Direct Debit calculation changes?

We  have noticed that there is an issue with how direct debits are being calculated, and shown on the account portal.

We have flagged it up to OVO backstage.

(We have had a reply, but are waiting for confirmation of what it said was happening).

Thanks Nukecad. Let’s hope they Digitum Extractum and not just hoist my DD as they did last time. Regards

I also have a real issue with the way OVO (and other companies tbf) seem to fudge the figures to ensure you will always be paying more than required.

Previously they would forecast ahead to the ‘end of March’ and apply your dd accordingly so your balance was £0 (or not in debit), now suddenly you need to be 1 months in credit?

Basically throughout the normal course of 12 months there will be a natural curve of when you are in debit/ credit which should still balance out. The most important thing is that you are not increasingly under paying for your usage….

It seems now OVO are calculating the figures so that your account is ALWAYS in credit. 

The direct debit always implys this  cant be adjusted under your ‘minimum amount’ however I have noticed today that there is a temporary override for this to change it for 3 months!

TBF I have never really had any issues with SSE / OVO over the years but I am planning to move providers due to the debarcle around them no longer supporting Ohme chargers…..

i forgot to also mention that all of the increased kwh usage for EV charging now seems to be used to overestimate costs for the customer, when in fact any usage used from EV is only charged at 7p (not the approx 22p rate). This results in them over estimating what my costs will be.

Hey ​@margiejay,

I understand your frustration, 

We have made the change to build one month's usage credit by the end of the winter period on our customers accounts. This credit will help to cover any changes to your energy usage or costs throughout the year leading to a smoother payment journey. Your Direct Debit is managed to ensure that you do not build too much credit on your account and also ensures your account does not fall into arrears should anything change with your usage. If you do build more credit on your account than is needed, we will recommend you reduce your payments or alternatively, you can request a refund at any time Our recommended Direct Debit amount is a suggested amount to ensure you pay for your predicted energy and don't end up with any debt or too much credit by the end of the Winter period. Your energy costs may go up or down throughout the year and we want to support you with those changes. Paying by Direct Debit helps to spread those costs so you don't end up with large bills to pay, and paying by Direct Debit is one of the cheapest ways to pay. 

I hope this helps explain further.

Hi Emmanuel_OVO

Thanks for your comments. You are quite correct, it is most frustrating.  OVO say I am in control of our Account, but I’m not.If I want to have a credit balance of more than 1 month’s usage, then for whatever reason reduce my DD for a couple of months to below OVO recommended amount, then I should be able to, but your system won’t allow it.  I said earlier I have never been in debt with OVO or anyone else, and my account should be able to reflect/recognise that. Over the years I have said many times OVO doesn’t treat customers as individuals and the reply has always been that OVO have too many customers to do that. Piffle. Get a better computer data system.   Thanks again.  Margiejay

Hey ​@margiejay,

There is the option to raise a complaint, if you’re unhappy with the changes that have been made. It may be possible for the support team to reduce your direct debit to a lesser amount & put your account on a direct debit review excpetions list for a period of time. I’d say it’s worth enquiring. 
 

Please keep us posted with how you get on. ​​​​​​​

My direct debit gone up by £60 and my monthly charge plan £37

Anyone else had a high increase after swapping from charge anytime?

My bill is due in a couple days will check