When is the best time to give my meter readings to avoid estimated bills?

*Update*

Just returned a missed call back to ovo,

 The outcome,

As my account is technically paid up to date, ovo can’t see an issue.

 Getting actual usage attributed to the correct month can’t be done, (so at least I have an answer now.)

As I’ve highlighted these errors to ovo, hopefully it will mitigate any further issues that arise on my account,

 estimated readings in general.

                                                             
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Strange that you mentioned the best day for submitting meter reads,

My account has always shown the 9th as the best day to submit reads, (duly submitted)

very recently that changed to the 10th, that roughly coincided with my direct debit forecast springing in to life / the noted errors on my account.

Previously the forecast showed something along the lines of “ unable to show any forecast at the moment! Please check back later”

Past experience has shown that this account will cause a variety of issues, with no exception as to the supplying utility company. 


Major billing issues when I first joined ovo,  

hence the need to keep a closer eye on this account.

On a side note

The customer service agent mentioned having seen an article recently relating to an enhanced comms unit / meter, due out next year that would probably serve my lack of options in upgrading this to a smart meter. Has anybody any info on this?

But if past conversations are to be believed. being able to connect 2 gas meters to a single electric comms hub is, depending on whom you speak to,

A resounding yes! Or a definite no! 
 

Tom…

This is the first I’ve heard of such a Comms Hub, so I’m really sorry but I don’t have any info for you.

However… I can use a new forum tool to try and find out.

@Blastoise186   I’m still about, just read way more than I post,

Customer service agent couldn’t recall the specifics,  just the headline of new comms upgrade due next year.

Any info appreciated.

Tia

Tom…

My monthly bill is produced with effect up to and including the 20th of each month, and I religiously submit an online reading shortly after midnight.

Why do I always receive a reminder to “SUBMIT A READING TODAY” on the 16th ?

Hi @Ed Williamson 

I don't work for OVO, i am just a customer like you, although a regular poster on the forum.

It is a good question, as the wording could be better.

Could you add an Idea to the forum for changing the wording on the email.

Even better, suggest some new wording

https://forum.ovoenergy.com/ideas

You will see quite a few other ideas have been raised.

Have you ever looked into a Smart meter? It would potentially save you money via Power Move and Power Move Plus, should mean you don't have to submit readings, and will hopefully save us all money if OVO reach their targets for Installing Smart meters.

Is anyone else having problems getting manual meter readings to register on their bills? I submitted my gas meter reading 3 weeks ago but my bill states that a charge cannot be calculated in the absence of a reading. The home page states that my readings are all up to date and the meter readings page shows the reading recorded as well. 5 phone calls to OVO and still no progress.

Hi @Gary Froude 

I’m sorry to hear about this issue with the meter readings and bill.

We don’t have access to accounts here at the Forum, so the Support Team will be best placed to help you with this.

They can check for the meter readings, and for any other issues with the billing, and then get those corrected for you. It might be worth trying to contact the team vie webchat as this is often the quickest and easiest way, especially if they require any photos of the meter, they can get them straight away and continue working on the case to help you.

Why is it that despite giving actual readings OVO continue to use their estimated readings (which are always wrong) to calculate my bills, this even after they have told me three times that they will stop doing so?

Hi @Frustrated100 ,

The best time to submit actual readings is the day AFTER the billing cycle ends, so that it captures everything - this 100% guarantees that the bill is based on actual reads. However, any estimates will get corrected the next time you submit a reading anyway, so it’s really not that bad to be honest.

If you have Smart Meters however, that’ll eliminate this issue completely as the meters can just be set to submit at the optimal time to avoid estimated bills.

Up for it? https://smart-booking.ovoenergy.com to get started.

Sadly this matter has been going on for months and despite giving the readings on the days I'm told they are ignored for the company's estimated ones. I DON'T need a smart meter as they don't all work properly and my existing meter is fine. I have given up contacting the company as I'm not listened to and they just carry on guessing my usage.