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Meet the new Charge Anytime!

  • September 24, 2025
  • 319 replies
  • 15106 views
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319 replies

Forum|alt.badge.img+1
  • Rank 5
  • September 24, 2025

How to shaft your loyal customers or soon to be ex customers 🤬🤬🤬🤬🤬


  • Newcomer
  • September 24, 2025

Increasing the 7p to 14p pKWh is disgraceful and pure profiteering. I’ve literally just renewed my energy tariff with you for an extra year because of the cheap EV charging rate, I don’t use it a lot do I don’t want to sign up and pay for a contract. I only wanted to be on PAYG. Why is this company profiteering like this and not thinking about the financial difficulties that customers are already going through? Disgusting 


Forum|alt.badge.img+2
  • Newcomer
  • September 24, 2025

Received an email from OVO saying they are scrapping the 7p kWh charging. 

If Octopus is keeping the 7p kWh. Why should we stay with OVO? 

Jumping ship to Octopus (for example) may not be as good as staying with OVO. It depends on your circumstances. This is definitely a case for a spreadsheet analysis.

In my case, The standard unit rate for OVO and Octopus are virtually the same (as near as dammit) but Octopus’ standing charge rate is 60.10p per day, whereas OVO is 40.29p. Also, Octopus Go only gives you 5 hours charging overnight, and Intelligent Go requires Octopus to control the charging.

OVO provides a lot more flexibility as to when you can charge. It’s not always convenient to only have cheap charging at night. I haven’t tried to analyse this in more detail yet, but I suspect the two offerings will work out about the same as far as cost is concerned.

As a quick back of a napkin calculation:
Octopus @ 60.1p standing charge = £18.03 in a 30-day month.
OVO @ 40.29p standard rate = £12.09 in a 30-day month.
That’s a difference of £5.94. At 14p/kWh, this equates to 42.4kWh you get from savings on the standing charge.

YMMV, so you’ll need to work it out for yourself.


Blastoise186
Super User
Forum|alt.badge.img+8
  • Super User
  • September 24, 2025

You do not have to do anything to remain on the PAYG option for Charge Anytime - just leave things alone and you’ll get that automatically.

The only change would be the new rates - that’s it.


Forum|alt.badge.img+1
  • Rank 5
  • September 24, 2025

You do not have to do anything to remain on the PAYG option for Charge Anytime - just leave things alone and you’ll get that automatically.

The only change would be the new rates - that’s it.

Yeah the new DOUBLE the cost rates! Joke of a company. Still ovo's loss is octopus, eons gain. Not that I suspect ovo will care 🤬


  • Newcomer
  • September 24, 2025

Don’t necessarily be too quick to jump ship.

I too was disgusted when I saw the email this morning and immediately started looking at moving to Octopus.  However, I noted that for their smart EV tariff, the electricity day rate is currently about 25% more expensive than my current rate with OVO (and the latter is fixed until Sept next year), 29.88p vs my current 23.73p.  Also their standing charge is also more expensive; 58.21pm vs my current 55.88p

So about an hour or so later after some data analysis on my bills/usage breakdown.  If I were to keep my usage patterns as they are and switch to Octopus, it would actually cost me ever so slightly more than OVO at the increased EV charge rate of 14p.  If I were to change my usage pattern; i.e. try to run dishwasher, washing machine etc overnight then it may be a little bit cheaper, but is it worth the hassle to switch?

For me, I’ve decided the answer is no.  I should probably hang on until my fixed is up and then see what the numbers are at the time.

Now, I know everyone’s usage is different, but you may want to look at the actual numbers in a little more detail before making the jump and assuming it’s going to save you money overall.

For information, I do about 13k miles a year and pretty much all my EV charging is done at home.

 


  • Newcomer
  • September 24, 2025

5000 miles a year at 7p kw is about £100. So new charge is £200. Losing standing order customers with £2-300 per month. Not sure OVO know how to run a business. 


Forum|alt.badge.img+1
  • Rank 5
  • September 24, 2025

Don’t necessarily be too quick to jump ship.

I too was disgusted when I saw the email this morning and immediately started looking at moving to Octopus.  However, I noted that for their smart EV tariff, the electricity day rate is currently about 25% more expensive than my current rate with OVO (and the latter is fixed until Sept next year), 29.88p vs my current 23.73p.  Also their standing charge is also more expensive; 58.21pm vs my current 55.88p

So about an hour or so later after some data analysis on my bills/usage breakdown.  If I were to keep my usage patterns as they are and switch to Octopus, it would actually cost me ever so slightly more than OVO at the increased EV charge rate of 14p.  If I were to change my usage pattern; i.e. try to run dishwasher, washing machine etc overnight then it may be a little bit cheaper, but is it worth the hassle to switch?

For me, I’ve decided the answer is no.  I should probably hang on until my fixed is up and then see what the numbers are at the time.

Now, I know everyone’s usage is different, but you may want to look at the actual numbers in a little more detail before making the jump and assuming it’s going to save you money overall.

For information, I do about 13k miles a year and pretty much all my EV charging is done at home.

 

I agree I will be doing the maths but it's not good for us, the wife does about 2000 miles a month and I do about 900


  • Newcomer
  • September 24, 2025

I’ve had an Indra Charger installed by OVO.  
I’ve had a Tado thermostat purchased and installed via OVO. 
I’ve spent £13,000 on solar and batteries with OVO. 
 

Despite all this loyalty i’ve had nothing but hassle with them and this is the push i need. 14ppkwh is a joke and the consultation and communication leading up to this change has been non-existent.

 

It appears to me that OVO are going down the route or insurance products and thats how they maximise profits.  Constant emails and notifications about boiler cover, EV Charger cover, small appliances, emergency repairs….. 
 

I, like many others, will leave. Do you really think the type of people who spend their hard earned money of EVs and Solar/Battery are stupid?  Clearly they do. 


Forum|alt.badge.img+1
  • Rank 5
  • September 24, 2025

And the marketing that makes it sound that the new charge anytime is doing us a favour 😂😂😂 I'm not interested in all the associated junk that comes with the subscription, not needed and not wanted, I just want to charge our cars cheaply and easily 🤬🤬🤬


Forum|alt.badge.img+1
  • Rank 5
  • September 24, 2025

So my wife does 2000 miles a month, *edited by mod*, you have NOTHING to offer us 🤬🤬🤬🤬🤬


Forum|alt.badge.img+2
  • Newcomer
  • September 24, 2025

I have just received the email. ☹️


Forum|alt.badge.img
  • Rank 4
  • September 24, 2025

Now that Charge Anytime is (at least) doubling in price, I, and I suspect almost everyone else, will be leaving OVO.

The question is, where to go to?

I know Octopus Intelligent Go is often thought of as the best alternative, but it’s a variable tariff and may well get expensive this winter.

What about E.On Next Drive Fixed? It is -er- fixed rather than variable, and it offers 7 hours per night of cheap EV charging.

Or, how about British Gas? They too offer a fixed tariff, with 5 hours of EV charging at 7.9p?

I’m going to switch ASAP - just need to know where to!


Forum|alt.badge.img+1
  • Rank 5
  • September 24, 2025

Totally in the same boat! Wife does about 2000 miles a month, company car and she has a large patch. So OVO basically has NOTHING to offer us anymore 🤬🤬🤬🤬🤬 I'm about to get an EV and even I do about 1000 miles a month as my commute is 50 miles a day 🤬🤬 utterly gob smacked with this! 🤬🤬🤬


Forum|alt.badge.img+1
  • Rank 4
  • September 24, 2025

I have just come off the phone after speaking to Hannah. 
she says that yes it is going up to 14p/kWh but it will stay the same (7p/kwh) for owners of VWs as they have an agreement with Volkswagen.

I am lucky that I do have a VW but if you are looking to move suppliers and are in a contract, OVO will waive the exit fees - once you fill their form in which you can access via the email they sent you.


Forum|alt.badge.img+1
  • Rank 2
  • September 24, 2025

@Troyser good to know they will drop the exit fees. 


Forum|alt.badge.img+2
  • Newcomer
  • September 24, 2025

I’m getting more frustrated on a daily basis. Support for my Ohme charger was dropped, so I had to control charging via my Kia EV. Charging through the EV is completely unreliable and much of my charging is at the full rate. Now the 7p rate is going up to 14p which is 100% increase. Now considering that Ovo are paid to take surplus electricity in low usage periods, it’s sharp practice.

I use about 150kWh per month which is £21 at 14p per kWH - so I definitely will not be subscribing.

it’s spreadsheet time . . .

 

 


  • Newcomer
  • September 24, 2025

Don’t necessarily be too quick to jump ship.

I too was disgusted when I saw the email this morning and immediately started looking at moving to Octopus.  However, I noted that for their smart EV tariff, the electricity day rate is currently about 25% more expensive than my current rate with OVO (and the latter is fixed until Sept next year), 29.88p vs my current 23.73p.  Also their standing charge is also more expensive; 58.21pm vs my current 55.88p

So about an hour or so later after some data analysis on my bills/usage breakdown.  If I were to keep my usage patterns as they are and switch to Octopus, it would actually cost me ever so slightly more than OVO at the increased EV charge rate of 14p.  If I were to change my usage pattern; i.e. try to run dishwasher, washing machine etc overnight then it may be a little bit cheaper, but is it worth the hassle to switch?

For me, I’ve decided the answer is no.  I should probably hang on until my fixed is up and then see what the numbers are at the time.

Now, I know everyone’s usage is different, but you may want to look at the actual numbers in a little more detail before making the jump and assuming it’s going to save you money overall.

For information, I do about 13k miles a year and pretty much all my EV charging is done at home.

 

One thing to take into account is that ALL your energy usage is charged at 7p /kwh rather than just your car, so potentially putting the washer/dryer on at the same time, could overall reduce your energy cost compared to a fixed rate tarriff at a lower rate.

My sister in law is on Go and this is how it works for her.


Forum|alt.badge.img
  • Rank 2
  • September 24, 2025

I do around 20000 miles a year. First ovo stick a fair usage and now this.  No way are my paying double the rate to charge my car.  Plenty of others still offering 7p a kWh.  Contract ends in January  but the link from the email it has a form to leave without penalty.  So I’m going straight  away.  
 

And why would you pay for the monthly sub? The premium one works out at 16p a kwh. More than pay as you go. MADNESS. 


Forum|alt.badge.img+1
  • Rank 5
  • September 24, 2025

Utter shambles. We'll be off ASAP wife does 2000 miles a month and I'm. Just about to get an EV and do 1000 miles a month


Forum|alt.badge.img+3
  • Rank 4
  • September 24, 2025

I will need to do the calculations, which are made more complicated by the fact we have two EV’s, a compatible Indra charger, solar panels and batteries. I also have lots of public charging credit carried over from Bonnet. My Ovo contract runs to the end of June 2026 so unless I can save more than the £75 early exit fee, including the fact my fixed prices are lower than the October prices, it’s not worth my while changing supplier.


  • Newcomer
  • September 24, 2025

Don’t necessarily be too quick to jump ship.

I too was disgusted when I saw the email this morning and immediately started looking at moving to Octopus.  However, I noted that for their smart EV tariff, the electricity day rate is currently about 25% more expensive than my current rate with OVO (and the latter is fixed until Sept next year), 29.88p vs my current 23.73p.  Also their standing charge is also more expensive; 58.21pm vs my current 55.88p

So about an hour or so later after some data analysis on my bills/usage breakdown.  If I were to keep my usage patterns as they are and switch to Octopus, it would actually cost me ever so slightly more than OVO at the increased EV charge rate of 14p.  If I were to change my usage pattern; i.e. try to run dishwasher, washing machine etc overnight then it may be a little bit cheaper, but is it worth the hassle to switch?

For me, I’ve decided the answer is no.  I should probably hang on until my fixed is up and then see what the numbers are at the time.

Now, I know everyone’s usage is different, but you may want to look at the actual numbers in a little more detail before making the jump and assuming it’s going to save you money overall.

For information, I do about 13k miles a year and pretty much all my EV charging is done at home.

 

One thing to take into account is that ALL your energy usage is charged at 7p /kwh rather than just your car, so potentially putting the washer/dryer on at the same time, could overall reduce your energy cost compared to a fixed rate tarriff at a lower rate.

My sister in law is on Go and this is how it works for her.

Yes, I’ve taken that into account and I would definitely have to run some appliances overnight to make it worthwhile.  In fact, my calculations were based on the last couple of months which is actually when daytime house electricity usage is lower, so in the winter with more lights on etc, at the higher rate the difference will be further in OVO’s favour.  I’m going to play around with some more scenarios but for me, I don’t think it’s worth the switch based on my current tariff even though I would love to leave OVO for continuing to mess us around.  Also, given that Charge Anytime is an ‘add-on’ rather than a change to my tariff, I suspect they’d argue that I’d still have to pay the exit fee to get out of my fixed.

I suspect I’ll make the switch when my fixed is up in a year.

I guess my main point was that some people may switch based on the cost of EV charging without realising that another supplier may end up costing them more, or the same, for their overall electricity bill.  So it’s worth a more detailed look into the numbers.


Forum|alt.badge.img+1
  • Rank 5
  • September 24, 2025

Lucky our fixed rate expires in 2 days so nothing keeping us with ovo. Just the hassle of moving 🤬


Forum|alt.badge.img
  • Rank 2
  • September 24, 2025

There is no exit fee.  Just need to fill the charge anytime exit fee removal form.  It’s well hidden but it’s in the link from the email.  


Forum|alt.badge.img+2
  • Newcomer
  • September 24, 2025

I have just come off the phone after speaking to Hannah. 
she says that yes it is going up to 14p/kWh but it will stay the same (7p/kwh) for owners of VWs as they have an agreement with Volkswagen.

I am lucky that I do have a VW but if you are looking to move suppliers and are in a contract, OVO will waive the exit fees - once you fill their form in which you can access via the email they sent you.

Are you sure that Hannah has given you the full information?

According to the OVO website:
To be eligible to receive the 7p per kWh rate, Volkswagen Group partnership customers must have submitted an eligible order number and received their free miles credit through our Retail or Company Car offers. Volkswagen Group includes Audi, Skoda, CUPRA, and Volkswagen and eligible vehicles include fully electric vehicles ordered through Retail or Company Car channels before the 30th September 2025. Volvo customers must have an eligible model and be smart charging through the Volvo Cars App. More details on partnership eligibility can be found in our Charge Anytime FAQs. This will appear on your bill as a second Charge Anytime Credit. Full terms and conditions can be found here for Volvo and here for Volkswagen Group