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January 4, 2023
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High estimated bills but the property is empty?

  • January 4, 2023
  • 86 replies
  • 3666 views

Hello is there anyone who can point me in the right direction of assistance getting my account sorted as being charged high estimated billing when property was empty and no one is listening.!! Wrote a complaint letter with no response, tried online chat and got nowhere. They are refusing to accept photos of meter, now had smart meter fitted and still not got anywhere as threatening to increase direct debit again on estimated readings! 
thanks 

Best answer by Emmanuelle_OVO

Updated on 15/08/25 by Ben_OVO

Hey @Daisyf65,

 

Sorry for the issues you’re having,

 

For instances like this, where the property is vacant, you can contact our Collections Team who can put a hold on the direct debit being reviewed or increased for 3 months. 

 

Is your smart meter not working? If it is, it should show there’s no usage and there’s no need for you to submit manual readings.

 

 

If it’s faulty you'll need to perform a smart meter health check:

 

 

Hope this helps.

86 replies

BPLightlog
Super User
Super User
November 10, 2024

Re-reading this thread, I’m drawn to your comment @nodrogsbboh “however their app shows a marked increase in the number of kw used

It is possible that the app is showing estimated usage. You don’t say whether there is a smart meter but even with that, if readings aren’t being received they will be estimated. 
The only thing used for billing is the meter itself and so a check on the readings would be useful

Bring me Sunshine ~ E&E {Solar PV, Battery Storage, Hybrid EV, ASHP and Home Assistant automation}
Newcomer
November 10, 2024

Thanks. I have asked them to monitor the meter readings, especially during times when no gas is being used. It is the gas usage has shown the biggest increase. I will need to speak to someone at OVO regarding the estimated usage aspect and if/how it might affect the phone app daily info.

It wouldn’t be so baffling if someone else out there had noticed a significant change in their dual fuel usage around the 26th or 27th of last month (especially as this place was empty for about a week). If anyone has, please let me know! 

Nukecad
Super User
Super User
November 10, 2024

It’s more baffling that both fuels increased at the same time.

OK There could be a different reason for each fuel and it’s just coincidence, but I find that hard to believe.

For example my worst case scenario above would not explain an increase in gas usage, one reason why I was reluctant to mention it.

TBH with it being both fuels at once then it does sound more like user error in the way that your tenants are reading things.

I said, Hey - Watts going on.
Newcomer
November 10, 2024

The daily usage chart on the phone app is very simple and clearly shows, as said before, dramatic increases around the 26th/27th October. I’m starting to think that this is something OVO have implemented, for whatever reason, and I should be able to find out tomorrow!   

Emmanuelle_OVO
Retired Moderator
Retired Moderator
November 11, 2024

Our community members have given some helpful suggestions here @nodrogsbboh. I just wanted to add that this topic may be helpful:

 

 

Renewable Energy? Big Fan.
Newcomer
January 3, 2025

We went away switched off gas at the boiler and the daily usage graph in my app are showing normal and above normal usage - why is this and how can I rely on it when the house was empty and no gas was used ?!? This was 28th to 1Jan 
 

Thanks 

Blastoise186
Super User
Super User
January 3, 2025

Hi ​@maryrooms ,

If it was JUST the usage graph, you can ignore that - it’s the Meter Readings you actually want to look at as that’s what OVO is actually using to bill you - not the usage data!

Securing energy by zapping security bugs... For that is The Blastoise Way! Remember, I'm just like you - AI Powered Evil Geniuses aren't Staff!
Newcomer
January 3, 2025

Thanks for replying 

Newcomer
January 3, 2025

So what’s the point of a usage graph if it doesn’t show usage ? Thanks 

Blastoise186
Super User
Super User
January 3, 2025

The usage graph is a visual indicator, purely intended to give you a rough guide of what you’re using - especially in the case of gas where it’s much harder to calculate.

It’s purely a fancy graph, nothing more.

Securing energy by zapping security bugs... For that is The Blastoise Way! Remember, I'm just like you - AI Powered Evil Geniuses aren't Staff!