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R
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Rich-M
Rank 1
August 24, 2018
Solved

Can I get a SMETS2 smart meter installation when I sign up to OVO?

  • August 24, 2018
  • 78 replies
  • 82803 views

What's the current status with OVO?

Obviously I basically want to know:
- If I sign up now do I get offered a free smart meter installation
- If so, will it be SMETS2?
- If not, is there a scheduled date for when this is likely to be available?

Many thanks,
Rich

Best answer by Nancy_OVO

Updated on 03/07/24 by Abby_OVO

 

OVO are now fitting Aclara second generation SMETS2 (S2) smart meters for all smart meter installations. You can find out more about these meters on our S2 smart meter guide here and more about the installation process here. As with all suppliers there’s never a charge for upgrading to a smart meter.

 

If you decide to switch to OVO, you’ll be able to book a Smart meter installation online once you’ve received your opening statement. You’ll just need your Account number (which you can find on your online account or OVO app - Download for Android or iOS).

 



If you have a traditional pay monthly meter but aren’t yet an OVO member, check out our Better Smart plan (which might offer cheaper rates if you’re happy to get a smart meter installed when you join us) and sign up online here. 

 

Want to learn more about the benefits of going smart? Check out the guide below:
 

 

OVO member but not got a smart meter yet? - Book today!

 

Interested but not yet an OVO member? - Check out our plans!

78 replies

Nancy_OVO
Retired Moderator
Nancy_OVOSolved
Retired Moderator
August 28, 2018

Updated on 03/07/24 by Abby_OVO

 

OVO are now fitting Aclara second generation SMETS2 (S2) smart meters for all smart meter installations. You can find out more about these meters on our S2 smart meter guide here and more about the installation process here. As with all suppliers there’s never a charge for upgrading to a smart meter.

 

If you decide to switch to OVO, you’ll be able to book a Smart meter installation online once you’ve received your opening statement. You’ll just need your Account number (which you can find on your online account or OVO app - Download for Android or iOS).

 



If you have a traditional pay monthly meter but aren’t yet an OVO member, check out our Better Smart plan (which might offer cheaper rates if you’re happy to get a smart meter installed when you join us) and sign up online here. 

 

Want to learn more about the benefits of going smart? Check out the guide below:
 

 

OVO member but not got a smart meter yet? - Book today!

 

Interested but not yet an OVO member? - Check out our plans!

Your guiding light(bulb)
R
Rank 1
Rich-MAuthor
Rank 1
August 28, 2018
Thanks Nancy,
Am I understanding this right - that OVO don't accept people wanting to pay by bill or direct debit - if they're not already doing that?
So, this means, realistically I'd have to sign up for smart meters with British Gas (or another supplier) first, and only then could I switch to Ovo!?
Just seems a bit odd and means they're turning down potential customers if so!
Rich
Nancy_OVO
Retired Moderator
Nancy_OVO
Retired Moderator
August 30, 2018
Hi @Rich-M,

Unfortunately if you're using a traditional prepayment meter, and signed up to OVO, it wouldn't be possible to set you up on our billing system. To be billed monthly, you need a 'credit' meter - one that runs continuously. This is a different type of meter to a prepayment one, which will cut off a supply if not topped up. As OVO only supply pay monthly properties, we don't have the means to keep a prepayment meter running.

A larger supplier who deal with both types of meters may agree to exchange them for you. This isn't something we can do currently.

Thanks
Your guiding light(bulb)
R
Rank 1
Rich-MAuthor
Rank 1
August 30, 2018
Thanks Nancy.
I think I'm understanding you (sort of!). Don't really undertstand all this meter stuff fully as you can tell!
I was assuming I could shop around any energy supplier, and ask to sign up as a credit customer, to be billed monthly, and they would get rid of the old prepayment meters and install smart meters.
If I'm understanding you right this don't seem to be an option and I'll have to get British Gas to do the upgrading of the meters before switching to other suppliers.
Is that right or have I got the wrong end of the stick again? :8
Nancy_OVO
Retired Moderator
Nancy_OVO
Retired Moderator
August 30, 2018
Hi @Rich-M - to put it simply, if you've got traditional meters you can't change your payment type upon changing supplier. If you've got top up meters and you're switching, you'll need to sign up as a top up customer. This is down to the way the physical meter works, which will need to be changed if you'd like to pay differently. The new supplier may then be able to exchange your meters to credit ones so you can pay monthly. Your existing suppleir may also offer to do this.

If you've got smart meters, some interoperability is possible, but this depends on the supplier and the meter model.

As a relatively small, Pay Monthly only company, we couldn't take on a customer with traditional (non-smart) top up meters.

Hope this helps
Your guiding light(bulb)
    R
    Rank 1
    Rich-MAuthor
    Rank 1
    August 30, 2018
    Thanks Nancy. Think I'm clear now! Finally I hear you say 😉
      Nancy_OVO
      Retired Moderator
      Nancy_OVO
      Retired Moderator
      August 30, 2018
      Glad to hear it, @Rich-M! 😃
      Your guiding light(bulb)
      O
      Newcomer
      ooogemaflop
      Newcomer
      October 18, 2018

      This page here says you started rolling out Smets2 from September are you only installing Smets2 now or is there a luck of the draw.

      Tim_OVO
      OVO Staff
      Tim_OVO
      OVO Forum Legend
      October 22, 2018
      This page here says you started rolling out Smets2 from September are you only installing Smets2 now or is there a luck of the drawer

      @ooogemaflop limited roll out of SMETS2 meters at the moment. When you book in your smart meter appointment, it will say which type you're getting: smart.ovoenergy.com/credit.
      Carbon neutral - we need a community to get there! My green tech: Aclara SGM 1411-B smart meter, Chameleon IHD6
      B
      Newcomer
      briss
      Newcomer
      October 30, 2018
      Hi,

      The questions on this seem to be a year old so I wanted an update on this. I have a smart meter installation booked with you for 30th November 2018, will it be SMETS2?

      The two different pages on this on the main Ovo website seem to give conflicting information!
      Show more replies
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