Skip to main content
Emmanuelle_OVO
Retired Moderator
Retired Moderator
October 23, 2018

How can OVO help in the event of a bereavement?

  • October 23, 2018
  • 51 replies
  • 12806 views
How can OVO help in the event of a bereavement?

Updated on 24/06/26 by Ben_OVO

 

What to do if an OVO account holder passes away

 

We understand that this can be a difficult time, and we want you to know that we'll do everything we can to make handling their energy account as simple as possible.

 

We appreciate that calling us might not be something you want to do right now so instead, you can follow this link to fill out an online form. You can also contact our dedicated team via webchat, or send an email to bereavement@ovoenergy.com.

 

If you would like to speak with one of the team on the phone, you can call 0330 175 9683 Monday - Friday from 9am to 5pm.

 

If you’re the executor of the estate, you can help us by gathering the following details before you call:

 

  • Your name and contact details (including your phone number and address)

  • Any details of the OVO account holder you might have – like their full name, postcode, or date of birth

  • The contact details for the executor or the person taking over the energy account (in case that won’t be you)

  • The meter readings from the home we supply, if you’re able to get them – here’s a guide on how to read the meter and send the readings

 

If you're not the executor of the estate, you can still let us know the account holder has passed away. We'll then need to arrange to talk to the executor of the estate – so if you can, please let us know their contact details when you get in touch.

 

 

Changes that may happen

 

If you’re already a named contact on the account or are taking ownership following the passing of a spouse or partner, we no longer require you to close the existing account. Speak to our dedicated team who will talk you through the steps required to get the account details updated.

 

If you’re taking over the account and you weren’t previously named on the account, you may have a new account created, with new online account login details and a new plan. We’ll make this process as easy to handle as possible.

 

 

There’s also independent advice available

 

For free, independent advice on dealing with the energy account of someone who passed away, you might also want to contact these organisations:

 

 

 

Need more help?

This topic is now closed, so you won’t be able to reply here. If your question hasn’t been answered or you need more advice, feel free to ask the community — we’re here to help!

 

Give us your feedback!

Was this article helpful? Is our Library missing content? Share your anonymous feedback here and help us improve!

This topic has been closed for replies.

51 replies

Newcomer
April 20, 2023

My late parents home was sold on 12 th January this year and I forwarded final bill reading to our solicitor who is administering the estate . He in turn advised OVO who produced a bill six weeks later. This was incorrect and he queried it. I have spoken to the solicitor today and he advised he has still not had a response. This matter is holding up the finalisation of my parents estate and according to my solicitor there is nothing we can do about it. Can anyone advise what if anything can be downloaded be in this situation.

Newcomer
April 20, 2023

That should read done in this situation.

Blastoise186
Super User
Super User
April 20, 2023

Good evening @Christopher 1 ,

I’m one of the forum volunteers. We’re sorry for your loss.

This sounds like something that might need a bit more knowledge than we’ve got. I’ve gone ahead and placed a marker against this thread to ask the forum moderators to stop by. They should see it when they next check in.

If I can help with anything else, please let me know

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!
Newcomer
April 20, 2023

Thank you for your assistance.

Jeffus
Rank 20
Rank 20
April 20, 2023

Thank you for your assistance.

Hi @Christopher 1

Sorry to hear that. 

While you are waiting for one of the moderators, probably tomorrow morning now. 

You may already know this, but in case it helps there is a dedicated email address and phone number that may help

https://www.ovoenergy.com/help/bereavement

6 weeks for a final bill is the maximum under the ofgem rules, shame there were queries about it. 

Newcomer
April 21, 2023

Thank you for responding.  My solicitor wrote over six weeks ago querying the final bill. When I spoke to him yesterday he had had no response and was basically saying its the way it is with energy companies. I appreciate  there is a standard time to produce the initial bill but to be able to ignore a query for a further six weeks seems excessive.

Emmanuelle_OVO
Retired Moderator
Retired Moderator
April 24, 2023

Hey @Christopher 1,

 

Do you know how the Solicitor has attempted to contact OVO?

 

The best way to contact us is by calling our dedicated team on 0330 175 9683 or emailing bereavement@ovoenergy.com.

Renewable Energy? Big Fan.
Newcomer
April 24, 2023

He has been in contact by both letter and phone on several occasions. All of which will be billed to the estate.

He spoke to OVO on Friday and now believes  OVO have finally acknowledged  their mistake and have agreed to producing another final bill. Coincidentally ,following the advice received  on this forum , I have raised the issue with the Bereavement dept. and am awaiting a reply . Hopefully  between us we will receive  a response.

 

It really is the last thing any family deserves following a bereavement. There should be far stricter regulation around final bills relating to deceased customers. Our solicitor advises us that it is all part of the "appallingly  low standards" he regularly  encounters from energy companies.

Jeffus
Rank 20
Rank 20
April 24, 2023

He has been in contact by both letter and phone on several occasions. All of which will be billed to the estate.

He spoke to OVO on Friday and now believes  OVO have finally acknowledged  their mistake and have agreed to producing another final bill. Coincidentally ,following the advice received  on this forum , I have raised the issue with the Bereavement dept. and am awaiting a reply . Hopefully  between us we will receive  a response.

 

It really is the last thing any family deserves following a bereavement. There should be far stricter regulation around final bills relating to deceased customers. Our solicitor advises us that it is all part of the "appallingly  low standards" he regularly  encounters from energy companies.

Hi @Christopher 1 

Would you mind sharing what the actual issue was with the final bill your solicitor received. 

It may help other people who visit this customer forum in the future about what to watch out for. 

Newcomer
April 24, 2023

The error  relates to OVO producing a bill claiming a four figure debt is outstanding  based on their estimated readings despite the property being empty for twelve months and paying bills by direct debit until April 2022. I provided photographic evidence of meter readings on the day of sale which were immediately sent to OVO. We were prepared to accept that there is a six to eight week delay in producing a final bill. However when it was clearly wrong and a solicitors letter was sent pointing the error out the very least that would be expected is a prompt reply. It is now over 12 weeks since we complied with the requirement to submit immediate final readings and OVO haven't seen fit to have the courtesy of replying to our solicitor . 

Not sure what it will teach other customers but if you will forgive me I feel I have posted enough on the for now. I feel pretty exhausted with the entire matter and just hope that it will be resolved shortly.