OVO Smart Meters

reeac

I complained to Ovo that I didn't know how to read their Smart Meter
(And I needed to as it was unable to transmit data in our mobile free zone.). They e-mailed me a guide as follows:
Key 1...usage today, key 2...usage this week, key 3....usage this month, key4...last months usage, key 5....co2 data,....key6. Tariff data-reading for Eco 7, key 7...credit balance (prepayment mode only), key 8.....debt balance. (Repayment mode only), key 9....meter reading ...the first number after IMP KWH. Numbers will scroll through quickly but you can press key B to repeat the cycle.
I printed out their e-mail and stapled it into their booklet "your guide to smart meter data" thus making it worth retaining.

bbhhome

My OVO smart meter story.

A while back, whilst on holiday, I received an email from OVO inviting me to apply for a Smart Meter, which I did upon returning home. The application process includes answering some questions, one of which asked if I have storage heaters (which I don't, but I do have Economy 7). So, a fitting was booked and a technician and helper turned up on the appointed day.

The smart meter was fitted and then the technician invited me to looked at the buttons to be pressed to access readings, as it wasn't finding a mobile phone signal. I asked him which button to press for night rate. He then realised he should have looked at the meter he was replacing and told me he'd have to swap back as Smart Meters can't cope with Economy 7. This he did and I immediately phoned OVO.

In my conversation with OVO I was told the mobile phone signal would not be an issue, as they would arrange fitting an aerial. He also told me that of course the meters could cope with Economy 7. I asked him to check this, which he did, coming back and confirming that was the case. He then told me they would arrange a new meter fitting and also make some form of (unspecified) goodwill action for my inconvenience suffered; all this would be done within 10 days.

That was on 20th August, 17 working days ago. Since when all I have had is an acknowledgement to my email requesting an update.

There may also be an issue with how the original meter is now operating, which I was told, if there is indeed a problem, would be rectified when the new meter is fitted. At least I still have an electricity supply!

Up to this episode I had found OVO, with whom I have been a customer for a few years, a reliable, competitive, unobtrusive supplier, with helpful customer service. Unfortunately, at the moment, they do seem to be going the extra mile to dent that reputation.

Watch this space.

bbhhome

Just received from OVO:


Thank you for your email and taking the time to contact us.


I am sorry that you have not have not had a good experience recently with Ovo Energy in relation to the installation of your Smart meters.

After speaking to our engineers they have advised that the reason a Smart meter was unable to be installed today is because your meter still has a 5th terminal.

A property has this if it has storage heaters. If the storage heaters have been removed the 5th terminal should be de-energised.

Before we are able to install the Smart meters, you will need to have a certified electrician check that it is de-energised and safe for a Smart meter to be installed.

Once this has been done, please contact us and we will be able to rebook your Smart meter installation.

reeac

The whole Smart meter thing is a good example of fallacious thinking. Just compare it with the water industry where they read or estimate consumption and Bill you accordingly just twice a year. The energy suppliers, however, think it desirable for consumers to have practically day by day knowledge of their consumption and financial balance and with that knowledge will reduce their consumption. Ovo fitted our place with a Smart meter and then discovered that we had no mobile phone signal so promised an antenna which we've been waiting 6 months for so far and meantime they expect me to send them a reading on the 6th. Of each month so that they can create a statement. They also won't reduce my excessive monthly payment because they don't really trust my meter readings even though they say that they owe me over £100. Crazy.