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Smurfhito
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April 19, 2023
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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

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SmurfhitoAuthor
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April 20, 2023

Ok, that’s great, thanks guys.  I suppose my next question is, does this mean that Ovo could in fact have an IHD in stock that they could send to me? (as they promised before I switched over to Ovo). 

Jeffus
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Jeffus
Rank 20
April 20, 2023

Ok, that’s great, thanks guys.  I suppose my next question is, does this mean that Ovo could in fact have an IHD in stock that they could send to me? (as they promised before I switched over to Ovo). 

Let's do one more check

Run the compatibility check on the ivie website, what does that say

https://ivie.co.uk/product/ivie-bud/

    Blastoise186
    Super User
    Blastoise186Super User
    Super User
    April 20, 2023

    I’m afraid OVO’s ability to get S1 compatible stock is extremely limited, potentially impossible. Last I heard was that over 99% of it gets dedicated towards PAYG customers who absolutely need one to be able to manage their PAYG credit.

    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!
      S
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      SmurfhitoAuthor
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      April 20, 2023

      Thanks, I’ve run the Ivie compatabiliy check, and it says that both my meters are compatible with the Ivie Bud.  Would that make any difference when it comes to IHDs that Ovo might have in stock?

      Jeffus
      Rank 20
      Jeffus
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      April 20, 2023

      Ok, that’s great, thanks guys.  I suppose my next question is, does this mean that Ovo could in fact have an IHD in stock that they could send to me? (as they promised before I switched over to Ovo). 

      I don't personally know the answer to that question so i won't try and guess 😊

        Blastoise186
        Super User
        Blastoise186Super User
        Super User
        April 20, 2023

        Not really. OVO doesn’t partner with ivie nor Hildebrand so can’t prove those models.

        The ivie Bud is based off of the Chameleon IHD7-CAD, but is running different firmware which means it cannot be managed by an energy supplier.

        I have known OVO to work with Chameleon and (especially recently) Geo a lot but that seems to be mostly to get new stock in for new installs.

        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!
          Firedog
          Super User
          FiredogSuper User
          Super User
          April 20, 2023

          Just a couple of comments:

          1. My Secure Liberty 110 meter (the same as the Liberty 100, but with multi-rate capability to allow for, say, Economy 7 tariffs) was adopted a couple of months ago.
            1. It was a few weeks before the Citizens Advice tool cottoned on to the fact.
            2. I had an email from OVO confirming the migration almost three weeks after the event.
          2. The Secure Pipit 500 IHD that came with the meter seven years ago took the migration in its stride with barely a hiccup. It still works as well as it has ever done. It has the advantage over some others of allowing me to see the actual meter readings in real time.

          Mine is an electricity-only set-up, so gas may complicate things a bit.

          Noel | I have no official status; I'm just a volunteer who comes here to help other customers. My gear: Aclara SGM 1416-B Electricity-only E7 meter; Chameleon IHD3-PPMID-AAA | It may look as if I know what I’m talking about, but don’t let that fool you. |
            Blastoise186
            Super User
            Blastoise186Super User
            Super User
            April 20, 2023

            This whole thread does make me wonder though… Is there scope for a special solution…

            Perhaps some way for OVO to offer a special deal or something on an ivie Bud and/or Hildebrand Glow IHD under certain cases…

            Or a way to pay it off over time via your electric bill at a reasonable rate of say, £2 a month (which obviously drops from the bill once paid off)...

            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
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              Jeffus
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              April 20, 2023

              Hi @Smurfhito So given what we know i suspect it was an honest mistake you were told ovo could supply an IHD, and they honestly haven't got any.

              If you want you could put in a complaint about the information you were given, expecially if you have something in writing. 

              https://www.ovoenergy.com/feedback

              Ask for £69.99 to cover the cost of the Glow IHD.

              If they reject the complaint or don't decide within 8 weeks, ask the Energy Ombudsman to rule. 

              Unfortunately suppliers are under no obligation to provide replacements outside warranty so you may not be successful. 

              S
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              SmurfhitoAuthor
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              April 20, 2023

              Thanks for your advice and suggestions guys, I’ll definitely consider that.  I shall hang fire for a day or two, just in case an Ovo rep might be able to help us come to a solution on this forum. 

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