How can I change my Direct Debit to an amount below the recommended amount on my online account?

Forum|Forum|7 years ago
June 29, 2019
12 replies
1111 views

I keep a careful eye on my energy usage every month and calculate what my charges should be for the forthcoming year by factoring in price increases. This has worked well for the past couple of years and I finished last year £19 in credit. When we started this current year OVO calculated no increase needed, but my calculations for the coming year indicated that I should increase my payments by £10-£11 per month, but now OVO will not allow me to increase by less than £21 per month. This figure has increased since last month and is probably due to a heavier than expected gas (heating) usage during May/June. OVO have applied this increase to estimate for June/July and the coming year. It has been 33C this afternoon and the heating is off so I don't expect such an increase in heating for the coming month.
OK, we can't predict the weather, but since my year runs from May -> April, we are in credit for almost all of the year. If necessary, I would prefer a further increase later in the year.
I paid an extra £10 last month, but I don't know if this was taken into consideration in OVO's calculations.
So, is the only way round this problem to set up a standing order alongside the direct debit?
DaveY

Best answer by Darran_OVO

Updated on 27/06/23 by Abby_OVO

If you’re logging in to your online account or OVO app (download for Android or iOS) regularly you might have spotted a recommended Direct Debit amount showing on the Homepage:

So you might be wondering how we work out this recommended amount… We’ve got just the tools for you!

If you click ‘Change Direct Debit amount’ you’ll be greeted by this page:

You can see the basic breakdown of how the recommended Direct Debit amount is worked out by clicking ‘How we work out your recommended Direct Debit amount’:

This shows how we use your predicted costs, current balance and remaining months left on your plan to determine a sensible monthly amount to cover your costs.

For a more in-depth view, you can access our great Direct Debit calculator by clicking ‘check out the Direct Debit calculator’ from the ‘Change your Direct Debit’ page:

The Direct Debit calculator gives a visual representation of the projected outcome to any Direct Debit changes. In the example below, you can see the predicted costs until the end of your current plan shown in the graph. The expected balance at the end of the period and the recommended Direct Debit increase are highlighted in the red text box. The current Direct Debit amount and recommended Direct Debit amount are also shown by the solid and dashed lines on the graph:

It’s possible to adjust the graph to show the anticipated costs over 12 months (based on your current rates), alternatively you can view this same information as the effect these costs would have on your account balance for the same periods:

You’re able to change the figure in the ‘Direct Debit’ amount box to update the graphs based on what would happen to your balance were you to adjust your payments to this amount - Have a little play around to see what’s the most suitable amount you should be paying.

As we want to make sure you’re paying enough to keep you covered, you’ll only be able to adjust your Direct Debit amount to the calculated minimum - although we understand an unexpected increase to your payments might not always be affordable for you:

Is there any support available if I’m struggling to pay for my energy?

There is help available if you’re struggling to pay your energy bills – both from us here at OVO Energy and from government schemes and charities as well.

There are many ways we can help – such as setting up a payment plan for you, which spreads the cost of your energy to make it more manageable. If you want to find out about payment plans, you can request one online here – we’ll take you through what you need to do, and ask you for some details.

Our dedicated team is also specially trained to support you. They can make sure you’re receiving any financial assistance from the government that you’re eligible for, and take you through payment support schemes that are available.

You can find out more about these schemes and where to seek free, independent advice right here.