Is OVO allowed to install nonsmart 3 phase meters?
Can OVO install a traditional 3 Phase meter if I switch?
Best answer by Jess_OVO
Updated on 02/07/24 by Shads_OVO
Do OVO offer 3 phase smart meters?
3 phase (aka polyphase) installations in domestic properties are few and far between, so it's a minority of meter engineers across the country that have the skills required to complete these installations. There are also some technical challenges in making sure your job is allocated to an engineer with these skills but we are just as keen as you are to have Smart available for these sites ASAP, so if you would like to take part in this beta stage release, please consider the steps below:
From the start of May 2023, if you have a single rate 3 phase meter (i.e. not Economy 7 / 2-rate etc.) we would encourage you to book a smart meter appointment as normal online or over the phone on 0330 303 5063. (Please do not attempt to book sooner than May unless you have been contacted.)
This will then go through to a specialist team who will validate that it is single rate job and that an 3 phase engineer is available in your region. If this is the case, they will re-book your appointment with the right engineer. (So please bear in mind your appointment date/time will likely change, but we'll try to keep it the same where possible.)
Unfortunately, if you have a 2-rate meter or are not in an area covered by our current crop of 3 phase skilled engineers, you will need to continue with your heritage meter. We know this will be frustrating, so we are sorry about that, we are working to expand our coverage and by you flagging your interest to us, you are helping us shape where and when that coverage develops. - thank you!
Welcome to the OVO online community,
So nice to see you’ve already had your query solved with the advice of our community volunteer,
If you haven’t already seen it there’s more advice on upgrading to a 3-phase meter once you’ve switched to OVO here:
The process for upgrading your supply to three phase
- You will be identified as needing a 3-phase supply by an electrician, due to requiring a high capacity of electricity in your property. This is usually the result of an extension to the property with more lighting or other building work.
- The DNO will need to attend to upgrade your main fuse to 3-phase.
- We book a 3-phase meter exchange (we do not have 3-phase smart meters) for a 3-phase trained engineer to upgrade your meter at the cost of £325. More info on costs here.
The booking with us is a 20 working day appointment, and our engineer or engineer contractor SMS may contact you directly to change for another date once they receive the booking. An electrician may also be required to rewire your consumer unit once the new meter has been installed, as we won't do this.
Let us know how you get on if you do decide to join us and go for the 3-phase upgrade - by sharing your story here you’ll be helping others who might have questions about the process in future.
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