Smart Meters and Preparation for Eventual EV Charger

[MJNewton]

I am just in the process of moving supplier (to Octopus) and whilst I don't currently have a smart meter or require one for the new tariff I will opt for one when the opportunity arises. I was wondering: given the likelihood that I will one day require an EV charger is there anything I should be getting done when the smart meter gets fitted? It seems like the ideal opportunity (power off, all cabling disconnected etc) to do something (isolator? Henley block? etc) whether that formally or through bribes, sweet talking the installer etc.

 

Here's the current 'electricity cupboard':

 

 

At the very minimum I wouldn't want the new smart meter to be installed in such a way that might prove problematic for an eventual EV charger e.g it being fitted in such a way/location that doesn't leave space for whatever else will eventually be required so any advice as to what I should be requesting/suggesting would be welcome.

 

In case it is relevant, the consumer unit sits just above the cupboard in the photo (you can just about make out the tails and earth cable going up to it), and the EV charger would sit on the other side of an outside wall a few metres to the right.

[garrymartin]

Yes. Get an isolator if you can. Makes any future changes so much easier. Some companies will do this for nothing; others make a charge. Regardless, it isn't a massive expense and is worth it, but make sure you pre-arrange it otherwise the meter fitter may not a) have the parts and b) have the time to do it.

[MJNewton]

Thanks @garrymartin. Re the isolator (and/or anything else) I did wonder if it'd be worth me getting one just in case there wasn't one 'on the van' but, as you suggest, explicitly requesting it at the time of booking ought to mitigate that.

[Bozza]

Just make sure you get a mobile signal in there.  If the meter can’t communicate due to lack of signal you won’t be able to get cheap nightime tariff for car charging.  Currently have this problem myself.

 

 

[SuperJohnG]

On 29/08/2024 at 09:21, Bozza said:

Just make sure you get a mobile signal in there.  If the meter can’t communicate due to lack of signal you won’t be able to get cheap nightime tariff for car charging.  Currently have this problem myself.

 

 

I would second this. Total pain.

[MJNewton]

Just to follow up on this, spoke with Octopus and they were happy to fit an isolator at no charge. Due to scheduling issues it ended up being done in advance of having the smart meters fitted a couple of weeks later but now it's all done.

 

 

Edited October 9, 2024 by MJNewton