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Toddy
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April 13, 2017
Solved

I give meter readings each month, why is my bill still based on estimates?

  • April 13, 2017
  • 167 replies
  • 15219 views

Why, when I faithfully provide meter readings on time, each month, does OVO still give estimated readings on my bills?

    Best answer by Darran_OVO

    Updated on 15/08/25 by Abby_OVO

     

    Meter readings, usage and estimates

     

    If you haven’t had smart meters installed, we’ll send you a meter reading reminder a few days before your monthly summary is created. The easiest way to submit these readings is on the ‘Meter readings’ page of your online account or OVO app (download for Android or iOS):  

     

    When’s the best date to submit a reading for my monthly summary?

     

    The best date to submit your reading is on or just before the date shown on your bill - the email or text reminder you receive may suggest you enter this the day before to make sure it’s received on time. If you do enter the reading slightly early we’ll only estimate your usage between the date you entered the reading and the date the statement was generated, so it should be fairly accurate.

     

    When I enter my reading how long does it take to update my balance?

     

    Every time you enter a meter reading on your online account, your account balance is recalculated to include your usage costs up-to-date. The balance will usually update instantly although it can take up to 24 hours. It’s worth checking the balance before submitting your readings, so you can easily check that the balance has updated. If the balance show on your monthly summary is estimated, you can always check the accurate balance by submitting another meter reading.

     

    How are my estimated readings calculated?

     

    If we ever use an estimated reading on your monthly summary, this is calculated based on the last actual reading you gave and your Estimated Annual Consumption (EAC) to give us an idea of what the reading is likely to be. You can always correct any over or under estimated readings by submitting an accurate reading.

     

    What’s the best way to avoid estimated statements?

     

    As a smart meter can be programmed to send us a reading half-hourly or daily, we can always be sure we’ve got a reading on the date your monthly summary is issued. This will mean no more worrying about reading the meter manually and more accurate billing and usage information on your online account or OVO app (download for Android or iOS.

     

    The following community topic may also be helpful here:

     

     

    OVO member but not got a smart meter yet? - Book today!

     

    Interested but not yet an OVO member? - Check out our plans!

    167 replies

    Show previous replies
    C
    Rank 4
    Colin Wheeler
    Rank 4
    February 27, 2024

    Good Morning,

    Thankyou however this begs the question “How long does it take for the Billing team to adjust the system” as this has been going on for more than 4 months.

    rgds C. 

    N
    Rank 5
    newjerseyminx
    Rank 5
    April 29, 2024

    Apologies if this question has been raised by others before me but I am always puzzled by the readings OVO have used to calculate my monthly bills.

    On the 19th day of each month, I input my gas/electricity readings religiously via the portal but when I receive my bills, OVO always add 5KW to the electric reading and around 4kw to the gas reading I have given them.  I cannot understand why the opening reading on my bills are always the estimated ones instead of the ones I have given OVO.

    This has been the situation since OVO took over from SSE.  I have tried to contact customer service on many an occasion to get an answer but each time come up with a blank.  I’ve been told my calculation day is the 19th of each month hence why I give my readings on this date.

    If anyone can explain this billing puzzle then great as I always feel I can’t trust the accuracy of my bills and before you ask, NO I don’t want to change to a smart meter.

     

     

     

    Blastoise186
    Super User
    Blastoise186Super User
    Super User
    April 29, 2024

    Hi @newjerseyminx ,

    Quick question, but why are you refusing Smart Meters? They are ultimately the easiest solution to this exact type of issue.

    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!
    BPLightlog
    Super User
    BPLightlogSuper User
    Super User
    April 29, 2024

    After researching this, it has been suggested that a reading the day after your billing date is best for a manual submission. This mimics the smart meter which sends readings just after midnight. 
    What the OVO system appears to do is add an estimation to any readings on the last billing day, assuming it needs to finish that days usage. 
    There has been an update for the suggested date for readings to reflect this 

     

    Bring me Sunshine ~ E&E {Solar PV, Battery Storage, Hybrid EV, ASHP and Home Assistant automation}
      Nukecad
      Super User
      NukecadSuper User
      Super User
      April 29, 2024

      The advice/trick to avoid a small estimate at the end of your billing period is to submit the meter readings on (the morning of) the day AFTER your billing period end

      That reading then gets attributed to the last day of the billing period, so no estimate.

      eg. Mine ends on the 23rd so I sent my gas meter reading on the 24th. no estimate.

      (My current billing period, 5-½ days in, does not show an opening figure yet, and won't until I send in another reading).

      I said, Hey - Watts going on.
        N
        Rank 5
        newjerseyminx
        Rank 5
        April 29, 2024

        Brilliant!  I will try sending my next readings in on the morning of the 20th May then check what’s been used when I receive my next bill.  Thanks

          Chris_OVO
          Community Manager
          Chris_OVO
          Community Manager
          April 30, 2024

          Hey @newjerseyminx,

           

          It looks like our volunteers did a superb job of answering this for you. I thought I would add a link to some resources that could help you! 

           

           

          https://www.ovoenergy.com/help/article/how-to-submit-your-gas-and-electricity-readings

           

          Let us know how you get on after submitting your readings on the 20th 😊

          Renewable energy jokes never get old.
          R
          Newcomer
          RitaM
          Newcomer
          August 12, 2024

          *Edited by Mod*

          Why is my bill estimated when I send a reading to you 

            R
            Newcomer
            RitaM
            Newcomer
            August 12, 2024

            I like a phone call 

            BPLightlog
            Super User
            BPLightlogSuper User
            Super User
            August 12, 2024

            Not sure why this is an idea … but when do you send your readings @Rita Meredith ?

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