Skip to main content
Rank 1
June 28, 2025
Solved

I've moved into a property, it's top up- Why has the credit gone down already, I've not used anything?

  • June 28, 2025
  • 19 replies
  • 321 views

A quick question recently signed a tenancy and did top up electricity and gas £10 each a week ago. I've not moved in the property yet and my balance on electricity & gas is already below £5. Can someone tell me how does this pay as you go works and how can top up disappear when there is no electricity or gas switched on yet 

 

Thank you for your help and advise 

Best answer by BPLightlog

Hi ​@Tee1 , you will need to set up your own account (if not already done) as the previous tenant has probably sent a final reading for their usage. You will also have daily standing charges to account for.
There’s a guide here 

 

19 replies

BPLightlog
Super User
Super User
June 28, 2025

Hi ​@Tee1 , you will need to set up your own account (if not already done) as the previous tenant has probably sent a final reading for their usage. You will also have daily standing charges to account for.
There’s a guide here 

 

Bring me Sunshine ~ E&E {Solar PV, Battery Storage, Hybrid EV, ASHP and Home Assistant automation}
Chris_OVO
Community Manager
Community Manager
June 30, 2025

Hey ​@Tee1,

 

Have you received the keys for the property? If so, you are now liable for any energy usage. As ​@BPLightlog mentioned, daily standing charges are applied and likely caused the balance to fall. More information can be found in the guide provided and i’ve left more information below:

 

 

What is a standing charge?
 

A standing charge is a daily fixed charge that goes towards the cost of supplying energy to your address. It includes the cost of the pipes and power lines, and maintenance of your meters. You pay your standing charge no matter how much energy you use – even if you have a smart meter.


Why do OVO plans include a standing charge? 
 

Because we use a standing charge, we don’t have to use structured unit prices like other suppliers do. We believe our way is honest, transparent and much simpler.

 

How do other suppliers cover this maintenance cost if they don’t use a standing charge?

 

All suppliers have to contribute towards these maintenance cost so it’s likely they will include this as part of your unit rate (which might be higher).

 

Obviously the impact of a standing charge cost will differ depending on whether you’re a high or low energy user. If you’re comparing plans we’d advise finding out your Estimated Annual Consumption (EAC) figure and entering these under the ‘Do you know how much you use?’ question on our Quote and Switch page.

 

There’s more details on understanding energy tariffs on this great guide.

 

Renewable energy jokes never get old.
Newcomer
July 2, 2025

Hello. I want to register a new electricity account for my house. How should I do that? Thanks.
 

Nukecad
Super User
Super User
July 2, 2025

Are you moving in as a new owner or tenant?

Or are you wanting to switch supplier?

The articles here should tell you how to go about either one; but please come back if you can't find your answer there:

https://forum.ovoenergy.com/moving-home-joining-or-leaving-175

I said, Hey - Watts going on.
Emmanuelle_OVO
Retired Moderator
Retired Moderator
July 3, 2025

Hello. I want to register a new electricity account for my house. How should I do that? Thanks.
 



Hey ​@Jinling,

Just to confirm, have you recently bought or moved into a new home & want to register your name with the energy supplier?

If so, Chris & Nukecad have porvided helpful links here. Or do you refer with regisering a new electricity supply with your current home? In which case, this topic might be helpful:
 


Let us know if you have any further questions 🙂
 

Renewable Energy? Big Fan.
Newcomer
July 3, 2025

I can't register my account. I didn't receive any mail from the supplier. Now how can I get the reference number? I am currently using a key to pay for my energy.
 

Blastoise186
Super User
Super User
July 3, 2025

Hi ​@Jinling ,

You need to call 0330 175 9669 to get set up if you haven’t already.

As you have a Key Meter that runs on PAYG, you cannot use online services.

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
July 3, 2025

Is there any way to register online.My English is not very good.Thanks 

Newcomer
July 3, 2025

Is there any way to register online.My English is not very good.Thanks 

Blastoise186
Super User
Super User
July 3, 2025

Possibly. Try Live Chat via https://ovoenergy.com/help

But as you’re PAYG, you can’t register via self-service at this time.

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!