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Bellex
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August 24, 2024
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Arrears on gas bill of property I am buying so unable to bring my current supplier with me?

  • August 24, 2024
  • 12 replies
  • 577 views

Having informed my current utility provider of my impending move, they have advised me that I am unable to do this as the take-over request has been blocked by OVO at the new house. What are the possible ramifications? If the ‘soon-to-be-ex-owner’ hasn’t paid the gas bill and has hefty arrears, can OVO refuse to provide a supply to me as the soon-to-be-new-owner?

Any knowledge or advice gratefully received.

Best answer by Blastoise186

Updated on 10/06/25 by Ben_OVO

If you’re moving into a property supplied by OVO, then you’ll need to set up an account with us on the day you move in. Even if you’re planning on switching supplier, we’ll still need to set you up an account to bill you for the interim period. You can find out more here: https://www.ovoenergy.com/help/article/moving-into-a-property-that-ovo-supplies

Hi @Bellex ,

You need to sign up with OVO first on your move-in date to do that. Please do so via https://switch.ovoenergy.com and select Dual-Fuel/Gas and Electric to set up your own account at the new property. This will bump the existing (bad debt) one out of the way and allow you to take control. After that, you’re free to do as you wish. This is the standard process across the industry to avoid people running away from paying off bad debts. You must ALWAYS sign-up with the existing supplier before trying to switch away.

You’re not responsible for someone else’s debt - OVO won’t expect you to pay a penny of that off. You’ll start with a clean sheet and a fresh account as long as you haven’t racked up debts yourself.

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BellexAuthor
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August 25, 2024

Got it. Thanks so much for all your knowledge and advice, much appreciated. :-)

 

Chris_OVO
Community Manager
Chris_OVO
Community Manager
August 26, 2024

Hey @Bellex, 

 

​Firstly let me congratulate you on your new house! You must be very excited to move in 🎉

 

BPLightlog wrote:

The basic principle remains - at your current property you need to close and settle your account. Whoever supplies the new property you need to take their supply initially before you can switch if that’s what you want to do. 

https://forum.ovoenergy.com/switching-suppliers-and-moving-home-144/i-m-moving-house-why-can-t-i-take-my-ovo-account-with-me-1213?tid=1213&fid=144

 

@BPLightlog is correct. When you move into your new house, you can inform us that you’ve taken ownership of the property, and we’ll initially create an account for you so that you can then choose to switch away to another provider. As it’s a new account, any debts associated with the property would remain with the previous owner and need to be settled. You’re only ever responsible for paying for the time you take ownership of a property, such as getting the keys through a rental agreement or purchase. 

 

If you have any follow-up questions, please let us know anytime, and we’ll be happy to help! 

​​

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OVO Energy Ltd, Floor 5, Crescent, Temple Back, Redcliffe, BS1 6EZ, (Company no. 06890795) registered in England and Wales.

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