we’re happy to share our progress:

           

          As you may be aware, the RTS signal that instructs some of our meters when to move to the “Off Peak Period”  is closing down, and we’re arranging for all RTS customers to have a meter exchange so they don’t lose any of their meter functionality.

           

          The RTS signal began ending on 30 June 2025. The period between 1 July - 30 September 2025 was then used to fully close-down the RTS signal and allow us to manage any unexpected customers impacted.

           

          We will continue to update you on our progress.

           

           

          Have you asked your DNO? It’s their fuse, so if you told them it sometimes smokes, they should rush out to change it, at which point they could remove the feed to the RTS meter. There also seem to have been leaks at some stage from the connection boxes to the right of the cut-out, and since they’re directly wired to the main DB cable, SSEN (if you’re north of the Tay and that’s your DNO) might be interested in that, too. 

           

          If you did get them to disconnect the RTS meter, you could ask for certification to OVO that they’ve done so and so clear the RTS flag on your account. 

           

          It looks like you’re going to have to be a bit creative!

          Noel | I have no official status; I'm just a volunteer who comes here to help other customers. My gear: Aclara SGM 1416-B Electricity-only E7 meter; Chameleon IHD3-PPMID-AAA | It may look as if I know what I’m talking about, but don’t let that fool you. |
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            struanAuthor
            Rank 2
            April 8, 2024

            As an update: SSEN advised that the RTS meter needs a logical disconnection from OVO. On request to OVO for a logical disconnection for the meter, they won’t do it because and I quote:

            It is due to meter types and the issues they could cause but as I have advised as soon as we are able too upgrade your meter/resolve the issue we will be in touch

            The same failure of understanding for the Nth time. They see RTS and just completely panic.

            I’m throwing in the towel.

            Chris_OVO
            Community Manager
            Chris_OVO
            Community Manager
            April 9, 2024

            Hi @struan, 

            I have asked for some advice on this as you seem to be caught between a rock and a hard place with this one. We have a team dedicated to these style of meters I have reached out to them for some help with this. 

            When I have more information I will pop back with an update for you. 

            Renewable energy jokes never get old.
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