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Rank 1
Lampsie
Rank 1
July 30, 2022
Solved

Will my tariff increase if I cancel my direct debit?

  • July 30, 2022
  • 46 replies
  • 1656 views

I am currently paying by DD and have built up a credit of in excess of £500. I’m on the standard variable price cap rate for gas and electricity. I appreciate that this is going to increase and also that it’s summer so I will be using far less energy than in winter and the idea of DD is to pay a fixed amount over 12 months to cover the usage. I however resent OVO holding on to my money and I would rather it be sitting in my own bank account. If I cancel my DD and pay by bank transfer/card each month on receipt of bill for exact monthly usage will I end up paying any more? What I mean is, OVO obviously prefer DD so are there any additional charges/increase in tariff if I don’t pay by DD? 

Best answer by Blastoise186

Updated on 17/12/24 by Abby_OVO

 

Be aware, if you’re on a fixed rate plan, that cancelling your Direct Debit will cancel this plan and you’ll be moved onto the Simpler Energy On Demand plan automatically.

 

Hiya!

Just so you know, I’m one of the forum volunteers who helps out in my spare time. I don’t work for OVO myself.

The answer is… Possibly… But it depends on circumstances.

 

If you cancel the DD, you WILL lose the safety net of any active fixed rate deal and will be forced onto the Simpler Energy tariff. Now is not a good time to do that if you’re not already on that tariff.

 

You only ever pay the same amount for your energy anyway regardless of payment method with OVO and I’d personally recommend leaving things how they are - that £500 credit will help you a lot over the next eight months. It’ll act as a buffer that gets used up first and will help with your budgeting.

 

If you really want to switch methods, please discuss this with OVO first and use the proper process to change payment method via the Support Team. Please DO NOT just cancel the Direct Debit as this will likely trigger the Collections Team to contact you (and that’s not ideal for either them or you). 

46 replies

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H
Rank 2
Hadders52
Rank 2
February 25, 2024

Do you mean download my bills for last year from my on-line account?

Oh dear, guess what, I can’t do that.

 

Firedog
Super User
FiredogSuper User
Super User
February 25, 2024

Do you mean download my bills for last year from my on-line account?

 

No, I was going by this: “… you’ll continue to get your bill every month by email or post as usual.” Is this not working either?

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. |
Emmanuelle_OVO
Retired Moderator
Emmanuelle_OVO
Retired Moderator
February 26, 2024

Hey @Hadders52,

 

I understand your frustration, 

 

You should get a statement each month which will display your account balance.

 

You can contact the support team at any time to submit a meter reading, request a statement, reduce or amend your direct debit and request a refund.

 

 

Renewable Energy? Big Fan.
H
Rank 2
Hadders52
Rank 2
February 27, 2024

I have just got home after a hard day’s work at 00:30 (I work very irregular hours and usually get home late. I am actually the senior support tech at an internationally respected company).

I have just tried to contact the support team, which Emmanuelle states “can be contacted at any time” but only had a chat bot that failed totally to answer my request or put me through to an agent.

It would be good to be given accurate information.

Blastoise186
Super User
Blastoise186Super User
Super User
February 27, 2024

Most businesses are closed at that time of night - their staff do need to be allowed time to rest after all.

OVO’s Social Media Team might sometimes respond if you ping them via social media channels at that hour, but it’s not a 100% guarantee.

As for the bot? In common with many chatbots, the keyword “agent” (without the quotes) forces the bot to step aside and transfer to a human - but it will continue to ask a couple of questions first to get the transfer set up.

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
February 27, 2024

Hey ​​​​@Hadders52,

 

Sorry if my previous message was misleading,

 

With Whatsapp or Social Media you can message anytime and will it be picked up during business hours and you can re enter the chat.

 

Our Support team’s web messaging and WhatsApp opening hours are:

  • 8am - 6pm Monday to Friday 

  • 9am - 2pm on Saturdays
     

You can see all open contact channels via our Help Centre. 

 

If you need to contact the team on a Sunday, our Social team is able to support you. Send us a message on Facebook or Twitter from 9am - 5pm. 

Renewable Energy? Big Fan.
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