Ohhhhh ok. You’ve already got a smart meter then. Boost should be able to just top-it up remotely for you, no code needed.

That makes me think the code is actually a UTRN (Unique Transaction Reference Number) you can punch into the meter itself to get the supply back on. If you go into it and access the Prepayment Menu, you’ll have that option somewhere. Give me an hour or two and I’ll grab a guide for you.

Ah ha! Here we go. Give this puppy a try. It’s exactly as I suspected. That code is a UTRN.

https://www.smartme.co.uk/documents/Aclara-SMETS2-Single-Phase-Electric.pdf

You’ll want Page 60 onwards or Page 70 onwards. It’s the section about UTRN - Manual Entry you’re after.

An hour or two !!! That was 6 mins !!!

Genius takes time you know! It wasn’t easy finding that info in a 109 page long user manual. XD

Thanks so much for this, much appreciated - I’m confused by the 20 vs 19 digit numbers - OVO only give us a 19 digit number; if there a trick to the last digit?

If the meter needs a 20 digit number, it won’t take a 19 digit number. there’s no trick because you’ll end up locking it out if you try to guess it.

Is there really no way to top up a smart meter, even in this weather? I was on hold with Boost/OVO for over two hours before the line just disconnected… any suggestions welcome…

For example, if the tenants were vulnerable pensioners who had lost their account details - there must be some way to restore power to the property? If is biting cold and without power there is no heating, hot water, charging phones - nothing!!!

There is, but an account needs to exist first. Without an account, they won’t have control of the supply and can’t do much unfortunately.

Try 105, they might be able to help.

Also, I strongly advise against any vulnerable customer being on Pay-As-You-Go for safety reasons, especially pensioners. It’s much safer to have them moved to OVO Pay Monthly if that’s the case.

I agree, but we can’t get through to anyone at OVO to either top up, switch or otherwise connect to power! Is there anyone from OVO monitoring these forums that might be able to help?

I’ve attempted to notify the moderators but it’s close to the end of their day and I’m unsure if they’ll see the alert in time.

I’d recommend calling 105. The DNO has emergency mechanisms that might be usable. I can’t discuss them publicly because the DNO’s have asked me to not make the information public but I know it works.