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Smurfhito
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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

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Blastoise186
Super User
Blastoise186Super User
Super User
May 31, 2024

Hi @Smurfhito ,

As we’ve said before, getting an IHD for an S1 Meter is an absolute nightmare. It’s unlikely any other supplier will be able to get you one, so if that’s the sole reason for switching you should probably reconsider.

The FASTEST way to get one is to use my guide:

 

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
    Rank 2
    May 31, 2024

    Thanks @Blastoise186 

    I’ve already spoken to Octopus Energy who confirmed that they can provide one for my meter if I were to join them. Fingers crossed they will be true to their word (unlike OVO).

    I begrudge paying for one. I’ve never had one before, work hard for a living, and pay my bills on time. I feel that frankly, I shouldn’t have to pay for something that every other household gets for free - although maybe I am mad, considering the amount of time I’ve spent trying to obtain one!

    Thanks for your advice today and previously, you’re an asset to the forum. It is appreciated.

      S
      Rank 2
      SmurfhitoAuthor
      Rank 2
      June 14, 2024

      Unbelievably, my IHD arrived today. I’m assuming I must be in some kind of mundane dream (dammit, dreaming of IHDs again)! But on the off chance I’m not, I’m doing as promised and letting you know when it was received. 
       

      For any stats fans, the current wait time for a SMETS1 IHD from Ovo, at least in my case, was 452 days (mine was first requested on 21 March 2023). 
       

      Good luck to anyone trying to get hold of one, I hope you get yours quicker than I got mine!

        Abby_OVO
        Community Manager
        Abby_OVO
        Community Manager
        June 17, 2024

        Hi @Smurfhito 


        I’m glad to hear you’ve received an IHD for your SMETS1 - I know these have been in high demand with such low stock throughout all suppliers so I’m glad you’ve managed to get one.

         

        Keep us updated with how you get on and if you’ve got any other questions always feel free to pop back to the Forum.🙂

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        OVO Energy Ltd, Floor 5, Crescent, Temple Back, Redcliffe, BS1 6EZ, (Company no. 06890795) registered in England and Wales.

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