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Why is my overnight usage shown on my smart meter In Home Display (IHD) so high?

Forum|Forum|8 years ago
September 29, 2017
87 replies
110341 views

My smart meter was installed yesterday at 7.40 this morning my electric usage was 42p & gas usage was 28p. Even taking into account fridge/freezer, broadband, TV’s on standby overnight 42p electric seems high. The gas at 28p is a bigger mystery as no gas was used overnight (heating is off at the moment). Does some of the cost include a daily standing charge? Can anyone shed any light on this please?

Best answer by Tim_OVO

Updated on 24/04/26 by Chris_OVO

It’s worth factoring in your daily standing charges when checking the costs showing on your smart meter In Home Display (IHD) in the morning. These charges are usually added to your daily energy costs around midnight each day and will vary depending on the rates on your current plan.

The best place to check the standing charges which apply to your current plan is the ‘Plan’ page of your online account or OVO app (download for Android or iOS):

You can also view your smart meter usage data here too, by heading to the ‘Usage’ pages. Check out the guide below for more help with this:

Still worried that your overnight usage seems high with the standing charges excluded? Bear in mind some appliances (like fridge/freezers and TVs on standby) use electricity overnight.

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Cid296

Rank 3

Good afternoon.

I got my smart meter installed yesterday, with an In-Home Display.

I started taking notes of how much I’m spending. I started by 3 in the afternoon, did the things I usually do - basically, making coffee, using the microwave and my computer. There were lights turned on - not much, cause I’m usually in the dark anyway, and the freezer.

By the time I went to bed (around 10 at night), I had spent around 40p. And I thought, “Surely, the amount will be the same when I get up (5 in the morning), or maybe a few p less”

To my surprise, when I looked at the screen of the IHD, I had spent 60p - more than during the day.

I realise I’m probably sounding really cheap right now, but is there an explanation as to why it spent more during the night, when I used no electricity at all?...

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Cid296

Rank 3

Good afternoon.

I got my smart meter installed yesterday, with an In-Home Display.

I started taking notes of how much I’m spending. I started by 3 in the afternoon, did the things I usually do - basically, making coffee, using the microwave and my computer. There were lights turned on - not much, cause I’m usually in the dark anyway, and the freezer.

By the time I went to bed (around 10 at night), I had spent around 40p. And I thought, “Surely, the amount will be the same when I get up (5 in the morning), or maybe a few p less”

To my surprise, when I looked at the screen of the IHD, I had spent 60p - more than during the day.

I realise I’m probably sounding really cheap right now, but is there an explanation as to why it spent more during the night, when I used no electricity at all?...

Firedog

Super User

You’re most probably seeing the standing charge, which is added to the daily cost sometime after midnight. I’m surprised that this extra ~50p wasn’t added yesterday, but that may always be the case for a newly-installed meter. You’ll see it inexorably every day from now on.

You might get a better idea of your usage patterns if you look at the kWh figures rather than the cost.

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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Cid296

Rank 3

Oh, so there’s a 50p charge daily? I didn’t know that.

That probably explains it.

Thanks, Firedog.

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Cid296

Rank 3

And sorry for the other topic. Yes, I posted the same question twice because I realised it would be better adding tags.

I’m new here, still learning… thanks again.

Firedog

Super User

No problem 🙂

You’ll find some useful information (not all of it completely up to date, sadly) about what OVO charges you on this page.

If your online account is up and running, you can see the details of your own tariff on the Plan page. That will show you what the standing charge is per day (ex VAT at 5%).

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. |

Emmanuelle_OVO

Retired Moderator

Hey @Cid293,

Welcome to the OVO online Community,

I can see Firedog has given a very helpful answer here. Just wanted to add that you might find the ‘Energy Tracker’ useful:

Renewable Energy? Big Fan.

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karenitaylor

Newcomer

Hi. My smart meter reading this morning is £3.10 despite no gas on overnight & only essential electrical stuff plugged in. Tried switching meter off & on but it still reads the same-any ideas? Thanks.