Umair Gaines
If you're experiencing issues with your electricity, there are a few things you can try. First, if you have a smart meter, locate the isolation switch (usually a single red switch) next to it and ensure it's in the on position. You can also try performing a hard reset by unplugging all electrical appliances, switching off the main breaker, waiting a few minutes, and then turning the power back on. If you have a Pay As You Go meter, simply insert your payment card into the meter and follow the prompts to restore power. For more complex issues, it's always best to seek professional help or contact your energy provider for guidance.
How to turn your electricity back on
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Smart meter | Locate the single red switch next to your smart meter and turn it on. |
| Hard reset | Turn off all appliances, switch off the main breaker, wait for 5 minutes, and switch the main breaker back on. |
| Pay-as-you-go meter | Insert your payment card into the meter and press and release button "A". |
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What You'll Learn
Locate the isolation switch next to your smart meter and turn it on
If your smart meter does not have an isolation switch, you will need to book a separate appointment to get one installed. This is because an isolation switch is not a standard part of a smart meter installation. The installation will also come with a charge.
An isolation switch, also known as a double-pole isolator, is a piece of equipment that can be installed on a metering supply to allow the supply to be de-energized post-meter. It is designed to act as a circuit breaker on the mains electrical supply so that any electrical work that needs to be done can be carried out safely by a private electrician.
The isolation switch should be fitted after the meter but before the consumer unit. If you have a smart meter installed already, you can schedule an isolation switch installation as a non-essential maintenance job.
If you have a tame electrician on hand, you can provide your own isolator switch and fit the input side with the appropriate meter tails. When the meter installer arrives, they will isolate your supply, remove the old meter, and install the new one. Instead of connecting the existing tails from your consumer unit, they can connect the tails to your isolator switch.
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Perform a hard reset on your smart meter
Smart meters are prone to glitches and connectivity issues, just like any other piece of technology. A hard reset is often the solution to such problems.
If your smart meter is making strange noises or beeping, you should first refer to the manual to see if this is normal. If the manual doesn't mention any such sounds, or if you've ruled out all other causes but the lights are still flashing, then you have a glitch, and a reset will solve this issue.
To perform a hard reset on your smart meter, you must first locate the buttons on the device. On the smart meter's LCD screen, press and hold the right button (with the 3 circular arrows) for 3 seconds to enter the sub-menu. From here, you can use short presses on the same button to navigate to the 'set menu' and enter it by holding the button down. Once in the 'set menu', you will find the 'rSt cnt menu'. Enter this menu by holding the right button, and you will see the following options:
- Rst1 - In kWh
- Rst2 - in out kvarh
- Rst3 - kVAh
- Rst4 - out kWh
- Rst All - all the counters
Select the value you want to reset by pressing the right button, then press and hold to reset it.
Please note that resets are more likely to resolve software glitches. They may not fix connectivity issues if there is a fault with your network or an obstacle blocking the signal between the smart meter and the IHD. If the reset does not produce the desired results, consult your utility provider for further assistance.
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Top up your Pay As You Go meter
If you have a Pay As You Go meter, you can top it up by following these steps:
Firstly, locate your Smarter Pay As You Go Meter, which should be beside your fuse board. Then, press button 'A' followed by button 'B'. Alternatively, if your meter requires batteries, ensure there are two AA batteries in your In-Home Monitor. Turn it on with the button on the left-hand side, press 'Restore', and then 'Confirm'. If you have added enough credit, you should hear a click, indicating that your power has been restored.
It is important to note that your power may be disconnected if your meter runs out of credit. However, during Credit Friendly times, you will not be disconnected. These times typically include weekdays between 5 pm and 9 am (late March to October) and 4 pm to 8 am (late October to March). Weekends and holidays are also considered Credit Friendly times, with specific dates listed by your provider.
If your power has been disconnected due to non-payment, you will need to resolve the issue by paying your outstanding bill and any associated fees. Contact your electricity provider to determine the amount owed and make the necessary payment. They may be able to offer assistance or arrange a payment plan to help manage your costs. Additionally, some providers offer plans with lower rates or more flexible payment options, so consider exploring alternative providers.
Remember, it is crucial to take any official disconnection notice seriously and communicate with your provider if you are experiencing difficulties in managing your energy bills.
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Activate emergency credit
If you have a Pay As You Go meter and your balance falls below £1-£2, your meter will offer you the option to use emergency credit. This emergency credit ensures that your home has electricity or gas until you can top up again. The amount of emergency credit offered is usually around £10.
To activate emergency credit on your Pay As You Go meter, insert your top-up key into the meter. If the key is already in the meter, remove and re-insert it. You will receive a confirmation message that the emergency credit has been activated, along with the amount of credit remaining on your meter.
If you have a Smart Pay As You Go meter, you can activate emergency credit on your In-Home Display. If the meter screen is off, press either button once to turn it on. The screen will display a message about activating emergency credit. Press either button once more to activate it.
It is important to note that if your supply is already cut off, ensure that all electrical appliances are switched off before activating emergency credit. If you run out of credit, your supply will not be shut off. Instead, the cost of any energy you use will be added to your meter as debt and will be deducted the next time you top up.
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Call your energy supplier for help
If you've tried the switch on your smart meter and are still unable to turn your electricity back on, you should call your energy supplier for help. They will be able to help you diagnose the issue and find a solution.
When you call, be prepared to provide detailed information about the problem you're experiencing. It may be helpful to have your account information and meter number ready. The customer service representative may ask you to describe the issue, including any error messages or codes you're seeing on your smart meter. They may also guide you through some basic troubleshooting steps to try and resolve the issue.
If the issue is with your smart meter, the energy supplier may be able to reset it remotely. They can also check for any known issues or outages in your area that could be causing the problem. If necessary, they can send out a technician to inspect your meter and ensure it is functioning correctly.
By calling your energy supplier, you can receive expert assistance and get your electricity back on as quickly as possible. They will be able to provide tailored advice and support based on your specific situation, so don't hesitate to reach out if you're experiencing issues with your electricity supply.
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Frequently asked questions
First, locate the isolation switch next to your smart meter. This is usually a single red switch. Ensure that the switch is in the "on" position. If it is off, turn it on and check if your electricity comes back on. If this does not work, try performing a hard reset on your smart meter.
First, unplug or turn off all electrical appliances in your home to avoid any sudden surges when the power is restored. Then, locate your electrical panel and switch off the main breaker. Wait for about 5 minutes, allowing the system to reset. Finally, turn the main breaker back on and try to turn on your smart meter.
To switch your power back on, insert your payment card into the meter. You will then be asked to press and release button “A”.
