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Ian T
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April 3, 2026
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What do I do when I don't have wifi or a poor connection and my smart meter doesn't work?

  • April 3, 2026
  • 12 replies
  • 225 views

Hi,

We had a smart meter installed a few years ago and it has never been able to send readings automatically.  It is a Aclara 1411-B SMETS S2. The engineer said that it was due to poor wifi/mobile signal.

Since it was fitted, we have moved onto ‘superfast’ fibre wifi and the mobile signal has been significantly improved but the meter is still not communicating.  I have completed the ‘healthcheck’ and see no reason (WAN is flashing every 5 secs and the HEB is on constantly) 

We want to look at changing our car for an electric or plug-in hybred but there is no point if the SMART meter is not working.  

How can we ‘restart’ comms ?

Any suggestions much appreciated.

Best answer by Nukecad

You will have to wait I’m afraid, at least you have started the process now of getting them to look at it again.

Some more about what is going on to get non-communicating smart meters fully connected as they should be:
https://www.smartdcc.co.uk/news-events/how-we-re-working-to-support-customers-to-address-non-communicating-smart-meters/

There are now 550k 4G Communications Hubs installed, with very positive engineer feedback and ongoing performance indicators. Our Virtual Wide Area Network solution is also due for launch later this year which will support those homes previously unable to connect to the Wide Area Network.

 

As the Virtual Wide Area Network (VWAN) is mentioned there here is more info about what is happening with smart metering over the internet when neither mobile or LRR communication can be connected:
https://www.smartdcc.co.uk/news-events/new-technology-helping-more-homes-connect-to-britain-s-smart-meter-network/

 

 

12 replies

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Chris_OVO
Community Manager
Chris_OVO
Community Manager
April 3, 2026

Hey ​@Ian T, 

 

Welcome to the community! 

 

You've already gotten some fantastic answers from the community! Just to conirm, your smart meter connects to its own secure network managed by the DCC. So, even if your internet and phone signal are strong, your smart meter might not have the same connection benefits just yet. But here’s the good news—Nukecads pointed out some exciting advancements with new communications hubs and a virtual wide area network, which should help future-proof your setup!

 

These new technologies are currently being tested for long-term reliability, and they will first be rolled out to our most vulnerable customers before reaching the wider community. 

 

I also reached out to one of our engineers, Luke, to find out if there are any specific guidelines for installing an EV charger. Sometimes there’s a different framework for installing a communications hub as part of that process to help with communication issues. I'll keep you updated on what he says!

 

You can also find more information in this helpful article: Wifi and smart meters. I hope you find this helpful.

Renewable energy jokes never get old.
Chris_OVO
Community Manager
Chris_OVO
Community Manager
April 3, 2026

Hey ​@Ian T,

 

Check your private messages when you can! 

Renewable energy jokes never get old.
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