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Best answer by Tim_OVO

Updated on 06/10/23 by Emmanuelle_OVO

 

Want to find out more about how OVO calculate your direct debit? Head over to our handy tutorial:

 

 

 

We don’t currently offer a variable Direct Debit payment option. With our Direct Debits your amount won’t change month to month, even if you’ve got Smart Meters installed.

 

However we’ll regularly check your Direct Debit amount is enough to cover your usage costs. As your smart meters send us your readings regularly, these Direct Debit check in’s are more accurate than if we’re estimating your usage.

 

Your usage tends to be higher in the winter and lower in the summer which would mean much higher monthly payments in winter, if your Direct Debit varied month to month. Having a more stable Direct Debit amount should allow you to spread your usage costs out throughout the year- building up credit in the summer to see you through the following winter. We find most members prefer things this way as it allows for easier monthly budgeting all year.

 

Have you checked out the Direct Debit calculator on your online account or OVO app (download for Android or iOS)? 

 

Exact appearance may vary

 

This can be found on the ‘Payments’ page and really helps you keep track of how we use your usage data to work out the appropriate monthly amount. 

 

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

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

 

15 replies

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B
Rank 2
bray55
Rank 2
March 24, 2023

Agreed. I just want a company with monthly variable debit with up to date readings via smart meter. If OVO stick their heads in the sand then I will just move to another supplier who will. OVO advice that if you do not have direct debit electricity costs 5% more. Frankly I will not be a prisoner to this type of stupidity. 

Jeffus
Rank 20
Jeffus
Rank 20
March 24, 2023

Agreed. I just want a company with monthly variable debit with up to date readings via smart meter. If OVO stick their heads in the sand then I will just move to another supplier who will. OVO advice that if you do not have direct debit electricity costs 5% more. Frankly I will not be a prisoner to this type of stupidity. 

Then switching to a company like British Gas is probably worth considering. 

To be completely clear British Gas also have higher unit rates for non DD customers. This isn't an OVO thing.

It is OFGEM who set the maximum higher rates for the default variable tariff if you don't pay by direct debit.

OFGEM doesn't stipulate whether DDs should be smoothed or not, so companies have made a variety of decisions.

A choice would be nice as some people like to smooth out their outgoings, including my mum in her 80s. Not everyone thinks the OVO approach is stupid. I don't think my mum is stupid. But having a choice would be nice. 

Are you going to add an idea? 

https://forum.ovoenergy.com/ideas

 

    D
    Newcomer
    DJMarriott
    Newcomer
    December 16, 2023

    Is it possible to have a variable Direct Debit?

     

    Blastoise186
    Super User
    Blastoise186Super User
    Super User
    December 16, 2023

    OVO doesn’t support them, and we’ve recently started to see evidence of other suppliers slowly phasing them out.

    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!
      Abby_OVO
      Community Manager
      Abby_OVO
      Community Manager
      December 18, 2023

      Hey @DJMarriott 

       

      As Blastoise186 has advised, variable Direct Debit is not an option at OVO.

       

      You can set up a standard set amount Direct Debit (payment amount is reassessed every 3 months), you can also pay on demand of your bill instead if you wish.

       

      I’ve linked below to some helpful topics:

      Currently Playing: She's Electric
      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