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Rank 1
l_scattergood
Rank 1
February 1, 2018
Solved

Why such a large increase to my recommended Direct Debit?

  • February 1, 2018
  • 105 replies
  • 11902 views

Why are OVO advising me to increase my direct debit from £85 to £160+ a month on a two up two down townhouse when I switched because they were cheaper than my previous supplier?  

    Best answer by Chris_OVO

    Updated on 04/09/26 by Chris_OVO

    How does OVO work out my monthly Direct Debit?

     

    The goal is to ensure you have enough credit in your OVO account for one month’s payment by the end of March. This will help cover changes in your energy use throughout the year.

     

    For new customers, this process starts once you reach March. When you first sign up, we aim to make sure you have no remaining balance at the end of the year.

     

    We will regularly check your Direct Debit payment to ensure it still covers your energy use.

     

    You can find more information in the article below:

     

    105 replies

    Show previous replies
    Newcomer
    sacol
    Newcomer
    January 7, 2026

    Hi. It's been sorted thank you.  😊

    Abby_OVO
    Community Manager
    Abby_OVO
    Community Manager
    January 8, 2026

    Hey ​@sacol 

     

    Glad to hear that’s been sorted, thanks for coming back to update us.😊

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    Chris_OVO
    Community Manager
    Chris_OVOBest Answer
    Community Manager
    September 4, 2026

    Updated on 04/09/26 by Chris_OVO

    How does OVO work out my monthly Direct Debit?

     

    The goal is to ensure you have enough credit in your OVO account for one month’s payment by the end of March. This will help cover changes in your energy use throughout the year.

     

    For new customers, this process starts once you reach March. When you first sign up, we aim to make sure you have no remaining balance at the end of the year.

     

    We will regularly check your Direct Debit payment to ensure it still covers your energy use.

     

    You can find more information in the article below:

     

    Renewable energy jokes never get old.
    Rank 7
    EverythingNeedsAUserName
    Rank 7
    September 4, 2026

    If you're on a fixed price and term tariff, it should instead check that you'll be at nil balance by the end of your period. If my contract starts in October, I do not expect or want to be in credit in March because the far cheaper summer months will bring me back to zero. 

    3.99kW solar 2015, 12kWh batteries 2022, Tado.
    Firedog
    Super User
    FiredogSuper User
    Super User
    September 4, 2026

    I do not expect or want to be in credit in March ...

    That’s not really your choice. When you arrange to pay by Direct Debit, you agree to keep the account in credit. The one month’s buffer helps ensure this will happen even though, say, a DD payment fails.

    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. |
    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