Smart meter installed - IHD useless.

Marksfish

Take a look here and see if your meter is working in smart mode: https://smartmetercheck.citizensadvice.org.uk/

mmmmikey

To explain what happens in non-technical terms and what's happening while you wait:

There are two separate communication networks at play on One between the smart meter and your energy supplier and another one between your smart meter and the IHD. 

The sequence of events is along the lines of:

 1. The installer makes sure the network between the smart meter and your energy supplier is working.

2. The energy supplier then uses that network connection to make sure the smart meter is running the latest "app" (smart meters are small computers that need "apps", known as firmware in this context, to work) and updates it if needed.

3. The supplier then loads various settings on the meter. This includes things like details of your tariff and security details to allow your smart meter to communicate with your IHD. Your IHD won't work until this bit is done.

Depending on the suppliers process, who manufactured the meter and who supplied it, the security information that allows the meter and IHD to communicate can be already installed, and the meter may already have the latest app/firmware so the time it takes varies. 

GibbsRule_No3.

Mine was working and I had a green light when not using electricity and a red light when it was using things, kettle etc. Recently it keeps telling me the electricity supply is disconnected, yet it is still telling me how much I am using per day on the display and is sending the details. I've turned it off, taken batteries out, put them back, new ones, left it in the shed where the meter is all to no avail, still says wait until the electricity supply is connected. That green light gives out a really useful glow in the middle of the night, if I need a trip to the loo or kitchen. The fact it is sending details probably means I needn't worry (lots of my friends don't even use the IHD, as others have said it resides in a draw, unused) but that little green light is useful when dark so I'd like it back.

bob2302

danco said:

I dop't think an IHD is particularly useful. But if you can get an Octopus Mini (there was a waiting list at one point, don't know if one still has to wait) I do recommend it.

For me it was the other way around. My IHD updates electricity readings every 10s, compared with 60s for the Mini, which makes it more useful for making measurements to tune energy use. I also use it for monitoring, so I know if I've left anything switched on.

I've not yet found a real practical use for the mini. 

Swipe

It's probably not been commissioned yet although the IHD should still work before commissioning takes place. However, I have seen a post on here where it hasn't until it was completed. Have a look via https://homebrew.n3rgy.com/ and see what that comes back with (probably nothing though until it has been commissioned by the DCC). Not sure if you need to register with https://www.n3rgy.com/consumer-sign-up/ first though before that homebrew link will retrieve your data. No harm in trying it first though.

FreeBear

danco said:

I dop't think an IHD is particularly useful. But if you can get an Octopus Mini (there was a waiting list at one point, don't know if one still has to wait) I do recommend it.

I'm not that impressed with the Home Mini. Having to use the Octopus website to get access to the data is irksome, and gas appears to be 2-3 hours behind actual usage. The Mini would be much more useful if it would connect to my MQTT server directly like a Hidebrand Glow. Unfortunately Octopus are not interested in adding MQTT functionality to their device.

Spoonie_Turtle

FreeBear said:

danco said:

I dop't think an IHD is particularly useful. But if you can get an Octopus Mini (there was a waiting list at one point, don't know if one still has to wait) I do recommend it.

I'm not that impressed with the Home Mini. Having to use the Octopus website to get access to the data is irksome, and gas appears to be 2-3 hours behind actual usage. 

I would imagine most people use the app.  Unless you mean downloading data, but I don't know that that's any different from any other supplier / setup.

Sterlingtimes

I am watching this thread.

I had replacement smart meters installed over three weeks ago. 
Installer left with four green lights flashing every 5 seconds
A new IHD was handed to me in a sealed box

Good
Electricity data is collected regularly.

Bad
Much gas data are incorrect or missing
IHD will not connect. Waiting for Octopus to advise
Octopus Mini will not connect
There has been a problem - Citizens Advice indicates no smart meters installed.
N3RGY shows no incident of smart meter
Loop no data
Hugo no data

Something appears to be seriously incomplete. 

B0bbyEwing

Just to come back with an update as Octopus responded to me.

Basically I need to give it a couple week for it all to do its thing so to speak. Everything should be sorted within 2 week.

Allegedly. 

Netexporter

Yes, I was told it could take up to two weeks to complete the connection, As it happened mine was working, including the IHD, within a hour or so.