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Rank 12
Bendog
Rank 12
September 9, 2026
Question

Why has my billing period been changed?

  • September 9, 2026
  • 6 replies
  • 68 views

Why has my billing period been changed? It has always been from the start of the 4th of the month to the end of the 3rd of the following month. As you can see, my billing period for this month is from 4th - 30th September. (I do think I know why this has happened, but why have customers not been informed of this change?)

 

6 replies

Chris_OVO
Community Manager
Chris_OVO
Community Manager
September 10, 2026

Hey ​@Bendog,

 

I’d assume that it’s to do with the reduction of VAT starting on October 1st. You can read more about this here https://www.ovoenergy.com/price-cap. 

Renewable energy jokes never get old.
    Peter E
    Super User
    Peter ESuper User
    Super User
    September 10, 2026

    Hi ​@Bendog 

     

    It happens across suppliers as well. As ​@Chris_OVO has said it a change in the tariff terms, this one being the government removing VAT for six months. I get that as well with my tariff changes. It confused me at first then I saw what was happening. You'll get a seperate billing for 1st to 3rd October and then it will settle down again when a similar thing will happen again in March.

     

    Peter 

    Reducing my yearly fossil fuel usage with an EV (-900 litres petrol saving about £950/year), A2AHP (-8,700 kWh gas, cost neutral) and Timed Immersion heater (-1,500 kWh gas, £20/year more expensive but reducing as the gas price goes up)
      Firedog
      Super User
      FiredogSuper User
      Super User
      September 10, 2026

      You'll get a seperate billing for 1st to 3rd October and then it will settle down again when a similar thing will happen again in March.

      ​@Peter E I wonder whether whoever is in charge come March will be brave enough to add 5% to everyone’s electricity bill, on top of whatever other increases we may have seen in the price cap. It’s fairly clear that when calculating the annual cost of plans being offered, OVO only applies VAT to the three weeks left of this month. 

      Noel | I have no official status; I'm just a volunteer who comes here to help other customers. My gear: Aclara SGM 1416-B Electricity-only E7 meter; Chameleon IHD3-PPMID-AAA | It may look as if I know what I’m talking about, but don’t let that fool you. |
        Firedog
        Super User
        FiredogSuper User
        Super User
        September 10, 2026

        Just a wee correction: 

        It’s fairly clear that when calculating the annual cost of plans being offered, OVO only applies VAT to the three weeks left of this month. 

        This may not be the case! I’ve just checked my renewal quotes using today’s FAC, and the Estimated yearly costs are within a penny of [FAC x Unit rate + 365 x Standing charge] in all cases, meaning VAT is zeroed for the whole year. Of course, the differences are all pretty insignificant anyway apart from the ignored VAT after 31 March next. 

        Noel | I have no official status; I'm just a volunteer who comes here to help other customers. My gear: Aclara SGM 1416-B Electricity-only E7 meter; Chameleon IHD3-PPMID-AAA | It may look as if I know what I’m talking about, but don’t let that fool you. |
        Peter E
        Super User
        Peter ESuper User
        Super User
        September 10, 2026

        They don't have to be brave enough to add it. It's already been made clear (from their perspective) that it was a temporary rebate. I must admit that the headline doesn't capture that but the devil is always in the detail. Personally I would have left it alone because the loss of VAT will have to be made up later anyway but the resumption of the VAT will always be a bigger blow (aided by tabloid headlines) then the almost unnoticeable relief it gave in the first place. Andy has not done himself any favours. He just kicked the can down the road for no good reason. Does nobody know how to do politics anymore? Anybody got a pin I can borrow for the next election?

        Reducing my yearly fossil fuel usage with an EV (-900 litres petrol saving about £950/year), A2AHP (-8,700 kWh gas, cost neutral) and Timed Immersion heater (-1,500 kWh gas, £20/year more expensive but reducing as the gas price goes up)
          Rank 12
          BendogAuthor
          Rank 12
          September 10, 2026

          Thanks for this. I actually thought that it might be something to do with the VAT change. However, while it has been, correctly, stated that this is a temporary reduction, it is possible that it might be extended after it is properly debated and costed. 

            Terms & ConditionsAccessibility statement

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

            OVO (S) Gas Limited is registered in England and Wales (Company No. 02716495) at Floor 5, Crescent, Temple Back, Redcliffe, BS1 6EZ.

            OVO (S) Gas Limited is part of OVO Group Ltd