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Rank 1
Nic the Hat
Rank 1
April 1, 2022
Solved

Why are standing charges increasing on my variable Simpler Energy plan?

  • April 1, 2022
  • 28 replies
  • 1450 views

OVO have doubbled the daily standing charge, this is noyhing to do with the wholesale price rise, which is why the unit price has risen. 

I have phoned, long story short- one and a half hours, most on hold then cut off.

Cannot email their system is down!!!!!

HOW DO I LEAVE?

Best answer by M.isterW

Updated on 14/09/23 by Abby_OVO

 

Before you go elsewhere check what other companies are charging. You might find that OVO isn't alone in increasing the standing charge. A lot of the increase is the cost of rescuing customers from failed energy companies, a cost that the govt puts onto the energy companies and they put onto us.

 

If you want to be annoyed at someone I'd aim at the govt for failing to ensure energy companies were stable enough to cope with the high gas prices. And previous governments for not investing enough in renewables, which are currently helping to limit the electricity price rises.

 

I have checked, and they are not doing it as much. Unfortunately at the moment it seems impossible to move.

 

It's not impossible to move, it's just probably not cost effective to. The electricity standing charge will have gone up on all variable tariffs from various suppliers. You may find it varies by a few pence, but the majority of the rise is the £68 cost to help cover failed suppliers. Remember that the price cap for average use takes into account unit prices and standing charge so all suppliers will be at or just slightly below this amount.

 

We’ve got more advice and support for members affected by rising unit rates and standing charges on our price cap FAQs

28 replies

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BPLightlog
Super User
BPLightlogSuper User
Super User
August 13, 2023

What about your plan page? Does that still say the lower standing charge price?

https://account.ovoenergy.com/plan

If so, that’s what will be charged and the IHD just needs an update from the team to get back in sync 

 

Bring me Sunshine ~ E&E {Solar PV, Battery Storage, Hybrid EV, ASHP and Home Assistant automation}
K
Rank 2
Katie B B B
Rank 2
August 13, 2023

@BPLightlog 

 

I just went on the link you sent & it states ……

This page is for managing pay-monthly energy, and you’re on Pay As You Go. The good news is – we have an app just for you.

BPLightlog
Super User
BPLightlogSuper User
Super User
August 13, 2023

Ok - forgot you said you were PAYG. 

Bring me Sunshine ~ E&E {Solar PV, Battery Storage, Hybrid EV, ASHP and Home Assistant automation}
Firedog
Super User
FiredogSuper User
Super User
August 13, 2023

… every morning recently I have noticed the meter starting on 76p, ...

 

76 - 58 = 18p. At 29.15p/unit, that represents a consumption of 0.6 kWh. It’s easy to clock up that much usage between midnight (when the standing charge is probably added) and getting up time, especially if you’ve boiled a kettle or made a slice of toast before looking at the IHD. The fridge and freezer are running all night as well. 

If this is new - i.e. that earlier all you saw first thing in the morning was the 58p of the standing charge -  then it’s likely that something was wrong then but not now. 

 

Noel | I have no official status; I'm just a volunteer who comes here to help other customers. My gear: Aclara SGM 1416-B Electricity-only E7 meter; Chameleon IHD3-PPMID-AAA | It may look as if I know what I’m talking about, but don’t let that fool you. |
    S
    Newcomer
    SmallMoth
    Newcomer
    September 19, 2023

    I was automatically switched from SSE to OVO. With SSE, I never payed a standing charge. This was never a thing when I moved in, and my flat only has electricity and no gas, so I suppose this was why. Switching to OVO, I've realised that I'm paying an extortionate standing charge of over 50p a day! Is this normal, and what are OVO doing to compensate the SSE customers that never payed this and were forced into moving providers?

    Blastoise186
    Super User
    Blastoise186Super User
    Super User
    September 19, 2023

    Hi @SmallMoth ,

    SSE hadn’t offered Zero Standing Charges for many years. In actual fact, such tariffs have basically been obliterated across the market and hardly any supplier offers them anymore. The lack of gas is not the reason for having one. I suspect you come under an edge case where there was no direct migration path for your old tariff, so you were migrated to the Standard Variable one.

    There is no compensation due in these cases.

    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!
    Emmanuelle_OVO
    Retired Moderator
    Emmanuelle_OVO
    Retired Moderator
    September 20, 2023

    Hey @SmallMoth,

     

    Sorry for the issues you’re having,

     

    What was the name of the plan you were on with your previous supplier? I’ll ask about this internally. 

    Renewable Energy? Big Fan.
      Abby_OVO
      Community Manager
      Abby_OVO
      Community Manager
      September 29, 2023

      Hey @SmallMoth 

       

      Have you got this sorted yet?

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      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