Why does OVO send an engineer to read my smart meter?

Why do you need to send someone around to read a smart meter ?

Welcome to the forum @Mactronix, they're could be a variety of reasons leading to OVO sending one of their contractors to read people's meter - some of the possible reasons are that a) they randomly check a selection of meters to check they are communicating with the network and are functioning correctly; b) some people may not have smart meters installed; c) some meter readings are scheduled as part of the process when new meters have been installed to check they've bedded in ok.

Im sure one of the mods will clarify this for you soon!

Have a lovely weekend

I'd been considering whether to have a so called Smartmeter fitted after several invitations to do so. The reason I haven't taken up the offer is because I find the present situation of taking two minutes to respond to a monthly email request for readings to be perfectly adequate. Also, the idea that a Smartmeter is going to save me money is a nonsense because we've long since reduced the frugality of our energy usage to a minimum and Smartmeter, or not, you pay for every therm you use.

But the real clincher that put a Smartmeter out of the question for me was the documentary I watched recently which highlighted the problems some people were having with grossly inaccurate readings and bills, with those affected wishing they'd never bothered.

Another serious flaw is that if you change suppliers, chances are your Smartemeter won't work with your new provider, who will most likely have to replace it with one suitable for their system. Too much of a potential headache? I think so!

A representative defending the meters claimed that complaints were minimal but that's a fat lot of good if you're one of the few, which I don't intend to be.

Add to this the OP's experience here and it adds up to a lot of hassle I have no intention of risking, thanks. The other reassuring fact gleaned from the documentary is that Smartmeters are voluntary, so there's no compulsion for you to have one.

I'd been considering whether to have a so called Smartmeter fitted after several invitations to do so. The reason I haven't taken up the offer is because I find the present situation of taking two minutes to respond to a monthly email request for readings to be perfectly adequate. Also, the idea that a Smartmeter is going to save me money is a nonsense because we've long since reduced the frugality of our energy usage to a minimum and Smartmeter, or not, you pay for every therm you use.

But the real clincher that put a Smartmeter out of the question for me was the documentary I watched recently which highlighted the problems some people were having with grossly inaccurate readings and bills, with those affected wishing they'd never bothered.

Another serious flaw is that if you change suppliers, chances are your Smartemeter won't work with your new provider, who will most likely have to replace it with one suitable for their system. Too much of a potential headache? I think so!

A representative defending the meters claimed that complaints were minimal but that's a fat lot of good if you're one of the few, which I don't intend to be.

Add to this the OP's experience here and it adds up to a lot of hassle I have no intention of risking, thanks. The other reassuring fact gleaned from the documentary is that Smartmeters are voluntary, so there's no compulsion for you to have one.

Hey @Kitchen Foyle - I agree with @Mattj3135 - you’ve raised some very topical points.

What you’ve mentioned about the trouble with switching suppliers if you have smart meter installed is partially true as it will depend on what system/technology the supplier you’re switching to is using to communicate with your smart meters. If it’s the same as ours, it will work. The good news with this is that we’re currently working on newer version of smart meters which should be compatible with all suppliers, but a release date is to be confirmed. We’ve got a topic going on about this here: https://forum.ovoenergy.com/all-about-energy-24/smart-meters-smets1-or-smet2-106.

As we’re able to remotely communicate with smart meters to get readings, this improves the accuracy of billing and ensures we’re billing customers to actual consumption not estimates.

Thanks again for raising these points - great to get a discussion going on!

Lucy

If you have a smart meter and it sends you the readings then why did i have someone at my door to read the meter ??? I am wondering if it was a scammer or not plz reply asap

Lisejo

Hi @Elizabeth welcome to the forum and thanks for posting - sorry for the delay in getting back to you.

There's a topic on this which will help answer your query which you can find here: https://forum.ovoenergy.com/all-about-ovo-23/why-do-you-send-an-engineer-to-read-my-meter-272/index1.html

Hope this helps

A man read my gas meter (smart meter) yesterday, but he wasn't wearing a uniform or driving a liveried van. He said he used his own car. Was he genuine ?

A man read my gas meter (smart meter) yesterday, but he wasn't wearing a uniform or driving a liveried van. He said he used his own car. Was he genuine ?

Hi @alan b

I'm just here to repeat @Mattj3135 - any engineer visiting your house should have ID on them. We use a company called Lowri Beck. If you want me to check if they sent an engineer our recently, send me a PM with your account number, name and DoB.

Just to add, I've moved your query to another topic on the same issue so it's all in the same place!

Tim

I suspect that OVO’s contract with Lowri Beck requires them to make a physical and independent check.  So OVO may well be just as surprised as you are than the card says you can submit readings to them without a meter reader attending your property.

I submit monthly readings too but roughly once a year a meter reader turns up and needs access to the garage where the gas meter is located. I wish the gas meter was outside like the electricity meter.

From here https://www.lowribeck.co.uk/why-have-you-called-me

I haven't purchased anything from Lowri Beck, why are you contacting me?

Lowri Beck Services Ltd. both installs and reads energy and water meters on behalf of energy suppliers. In order to do this, we need to find out when customers will be at home to enable our operatives to carry out their duties.

Occasionally, you may be contacted by a member of the Lowri Beck team to arrange a meter reading or fitting at your earliest convenience. We find that communicating in this way results in a smoother and more efficient service for customers.

For any queries, comments or complaints about Lowri Beck, please use the 'Contact Us' section of our website.

I have a smart meter , so why has a meter reading men call to read my gas meter? 
should this be a concern? 

Thank you for your help Uk reply

Best wishes