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JordanTO93
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October 20, 2025
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What's stopping me from getting a smart meter booked when I keep being told to book an appointment then can't?

  • October 20, 2025
  • 20 replies
  • 379 views

Hi all,

 

Could anybody tell me what the actual requirements for a smart metre are? OVO said they offer them in my area, then said “I don’t meet the eligibility as they tried to fit one previously” 

 

We bought the house in 2023. Previous owner was 95 and did not even have internet. 
 

The original metre, has since been replaced by Scottish Power to due during a full rewire it came to light the previous metre had been tampered with.

 

The original metre was also completely inaccessible due to it being behind a built in unit which has since been removed. I have guess to explain this to OVO and all I get is “you don’t meet the criteria, but wont tell me what the criteria is?

 

We own the house, metre is easily accessible. 
 

We have since bought an EV and want to move to an EV Tariff but they all require a smart metre. 
 

Any help is appreciated! 

Best answer by Lukepeniket_OVO

Updated on 31/10/25 by Abby_OVO

 

Ive got the blockers, getting them removed. Are you ok to expect a call in the next few days?

 

Ive got the blockers, getting them removed. Are you ok to expect a call in the next few days?

 

 

Yes, no problem at all. Out of curiosity what were the blockers? 

 

Technical blockers linked to an appointment in 2022, Wide Area Network signal.

20 replies

Blastoise186
Super User
Blastoise186Super User
Super User
October 20, 2025

Hi ​@JordanTO93 ,

Could you show us the current setup please? That’ll help us a ton to be able to offer advice.

Thanks!

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    J
    Rank 2
    JordanTO93Author
    Rank 2
    October 20, 2025

    Hi ​@JordanTO93 ,

    Could you show us the current setup please? That’ll help us a ton to be able to offer advice.

    Thanks!

    Of course. The consumer unit is also brand new. The wood below the consumer unit was where the old metre and old consumer unit where houses.

     

    BPLightlog
    Super User
    BPLightlogSuper User
    Super User
    October 20, 2025

    There may be a number of things which cause problems for connection ​@JordanTO93 so a photo will help to diagnose 

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      J
      Rank 2
      JordanTO93Author
      Rank 2
      October 20, 2025

      There may be a number of things which cause problems for connection ​@JordanTO93 so a photo will help to diagnose 

      Please see above.

      Blastoise186
      Super User
      Blastoise186Super User
      Super User
      October 20, 2025

      Well, on the plus side… The meters are close enough to each other to guarantee a 95% signal strength on the Home Area Network, so you won’t have range issues there…

      Where abouts are you? Region/County is enough for us!

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        JordanTO93Author
        Rank 2
        October 20, 2025

        Well, on the plus side… The meters are close enough to each other to guarantee a 95% signal strength on the Home Area Network, so you won’t have range issues there…

        Where abouts are you? Region/County is enough for us!

        Scotland, Dumfries and Galloway.

        Blastoise186
        Super User
        Blastoise186Super User
        Super User
        October 20, 2025

        Ahh… That might be why…

        The Long-Range Radio based Arqiva WAN likely doesn’t reach your area reliably and the 4G Comms Hubs are prioritised for RTS migrations right now.

        OVO should reach out when upgrades to the 4G based setup are available. There’s not much any supplier can do until then I’m afraid.

        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
          JordanTO93Author
          Rank 2
          October 20, 2025

          Ahh… That might be why…

          The Long-Range Radio based Arqiva WAN likely doesn’t reach your area reliably and the 4G Comms Hubs are prioritised for RTS migrations right now.

          OVO should reach out when upgrades to the 4G based setup are available. There’s not much any supplier can do until then I’m afraid.

          Ahh right, it’s just they send me a letter each month saying smart metres are in my area and to contact them, then they say I’m not eligible. So confused why they keep saying my area has them! I also have a few neighbours who have them (one with OVO) 

           

          They also came out to fit one when the previous resident lived here (I’m assuming they wouldn’t have if they don’t offer them in our area?) so that’s also confusing.

           

          Guess I shall just have to wait. 

            Nukecad
            Super User
            NukecadSuper User
            Super User
            October 20, 2025

            Left hand, right hand 

            The left hand has to send out the monthly letters to everyone in the area.

            The rght hand knows better and says ‘sorry but not quite yet for your particular metering setup.’

            Annoying yes - but think of it as being special so the ‘standard’ letters don't apply.

            But do still read them carefully, one will eventually be for your particular  situation.

            I said, Hey - Watts going on.
              Abby_OVO
              Community Manager
              Abby_OVO
              Community Manager
              October 21, 2025

              Hey ​@JordanTO93 

               

              Sorry to hear about the back and forth with this, though I’m glad to see a couple of our users have already stopped by with some really helpful advice and information here.

               

              ​@Lukepeniket_OVO I wonder if you might have any additional input on this one?

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