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How long does it take to request a switch to a new energy supplier?

  • July 25, 2022
  • 6 replies
  • 3108 views
How long does it take to request a switch to a new energy supplier?
Ben_OVO
Community Manager

Updated on 02/09/25 by Chris_OVO:

 

Faster Switching - What do I need to know?

 

Coming to the end of your energy plan and considering your options? You can request a switch for as soon as the next working day.

 

How can I choose my start date with OVO Energy?

 

When you get an energy quote from OVO, you’ll have the option to select your supply start date.Our Quote and Switch page will include the option to select your starting date. The earliest switch date will be the next working day, and you can select a date up to 28 days in advance

 

 

What does this mean for my cooling-off period?

 

You’ll have a 14 day cooling-off period. This may mean you’ll have switched before your cooling-off period ends. If you change your mind during this time, you’re still free to end your plan without being charged any exit fees. You’ll just be charged for your energy use at the rates of that plan, until you leave OVO. We’ll make this clear when you sign-up. 

 

 

When will I receive my welcome pack?

 

We’ll email your welcome pack out soon after you choose to join OVO. If you’ve requested your supply to start the next day but haven’t received a confirmation within an hour of signing up (don’t forget to check your junk folder) we’d recommend getting in touch with our Support Team to make sure everything’s on track. If you’ve opted for communications by post, please allow at least 5 working days for your welcome pack to arrive.

 

 

When do I submit my opening meter readings?

 

You’ll be able to submit your opening meter readings from 5 days before the switch date, and within 5 days after you switch. We’ll send you an opening meter reading reminder on your switch date. Even if you have a smart meter, we’d recommend submitting manual readings just in case we’re not able to collect these automatically on the day you join us. You can do this by logging in to your new OVO Energy online account or contacting our Support Team

 

 

Can my current supplier object to my switch?

 

Yes - we’ll need to give your current supplier notice that you’ve requested to switch to OVO. They’ll have 1 working day to raise any objections. A supplier may object for several reasons, such as an outstanding debt balance with them.

 

If we receive an objection to your switch, it will be cancelled. If you’ve settled any objections with your current supplier and would still like to switch to OVO, you’ll need to reapply for an energy plan.

 

 

When can I expect my first OVO Energy bill?

 

Following a successful switch we’ll need to get your opening meter readings before we can issue your opening statement. This can take up to 6 weeks from your switch date. Both OVO and your previous energy supplier need to agree to the same set of meter readings, to make sure you don’t get charged for the same energy twice. We’ll email you a copy of your bill and it’ll also be available to download on your online account or OVO app (download for Android or iOS), or via post if you require postal communications.

 

 

What if I choose to leave OVO?

 

We’ll be sorry to see you go. We’ll send you an email confirming your request to leave OVO. If you receive an email like this and you haven’t requested a switch it’s important to get in touch with us as soon as you can. We can help put a stop to any upcoming switches or get things back where they should be if the erroneous switch has already taken place. We can attempt to stop the switch up to 5pm on the day before the Supply Start Date.

 

 

Need more help?

This topic is now closed, so you won’t be able to reply here. If your question hasn’t been answered or you need more advice, feel free to ask the community — we’re here to help!

 

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6 replies

Blastoise186
Plan Zero Hero
Forum|alt.badge.img+1
  • Plan Zero Hero
  • January 2, 2023

Hey @Oladunni ,

If you’re looking to switch to OVO, simply use https://switch.ovoenergy.com . You can do everything you need from there and OVO will notify your current supplier on your behalf.

If you’re switching to another supplier from anywhere, simply use the switch tool of your chosen supplier and they’ll do the rest.


  • New Member*
  • January 2, 2023

Thanks for the reply 


  • New Member*
  • February 6, 2023

Stuck with my present supplier British Gas after they took over my account from Peoples in 2020 who I had reported a faulty electric meter and present supplier denies all and said they are not responsible anyway? December 22 166Kw and Dec 2023 now 689Kw £430 energy for a month and that’s with being careful fewer lights no decorations and freezer gone?  Eventually agreed to change to smart meter this month two appointments made but let down again today? Have kept paying to keep the lights on but seems that I missed a deadline of last October which has locked me into my present supplier?  Any suggestions would be helpful I’ve tried Citizens Advice, Ombudsman, a waste of effort I just need a new meter a new fair company and a fresh start.  As a footnote I am 75 this week and who would have dreamt that this country would be as confusing as it is today? 

 


Blastoise186
Plan Zero Hero
Forum|alt.badge.img+1
  • Plan Zero Hero
  • February 6, 2023

Hey @Petr K Marsh ,

You might be able to get one with OVO, but you’d have to leave British Gas first. If that’s what you’d like to do, please sign up via https://switch.ovoenergy.com and get your account running.

You’ll be able to request a smart meter after the account moves over.


juliamc
Carbon Catcher***
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  • Carbon Catcher***
  • July 3, 2023

Unearthing an old thread here and noticed I’d said I think smart meters are brilliant!! Well I still do but I’m a bit confused that my switch from OVO to octopus doesn’t seem to have made full use of them.

I was asked to send meter readings but the octopus app didn’t seem to have anywhere on the page to submit them. Never mind, I thought, I have a smart meter… However octopus kept asking so I emailed them. My usage graphs with octopus show they’re getting the info, but the actual numbers only appear if I send manual readings.

Checking the citizens advice link shows my smets1 smart meter is working in smart mode but still registered with OVO. 
…and another thing… what I thought would be my last bill with OVO has a closing reading which is an estimate!!! Now I have to wait another month for a bill for about 4 units🤦‍♀️

@Blastoise186 would you say this was normal or should I ask either supplier what’s going on ? 


juliamc
Carbon Catcher***
Forum|alt.badge.img+3
  • Carbon Catcher***
  • July 3, 2023

Update: the estimate was an over estimate of 9 units so I’m owed another £2 on top of the balance of £528 and the extra £190 dd that OVO collected after the close of my account.