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Tim_OVO
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February 23, 2021
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Variable price change, OVO Simpler Energy Plan and the Ofgem price cap

  • February 23, 2021
  • 61 replies
  • 4047 views
Variable price change, OVO Simpler Energy Plan and the Ofgem price cap

Updated on 23/06/26 by Abby_OVO

 

Ofgem’s energy price cap limits what you pay for gas or electricity on a variable rate plan. You can see the latest information regarding the price cap levels and date changes on the Ofgem site here.

 

The way energy suppliers set prices is impacted by:

 

The price cap – set by Ofgem, the energy regulator. This limits the amount customers on variable rate plans will pay for each unit of gas and electricity and sets a maximum standing charge.

 

The Energy Price Guarantee – provided by the government to help households with energy costs during the energy crisis. It’s a discount on gas and electricity prices and is in addition to the price cap. It applies to both variable and fixed rate plans. If the Energy Price Guarantee (EPG) is above the level of the price cap, it won’t impact prices for anyone already on a fixed plan. 

 

 

What this means if you pay monthly for your energy

 

If you're on a variable rate plan, your unit rate and standing charge will change (usually) on 1st January, April, July and October, in line with the new price cap. We’ll write to you to let you know if this impacts you personally. Your actual bills will still depend on how much energy your home uses.

 

If you're on a fixed rate plan, the price cap doesn't affect prices for fixed-rate plans. We're keeping your prices as they are for the length of your contract to protect you from any price increases.

 

 

What this means if you Pay As You Go for your energy

 

All Pay As You Go prices are variable – these will change with the new price cap (usually) on 1st January, April, July and October.

 

 

Now's the time to send a meter reading

 

This will make sure your energy account is up to date. You can submit a meter reading now on your online account or through our app. If you’ve got a smart meter, you don’t need to send a reading. The smart meter will send this for you.

 

 

Priority Services Register

 

Need extra support? We can offer free help if you’re ill, have a disability or have a medical condition via our Priority Services Register.

 

 

Support available for customers who may be struggling with their bills

 

Here’s how you can apply for our Customer support package

Here’s our guide on debt and energy assistance.

 

 

Citizens Advice: Visit your local branch, or their websites: for England and Wales and for Scotland. You can speak to an adviser online, in person, or over the phone: 0800 144 8848 (England), 0800 702 2020 (Wales), and 0800 028 1456 (Scotland). 

 

National Debtline: Call 0808 808 4000 or visit their website.

 

Step Change Debt Charity: Call 0800 138 1111 or visit their website.

 

Have any questions about the price cap? See our Price Cap FAQs here.

 

Need more help?

This topic is now closed, so you won’t be able to reply here. If your question hasn’t been answered or you need more advice, feel free to ask the community — we’re here to help!

 

Give us your feedback!

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61 replies

Newcomer
September 9, 2022

Thank you @Blastoise186 - Thats very helpful. 

Caino78
Newcomer
Newcomer
June 20, 2023

Hi, 

 

As per question above, I was hoping someone could let me know if simpler energy electricity charges will drop as the Energy Price Cap (EPC) is due to drop in July??

 

Also does anyone know if there will be more tarriffs available in July with the EPC dropping?? 

 

Thanks in advance for your help 

Blastoise186
Super User
Super User
June 20, 2023

Hey @Caino78 ,

Good news. The short answer is yes it will drop.

As for Fixed Rate Tariffs, I’d say there’s a good chance they’re coming back soon!

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!
Caino78
Newcomer
Newcomer
June 20, 2023

Yey, @Blastoise186 

 

That has made my day. I'm on the Simple Standard variable (Economy 7 tariff). 

 

Thanks so much for letting me know 

 

😎👍

Fuzzycat
Rank 3
Rank 3
February 23, 2024

Hi-de-ho

 

When will Paygo prices be published for 1-4-24 ?

 

There are generic ‘cap’ prices dotted around on the web,  but can vary by region and supplier.
 

 

‘Scary’ how much Standing Charge makes up the bill especially gas. 

Firedog
Super User
Super User
February 23, 2024

The official regional price-cap rates are here: Get energy price cap standing charges and unit rates by region | Ofgem

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. |
Fuzzycat
Rank 3
Rank 3
February 23, 2024

The official regional price-cap rates are here: Get energy price cap standing charges and unit rates by region | Ofgem

Thanks.

 

Gets complicated cap Average vs Regional average  vs Supplier actual.

Rarely get the overall savings % 

Firedog
Super User
Super User
February 23, 2024

Because prices are in general falling, OVO might not publish them before they take effect. The Renew your plan page will usually start showing next quarter’s prices a couple of weeks before the new ones take effect.

You can’t really say anything about how much effect standing charges have on the bill in general , because it depends on how much energy you use. If you use a lot, the standing charge may only be a small proportion. If you don’t use much, like me, it’s a major part of the bill.

 

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. |
Robert Beisley
Newcomer
Newcomer
April 17, 2024

Hi All, Can someone show me which Ofgem price caps apply to my account and where exactly I can see these. ? My plan name is : simpler energy-economy 7.

Grateful for any assistance ! thanks in advance.

 

Blastoise186
Super User
Super User
April 17, 2024

Hi @Robert Beisley ,

OVO’s pricing for that will match the current Ofgem Price Cap for your area. Please do NOT rely on the one posted directly to the Ofgem website - that’s the National Average and probably isn’t your actual cap!

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!