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C
Rank 2
Camper Sue
Rank 2
September 2, 2022
Solved

Direct Debit review increase even though I'm on variable plan Simpler?

  • September 2, 2022
  • 23 replies
  • 761 views

I’m not on a fixed Tariff, I have smart meters, and although I’m always in credit, in fact recently had a large refund, so why are OVO increasing my direct debt an extra £73? 
I been on the phone to their customer service for over 45 minutes, without speaking to anyone,  appreciate they must be busy but that’s ridiculous. 

Best answer by meldrewreborn

Updated on 07/01/25 by Abby_OVO

 

Your direct debit is not a fixed amount, it is dependent on your usage. The variable tariff rates can also change, going up or down depending on that usage. You can find out what your prices are on the ‘plan’ section of your online account. To find out more about how your direct debit is calculated, check out this helpful tutorial:

 

If you don’t have a smart meter that sends us your readings remotely every day, we’d recommend you submit a manual meter reading this week via your online account.  

 

Ovo have a duty of care, which means because you had a large credit balance they thought it practical to give you a refund, but they also looked further into the future knowing the rises to come, so that’s why you have a £73 increase but this can be adjusted if you start to go into another big credit. In the meantime you can enjoy your refund. Hope this helps Brian

 

23 replies

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M
Newcomer
meldrewreborn
Newcomer
September 2, 2022

The fundamental question is whether the DD requested is fair, given likely prices from 1 October 2022.  We all need to put the past behind us and concentrate on the now and the future.

 

Getting facts and logical computation are essential in assessing whether the DD requested is fair - or not.

Eon and EDF customer. Don't think smart meters are worth the expense.
M
Newcomer
meldrewreborn
Newcomer
September 2, 2022

Prices of energy have been rising for 18 months and are hitting most of us hard. Forget your old payment, the only relevant thing is whether the new payment is fair and reasonable. Check your consumption and future prices.

Eon and EDF customer. Don't think smart meters are worth the expense.
M
Newcomer
meldrewreborn
Newcomer
September 3, 2022

Cancelling your DD will up your prices. The average customer will pay an additional £200+ as a result. The worst option.

Eon and EDF customer. Don't think smart meters are worth the expense.
M
Newcomer
mereira
Newcomer
September 10, 2022

why do not publish the fact that customers with direct debits can ask for a review of this  outlined by the consumer champion  Martin Lewis  

M
Newcomer
meldrewreborn
Newcomer
September 10, 2022

Because all you need to do is to make the request of customer services.

Eon and EDF customer. Don't think smart meters are worth the expense.
D
Rank 9
DuncanL
Rank 9
September 25, 2022

All the stock answers from OVO people on this forum are pointless as they never tell you what the new standing charge and unit rates are to be on 1 Oct 22.  They just direct you to general pages about caps and support schemes.

    Jeffus
    Rank 20
    Jeffus
    Rank 20
    September 25, 2022

    All the stock answers from OVO people on this forum are pointless as they never tell you what the new standing charge and unit rates are to be on 1 Oct 22.  They just direct you to general pages about caps and support schemes.

     

    M
    Newcomer
    meldrewreborn
    Newcomer
    September 25, 2022

    EDF have published a very full set of their charges, for both fuels, 4 different payment methods and for economy 7.  Since OVO are working to the same caps it is highly likely that their rates will be very similar if not identical to those of EDF.

    government_energy_price_guarantee_prices._standard_variable_deemed_and_welcome._credit_meters.pdf (edfenergy.com)

    Eon and EDF customer. Don't think smart meters are worth the expense.
    Emmanuelle_OVO
    Retired Moderator
    Emmanuelle_OVO
    Retired Moderator
    September 26, 2022

    Hey @DuncanL,

     

    Sorry for the issues you’ve had.

     

    OVO will be in contact directly with all customers affected by the Energy Price Guarantee with details of their new prices.

     

    As this was only announced by the Government very recently, we are working through the finer details. But please be assured, all customers affected will be contacted shortly, if they haven’t already been.

     

    Updated on 22/09/22 by Emmanuelle_OVO: 

     

    If you pay by Direct Debit, we’d recommend you leave this unchanged until any price changes have been made in October. That way you know you’re paying the right amount. 

     

    If you don’t have a smart meter that sends us your readings remotely every day, we’d recommend you submit a manual meter reading this week or next via your online account.  

     

    We’ve also got a page with FAQs dedicated to the Energy Bills Support Scheme.

    And OVO’s Customer Support Package: everything you need to know

     

     Hope this helps. 

    Renewable Energy? Big Fan.
    D
    Rank 9
    DuncanL
    Rank 9
    September 26, 2022

    The point I was trying to make and which Emmanuel’s_OVO conveniently sidesteps is that OVO is telling people to increase their DDs without telling them what the new prices are.  OVO obviously know the new figures or they wouldn’t be giving the DD advice. A customer service adviser told me my new prices this morning.  Why the secrecy ?  Why did I have to contact an adviser for OVO when every other company has the figures on their websites?

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      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