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S
Rank 2
Smurfhito
Rank 2
April 19, 2023
Solved

IHD not been received- Old meter type

  • April 19, 2023
  • 44 replies
  • 664 views

Hello, this is a long story but I’ll try to keep it short.

I moved into my current property 4 years ago. When I moved in, it was apparent that there was no IHD here. It appears that the previous occupants very annoyingly took it with them.

At the time I was with Eon. I tried numerous times to request an IHD from them, but Eon’s policy is not to give IHDs to anyone!

Since the energy prices rising I am now desperate to get an IHD, it’s impossible for me to track my usage effectively without one. I am aware of the apps (such as Loop), but these are almost useless for working out the amounts of energy and the cost of appliances in real time. I have tried.  Also I’ve seen the Ivie bud IHDs, but I really can’t afford to spend £55 on this, the whole reason I need an IHD is because I’m really trying to save money. 

So, I messaged Ovo, who said of course they would provide me with an IHD if I were to switch to them. With this knowledge, I made the switch just under 1 month ago. I’ve phoned up to request an IHD today, and to my massive disappointment, I’ve been told that my meters are SMETS1, and that they don’t have any SMETS1 IHDs in stock, and that these have now been discontinued.

To say I’m disappointed is an understatement, really gutted, all the hassle of switching suppliers seems to have been a total waste of time. I just thought I’d make a post here as a last resort. Any advice would be appreciated.

Best answer by Jeffus

Hi @Jeffus 

Thanks for the quick reply,  I’ve posted a photo of my meter below. I tried running the details through that citizens advice link, it seems to say my meter is SMETS1, and isn’t smart… I thought all these smart meters were supposed to be smart! I’m confused.

I did try loop and it works to some extent, but nowhere near the way that a proper IHD works, no real time info at all. 

 

It can be confusing...  In simple terms. 

So you have a smart meter, but it is an older SMETS1 meter.

This basically means the way it communicates is different to newer SMETS2 meters.

So it is more difficult to switch suppliers and keep the smart functionality and more difficult to source In Home Displays.

These older meters are in the process of being upgraded, either a software update or if all else fails a new meter. The deadline is currently end of this year. 

Interesting you say you can use loop as this doesn't work unless your meter has been upgraded. Try Hugo and see what happens just as a test. 

https://hugoenergyapp.co.uk/

It is certainly strange you can use loop but the citizens advice test gave that result.

Do you have gas and electricity? 

44 replies

Jeffus
Rank 20
Jeffus
Rank 20
April 19, 2023

Hi @Smurfhito 

Welcome to the customer forum, i am just a customer like you. 

Can you post a photo of your meter?

Have you tried running this check?

https://smartmetercheck.citizensadvice.org.uk/

Did you try Loop as that doesn't work with SMETS1 meters that haven't gone through a software update

    S
    Rank 2
    SmurfhitoAuthor
    Rank 2
    April 19, 2023

    Hi @Jeffus 

    Thanks for the quick reply,  I’ve posted a photo of my meter below. I tried running the details through that citizens advice link, it seems to say my meter is SMETS1, and isn’t smart… I thought all these smart meters were supposed to be smart! I’m confused.

    I did try loop and it works to some extent, but nowhere near the way that a proper IHD works, no real time info at all. 

     

     

    BPLightlog
    Super User
    BPLightlogSuper User
    Super User
    April 20, 2023

    Hi @Jeffus 

    Thanks for the quick reply,  I’ve posted a photo of my meter below. I tried running the details through that citizens advice link, it seems to say my meter is SMETS1, and isn’t smart… I thought all these smart meters were supposed to be smart! I’m confused.

    I did try loop and it works to some extent, but nowhere near the way that a proper IHD works, no real time info at all. 

     

    What it will mean is it’s not working in smart mode. All these S1 meters are due to be upgraded but that could take a while unfortunately. 
     

    Bring me Sunshine ~ E&E {Solar PV, Battery Storage, Hybrid EV, ASHP and Home Assistant automation}
    Tim_OVO
    OVO Staff
    Tim_OVO
    OVO Forum Legend
    April 20, 2023

    @Blastoise186 do we know if S1+ smart meters are compatible with other IHDs that S1 legacy aren’t?

     

    @Smurfhito I’m surprised your smart meter hasn’t been upgraded already. The vast majority of them have, including your Secure Liberty meter...

    Carbon neutral - we need a community to get there! My green tech: Aclara SGM 1411-B smart meter, Chameleon IHD6
    Blastoise186
    Super User
    Blastoise186Super User
    Super User
    April 20, 2023

    Unfortunately… No. They still only work with S1 IHDs and IHDs that can dual-role and be used with S1 or S2 freely. The difference is that it’s much easier to get a Glow IHD or ivie Bud paired to an S1+ than a legacy S1. And by much easier, it’s basically impossible otherwise as it has to go via DCC.

    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!
      Jeffus
      Rank 20
      JeffusSolved
      Rank 20
      April 20, 2023

      Hi @Jeffus 

      Thanks for the quick reply,  I’ve posted a photo of my meter below. I tried running the details through that citizens advice link, it seems to say my meter is SMETS1, and isn’t smart… I thought all these smart meters were supposed to be smart! I’m confused.

      I did try loop and it works to some extent, but nowhere near the way that a proper IHD works, no real time info at all. 

       

      It can be confusing...  In simple terms. 

      So you have a smart meter, but it is an older SMETS1 meter.

      This basically means the way it communicates is different to newer SMETS2 meters.

      So it is more difficult to switch suppliers and keep the smart functionality and more difficult to source In Home Displays.

      These older meters are in the process of being upgraded, either a software update or if all else fails a new meter. The deadline is currently end of this year. 

      Interesting you say you can use loop as this doesn't work unless your meter has been upgraded. Try Hugo and see what happens just as a test. 

      https://hugoenergyapp.co.uk/

      It is certainly strange you can use loop but the citizens advice test gave that result.

      Do you have gas and electricity? 

        S
        Rank 2
        SmurfhitoAuthor
        Rank 2
        April 20, 2023

        Thanks to all who’ve replied, I really appreciate it.

        @Jeffus I’ve just tried the Hugo app, created an account and instantly all my previous usage data is on the app. Could this mean that my meter has in fact been updated?

        Thanks again 

          S
          Rank 2
          SmurfhitoAuthor
          Rank 2
          April 20, 2023

          Sorry I forgot to say, I do have both Gas and electricity, both with Ovo (previously both with Eon)

           

          My gas meter is slightly different, it’s a Liberty EG4v11

          Blastoise186
          Super User
          Blastoise186Super User
          Super User
          April 20, 2023

          Ah nice! In that case, if you still fancy an IHD I’d recommend the Hildebrand Glow IHD.

          Just so you know, I sometimes talk to Hildebrand about things that come up here on the forum but I’m not an affiliate or anything. This specific link pre-selects the right version for you so that you definitely get the right one. However, I won’t get any kickback or commission if you use it.

          https://shop.glowmarkt.com/products/display-and-cad-combined-for-smart-meter-customers?variant=36560284352664

          If Hildebrand can’t connect, you’ll get a full refund.

          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!
          Jeffus
          Rank 20
          Jeffus
          Rank 20
          April 20, 2023

          Thanks to all who’ve replied, I really appreciate it.

          @Jeffus I’ve just tried the Hugo app, created an account and instantly all my previous usage data is on the app. Could this mean that my meter has in fact been updated?

          Thanks again 

          Yes, because Hugo and Loop can only get data via SMETS2 meters and upgraded SMETS1 meters. You definitely have an Enrolled and Adopted SMETS1 meter. 

          I guess the citizens advice website isn't quite up to date, keep checking over the next few weeks. 

          So the link provided by @Blastoise186 should work as it is the SMETS1 version and you are enrolled and adopted. Without that the IHD wouldn't work.

          Although i appreciate in your first post you mentioned about not buying an IHD... 

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