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Rank 1
August 8, 2017
Solved

Why am I being forced to change my Direct Debit?

  • August 8, 2017
  • 107 replies
  • 14308 views

Anyone else being forced to change their direct debit due to 'impending debt'?
Apparently OVO don't think my current direct debit level will cover the final amount owing for the year, so they've already sent me two letters from their Collections Department, talking about 'how much debt' they think I will have if I don't rectify my payment. Bear in mind I haven't missed a payment and have been pretty good at giving monthly readings, so I'm not in 'debt', as they so succinctly put it, they just think I will be, despite the 'shortfall' being quite manageable.
OK, so I acquiesce to this veiled threat from Collections and attempt to increase my direct debit payment. But it turns out I can't choose what that level is, they decide based on what they think I'm going to owe.
This would be great, however their projections for what they think my overall useage will be have been found to be wildly inaccurate.

OVO, I'm a grown-ass man, I think I should be allowed to decide whether I think I need to change my direct debit payment and to which level - or, conversely, receive a bill at the end of the year to cover any shortfall - it should be my choice.

Undoubtedly you will come back and regale us with the usual corporate flannel - 'well we do this to protect the customer form big bills', 'we've only got your best interests at heart', 'some people don't like being surprised by a big bill at the end of the year'.

I've got to say, I switched from British Gas for a similar reason (and received a massive payment at the end for their continued incompetence regarding estimated bills), but my experience thus far has not been much better, which is a damning endictment given the corporate ineptitude that British Gas display daily.

As an aside, the app is still rubbish. You've been trying to fix the thing for months now, to no avail. Maybe funnel some resources in to interface management as opposed to haranguing customers for mythical debt.

Best answer by Lucy_OVO

Updated on 04/09/26 by Ben_OVO

 

We review Direct Debits on a rolling basis to safeguard customers from falling into arrears. Below you’ll find the info you need about how we set up and review Direct Debits:

 

 

How does OVO work out my monthly Direct Debit?

 

The aim is to make sure you have credit for 1 month’s payment in your OVO account by the end of March. This is to help cover any change in your home energy use over the course of the year. 

 

For new customers, this only comes into effect once you’ve reached March. When you first join, the aim is to make sure you have no balance left to pay after 1 year.

 

 

How do we check you’re paying the right amount?

 

Your Direct Debit payment amount will be regularly reviewed to make sure it still covers your home’s energy use.

 

We’ll let you know if your Direct Debit amount needs to change to keep your energy account balance up to date.

 

 

Why is my Direct Debit increasing when my balance is in credit?

 

It’s normal for a credit balance to build up in your energy account over summer, when energy use is usually lower. This credit helps pay for your energy in winter, when most homes use more. It helps you spread your energy costs over time. 

 

Even if your energy account is in credit, sometimes your Direct Debit payments still need to increase. This is because we’ve calculated, based upon your usage, that you’ll most likely fall into debt before March.

 

You can find further information on how Direct Debits work on our website here.

 

We’ve got lots of handy topics all about Direct Debits so check those out too:

 

 

If you’re struggling to afford your energy bills, this topic gives info on the help and support available:

 

107 replies

juliamc
Rank 20
Rank 20
November 11, 2022

Hi @Technophobe As a start to answer your question How accurate are ‘projections’?, it’s important that your meter readings are accurate. Do you have a smart meter ? If not, are you sending regular meter readings ? They, along with your Future Annual Consumption figure, are used to calculate your Direct Debit. 

Rank 5
November 11, 2022

Yes I have a smart meter and having just checked my readings have been successfully received and I have nothing to do. My account is in credit and will run over next Spring and Sunmer when it is likely to be even more in credit. I object to what reads as threatening communication a day after I have increased my direct debit. Is it worth writing to Customer Services?

juliamc
Rank 20
Rank 20
November 11, 2022

Have you been an OVO customer for long @Technophobe ? Is the system still getting used to your pattern of usage ? I would be tempted to ignore that message if you’ve just raised your direct debit amount. You could enquire with customer services but leave it till maybe Tuesday afternoon when it’s quieter on the phone lines, it seems Mondays are incredibly busy, more stress you don’t need! 

Rank 5
November 11, 2022

I was switched from SSE to OVO last year. Thanks for the heads-up re Customer Services. I think I'll write. My receptive language is not so great with the reactivity of the phone. I hope they respond to letters. The snail mail address is provided as a method of contact. Thanks again.

Rank 5
November 12, 2022

I find the section where I get to choose a new monthly direct debit of between £155 and £2000 (!) disturbing. It cannot be less than £155 and I presume isn't set up to accept less. Does OVO really have to hit me with this TWO DAYS after I've only just increased again? I really am not worried about any excess come the end of my current plan as a) I don't think there will be one after the Spring and Summer and b) I'm happy to clear any excess should it arise. I truly don't believe it will be what it is projected as being at the moment. I need my finances tight right now, as everyone does and not have to be paying out extra on vague projections which have already HALVED in recent weeks. I have written to Customer Services by snail mail sending it "Sign For", an additional outlay I could have done without, but I hope they see from this that I am taking the situation seriously, that it is important to me.

Jeffus
Rank 20
Rank 20
November 12, 2022

@Technophobe try phoning the ovo collections team.

0800 0699 831

They can freeze your direct debit for 3 months

Rank 5
November 12, 2022

Wow! Thanks! I'll do that. 🤞

Newcomer
November 29, 2022

Does anyone else have their DD’s amount changed but are not receiving notification of the change?

 

Blastoise186
Super User
Super User
November 29, 2022

Hey @bobsheppard ,

That shouldn’t happen! You should always get advance notice 10 days in advance. Did you maybe miss the email/letter or lose it in your junk folder perhaps?

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Newcomer
November 29, 2022

Already checked SPAM and JUNK!