Can you supply a three phase smart meter?

I read the topic and responses with disappointment. OVO cannot fit 3-phase smart meters. The work-around is either downgrading to a single-phase supply or having 3 separate single-phase meters for each of the 3 phases!

In another property my supply is from another provider. I have a single meter (Alster A1140); it is a smart meter, its has economy 7 on at all phases.

Why cannot OVO provide one like this?

Tis a good question, @MARGARETMAVIS - have a look at Transparent’s ‘best answer’ at the top. It’s not something we can change directly at the moment. 

To discus supply downgrade options and costs, give us a call: 0330 303 5063

do ovo offer a 3 phase supply with economy 7 (or similar) - and how long would it take to get a meter installed on a new supply

Hi @boulterc99  and welcome to the Forum.

At this time OVO don’t yet have 3-phase Smart Meters approved for installation, so the answer to your question depends on whether you are happy with a “traditional” meter.

There’s a basic Tutorial on single/three phase supplies here, which doesn’t go into great technical depth.

And there are a few other discussion Topics which raise issues of 3-phase connection in greater detail. This one about the requirement for vector-sum metering if you wish to export back to the grid is worthwhile reading.

Thanks @Transparent smart meter is a nice to have, more interested in Economy 7 with 3 phase so i can recharge my batteries at night.

OK, so if you’re happy with a traditional meter at the moment, then the next question is whether OVO have yet obtained a licence from Ofgem to install meters on new supplies.

This process is somewhat different to changing a meter on an existing supply and requires liaison with the regional Distribution Network Operator (DNO) and ECOES, the national meter database.

New feed meter installations used to be the province of the Big-6 Energy Suppliers, although a number of private companies are also now approved to do this work on new estates. OVO became the 3rd largest Supplier a year ago, but I haven’t yet seen any announcement that they are authorised to do new installs.

Let’s ask the Moderator, @Tim_OVO, if he can find this out for you.

we have a single phase (via Octopus Energy) temporary supply for our new build but getting them to commit a date for installing a 3 phase meter is impossible hence looking elsewhere

That existing meter on the temporary supply might make all the difference!

I have experience as a self-builder, so I appreciate what you’re up against.

• Was the cable for that temporary supply run onto your property by the DNO?
• Does it connect to you from an overhead supply (on a pole) or an underground supply?
• Do you now have an approved meter-box within the outside wall of your new-build?
• Does your new meter position have any (non-energised) cable running to it? (in a duct?)

And please complete your Forum Profile page. It gives us basic background details such as your geographical area. Thanks.

Hi Transparent

in line answers

• Was the cable for that temporary supply run onto your property by the DNO?
  • Yes SSEN put in a new Wavecon cable for me as part of the temporary supply
• Does it connect to you from an overhead supply (on a pole) or an underground supply?
  • Underground supply
• Do you now have an approved meter-box within the outside wall of your new-build?
  • termination of 3 phase being put in the garage plant room (already inspected location by SSEN)
• Does your new meter position have any (non-energised) cable running to it? (in a duct?)
  • House cables running to the garage plant room to fuse boxes are in ground in ducts
  • The new 3 phase cable trench is dug for SSEN to connect up to the Wavecon put in as part of the temp supply and this will be in a duct too
  •