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August 17, 2020

Does OVO have plans to offer a 3 Phase smart meter for supplies larger than "100A per phase” connections (CT-type meters), and “vector sum” compliant?

  • August 17, 2020
  • 89 replies
  • 5990 views

Updated on 06/05/25 by Abby_OVO

 

I notice that there has been news earlier this month of the first 3-phase SMETS2 meter install in the country by Smart Metering Services (SMS) on behalf of their client, Good Energy for a private domestic customer in Gloucestershire.

https://www.smart-energy.com/industry-sectors/smart-meters/britain-installs-first-ever-polyphase-smets2-smart-meter/

This “UK first” appears to have been installed using a “direct current” type three-phase Aclara SGM1400 meter, suitable for “smaller” three-phase (sub 100A per phase) supplies found in larger domestic and small commercial installs….presumably the sort of customers that OVO previously could not provide SMETS2 smart meters to.

 

Are there any plans for OVO to follow suit?

 

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!

 

89 replies

Newcomer
February 6, 2023

Hi, I’ve been waiting for the introduction of 3 phase economy 7 SMETS2 meters for a long time. I’m told they aren’t yet available, at least for economy 7. But recently my fixed tariff ended and I have moved onto the variable tariff. I did the sums and economy seven, which was always marginal, is now not cost effective. After some badgering, I have succeeded in getting OVO to move me onto their single rate tariff. Originally they told be the single rate would be the same as the E7 day rate !!

Anyway, I’m now on a single rate tariff and I see from this thread that 3 phase smart meters are available for single rate tariffs, so I ask the question again, “Can I get a 3 phase smart meter installed”?

FYI, I have already tried by calling OVO, a 3 phase smart meter was promised, and even after I questioned again,

“are you really sure you can fit a 3 phase smart meter?”.

Yes was the response. Sadly though the engineer turned up this morning without said 3 phase meter. He also told me they don't have 3 phase qualified engineers in his team.

 

Happy to be on a pilot, test rollout or whatever.

 

Many thanks in advance for your help

MKS56
Blastoise186
Super User
Super User
February 6, 2023

Welcome @mks56 !

I’ll ask @Tim_OVO to add you to the list of interested forum members. Please bear with me.

Once it’s possible to get one, you’ll be notified.

Securing energy by zapping security bugs... For that is The Blastoise Way! Remember, I'm just like you - AI Powered Evil Geniuses aren't Staff!
Newcomer
February 6, 2023

Welcome @mks56 !

I’ll ask @Tim_OVO to add you to the list of interested forum members. Please bear with me.

Once it’s possible to get one, you’ll be notified.

Blastoise186, thank you, BTW I don’t need more than 100 amps per phase.

MKS56
Blastoise186
Super User
Super User
February 6, 2023

No worries. Amps are pulled so if you only need 50 Amps/Phase, you’ll only pull 50 Amps/Phase even on a 300 Amp 3-Phase Supply. :)

Securing energy by zapping security bugs... For that is The Blastoise Way! Remember, I'm just like you - AI Powered Evil Geniuses aren't Staff!
Newcomer
February 6, 2023

No worries. Amps are pulled so if you only need 50 Amps/Phase, you’ll only pull 50 Amps/Phase even on a 300 Amp 3-Phase Supply. :)

Blaistose186, Just pointing out that I don’t need more than 100amps per phase in case that required an uprated meter, which might be in shorter supply

MKS56
Tim_OVO
OVO Staff
OVO Forum Legend
February 7, 2023

I’ve added you to my list, @mks56 - when I hear that 3 phase smart meter installs are available in all regions I’ll reach out.

 

In the meantime, you can try and book an appointment here. We do have 3 phase engineers operating so it’s worth checking occasionally. 

Carbon neutral - we need a community to get there! My green tech: Aclara SGM 1411-B smart meter, Chameleon IHD6
Newcomer
February 27, 2024

@Tim_OVO 

Old thread I know but any updates on 3 phase smart meter availibility?

Blastoise186
Super User
Super User
February 27, 2024

Welcome @jgt ,

The rollout has started! Would you like to be added to the list of forum members we’re keeping track of? Tim uses it to know who to reach out to when the rollout widens further.

At the moment, it’s a limited thing due to engineer availability, but https://smart-booking.ovoenergy.com will tell you if you can attempt to book.

Securing energy by zapping security bugs... For that is The Blastoise Way! Remember, I'm just like you - AI Powered Evil Geniuses aren't Staff!
Newcomer
February 27, 2024

Welcome @jgt ,

The rollout has started! Would you like to be added to the list of forum members we’re keeping track of? Tim uses it to know who to reach out to when the rollout widens further.

At the moment, it’s a limited thing due to engineer availability, but https://smart-booking.ovoenergy.com will tell you if you can attempt to book.

Thanks for the prompt reply.

I’m having 3 phase installed in the coming weeks which requires the current meter removing and new 3 phase meter installing in a different location so trying to find out if I can get a smart type meter. I currently have single phase with a smart meter.

The link above says I don’t meet the required eligibility but that may be because I already have a smart meter?

Cheers.

Blastoise186
Super User
Super User
February 27, 2024

Yeah, if you’ve got Smart already you will get that error.

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