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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
  • 14310 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

Newcomer
March 6, 2023

Thanks, I managed to got through early this morning and they confirmed that although I had contacted them to reduce it back it wasn’t set so she did it again.

Jo

Rank 2
March 13, 2023

Hi all.

On the 9th or 10th of this month,I was given the choice via the Ovo site(my account) to reduce my monthly payments to £105 for three months,which I did.The payments were £119 per month.

I got the confirmation email on the 11th stating that as of today my payment had been reduced,yet on checking my banking app,and also the Ovo site,I’ve been charged the full £119!

Can anybody please explain why this would happen?Being a pensioner this is not what I need.I’ve been with Ovo for almost two years and am on the Simple energy tariff paying by DD  for gas and electric.

How do I sort this overpayment out please?The reduction from £119 to £105(£14)would help with my finances.

Thanks

BPLightlog
Super User
Super User
March 13, 2023

The direct debit amount does stabilise a few days before the transfer so it’s possible that the level was set before you changed it

Bring me Sunshine ~ E&E {Solar PV, Battery Storage, Hybrid EV, ASHP and Home Assistant automation}
Rank 2
March 13, 2023

The direct debit amount does stabilise a few days before the transfer so it’s possible that the level was set before you changed it

Ok but why would Ovo send me confirmation of the new amount and the date it started,which was today? And,when is it likely to resolve itself,if at all?

BPLightlog
Super User
Super User
March 13, 2023

The direct debit amount does stabilise a few days before the transfer so it’s possible that the level was set before you changed it

Ok but why would Ovo send me confirmation of the new amount and the date it started,which was today? And,when is it likely to resolve itself,if at all?

Can’t answer directly as I’m just another customer but I would guess that the next dd should be at the new amount

Bring me Sunshine ~ E&E {Solar PV, Battery Storage, Hybrid EV, ASHP and Home Assistant automation}
Newcomer
March 14, 2023

Absolutely digusting customer servive from OVO.

Rung them relating to an increased DD, told to hold the line whilst investigated….22 mins later the line went dead.

Rung back, couldn’get through.

Rung back again and customer services rep told me I didn’t understand what she was saying (insinuating I was thick) and to go to the app and type my grievance, said I wanted to talk to someone….not interested...dead phone line again.

Won’t be staying with this company much longer

Jeffus
Rank 20
Rank 20
March 14, 2023

Absolutely digusting customer servive from OVO.

Rung them relating to an increased DD, told to hold the line whilst investigated….22 mins later the line went dead.

Rung back, couldn’get through.

Rung back again and customer services rep told me I didn’t understand what she was saying (insinuating I was thick) and to go to the app and type my grievance, said I wanted to talk to someone….not interested...dead phone line again.

Won’t be staying with this company much longer

Hi @Gray Did you try the Collections number?

0800 0699 831

They tend to have more flexibility than the normal Support number.

There are some very experienced OVO customers on the forum so one of us may be able to help partly answer any questions. Up to you obviously. 

Newcomer
March 14, 2023

Hi @Gray Did you try the Collections number?

0800 0699 831

They tend to have more flexibility than the normal Support number.

There are some very experienced OVO customers on the forum so one of us may be able to help partly answer any questions. Up to you obviously. 

 

Will give it a go, Thanks

Newcomer
March 15, 2023

Hi, got in touch with Collection Dept, very helpful lady.

Still paying more, but she knocked almost 50% off the DD increase.

Thanks for your help.

Jeffus
Rank 20
Rank 20
March 15, 2023

Hi, got in touch with Collection Dept, very helpful lady.

Still paying more, but she knocked almost 50% off the DD increase.

Thanks for your help.

Always happy to help. 

Keep an eye on the DD, it is usually frozen for 3 months, but on the very odd occasion reverts back more quickly. 

After 3 months you can request another freeze but do keep an eye on your overall credit/debit.