Skip to main content
A
Rank 1
Ashleigh65
Rank 1
December 24, 2018
Solved

Moving into new house, how do I set up my account?

  • December 24, 2018
  • 105 replies
  • 11459 views
Hi, I have just moved into a property which you supply. I want to submit my readings and fix my bills but the suggested price is £129 a month. This seems very high as there is only myself in the property. Is this just an estimate that will change once I submit my meter readings?
Best answer by Nancy_OVO

Updated on 14/07/25 by Ben_OVO

 

Welcome to OVO and your new home!

 

Great that you’ve already found how to set-up an account with us, as we’re currently supplying the energy there. Even if you’re planning on switching suppliers, we’ll need a temporary account created in order to cover the period before your switch. When we create your account we’ll check the date you moved in and the meter readings on this date (unless you’ve got a smart meter) and create you an account starting from this point. 

 

The suggested Direct Debit amount for your new account is based on average energy usage we’ve seen in your home previously. This gives us a good starting point to work out what you’re likely to use but obviously if you are using less, you’ll only pay for what you use. We’ll monitor your usage and carry out a ‘Direct Debit Check-In’ every 3 months, after we’ve got an idea of your actual usage. If you’re really not sure about the suggested amount, reach out to our Support Team who can discuss a more suitable monthly payment amount.

 

The easiest way to keep an eye on your usage and suggested Direct Debit amount is by logging in to your online account or downloading our app (available for iOS and Android)

 

There’s more tips on how to manage your energy account when you move home on this great guide, and other moving house advice on this handy checklist. 

 

Good luck with the unpacking. :thumbsup:

 

OVO member but not got a smart meter yet? - Book today!

 

Interested but not yet an OVO member? - Check out our plans!

 

105 replies

Show previous replies
L
Rank 2
louise515
Rank 2
October 26, 2023

I use averages to reference that - £150-£250 a year more is the average extra cost for POD compared to Direct Debit or Prepayment. I am a forum volunteer who doesn’t work for OVO, so I act independently of the company.

The risk of non-payment is significantly higher in general than all other options - especially because payment can’t be collected automatically which in turn increases the costs to the supplier and therefore the customer.

Like I say, I’ve been paying on demand for a long time and always paid my bills when due. I’m a single (pensioner) person in a 1-bed flat. What is the average cost for gas and electric for me? I really don’t use a lot… I appreciate you’re just a helper here. I’m puzzled why it’s so difficult to sign up as a new customer and to pay on demand. I guess direct debit is mainly for the benefit for the supplier. However, if I had a direct debit and didn’t want to pay, for some reason, I could cancel it if I really wanted to.

Louise

Blastoise186
Super User
Blastoise186Super User
Super User
October 26, 2023

That will be calculated when you get a quote 

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!
L
Rank 2
louise515
Rank 2
October 26, 2023

That will be calculated when you get a quote 

I think I’m going around in circles here - if OVO doesn’t want my business I might just as well give up trying to give it to them!

 

Louise

Blastoise186
Super User
Blastoise186Super User
Super User
October 26, 2023

You need to create an account with OVO even if you don’t want to stay - any attempt to switch before having an account will be blocked.

Your options are either:

  1. Sign up online with a Direct Debit and switch to POD later if you really don’t like DD
  2. Sign up by phone to use POD from the start

If you do neither, it will eventually trigger OVO’s debt collection process.

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!
L
Rank 2
louise515
Rank 2
October 26, 2023

I don’t understand why I can’t just stay with my current supplier if I want to? 

How easy is it to switch from DD to pay on demand? I don’t owe OVO anything significant as I’ve only just moved in yesterday. The last bill at this address was from Scottish Gas at the end of August but I believe they became OVO? The flat (housing association sheltered accommodation) has been empty for a while until I moved in.

Louise

Blastoise186
Super User
Blastoise186Super User
Super User
October 26, 2023

Cancellation of the Direct Debit would cause the account to move to POD. But I must warn you that doing so will increase the tariff rates and may incur an exit fee if you were on a fix deal.

Scottish Gas is actually British Gas 

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!
L
Rank 2
louise515
Rank 2
October 26, 2023

Well there is no direct debit at the moment… I asked how easy it was to switch from a direct debit account to pay on demand? 

 

Louise

Blastoise186
Super User
Blastoise186Super User
Super User
October 26, 2023

You need to trace the supplier first - it sounds like it might not be OVO.

For Electricity, please use https://www.energynetworks.org/customers/find-my-network-operator to trace the DNO and then get in touch with the DNO to trace your supplier.

For Gas, please use https://findmysupplier.energy 

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!
Jeffus
Rank 20
Jeffus
Rank 20
October 26, 2023

Hi @louise515

If there is gas at the property, this is a really easy tool to find out who the current gas  supplier is if you are at all unsure. 

https://findmysupplier.energy/

So for me

Usually but not always the gas and electricity supplier is the same., 

There is a separate way to check who the electricity if needed

 

L
Rank 2
louise515
Rank 2
October 26, 2023

You need to trace the supplier first - it sounds like it might not be OVO.

For Electricity, please use https://www.energynetworks.org/customers/find-my-network-operator to trace the DNO and then get in touch with the DNO to trace your supplier.

For Gas, please use https://findmysupplier.energy 

As far as I know OVO is the supplier. They are definitely the gas supplier and I think they supply the electricity also. 

So how easy is it to switch from direct debit to pay monthly on demand with OVO?

 

Louise

Show more replies
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