Why is there such a relatively wide variation in standing charges from different energy companies with some e.g. Ebico not charging anything and OVo charging a relatively high 25-30p per day?
Best answer by Lucy_OVO
View originalWhy is there such a relatively wide variation in standing charges from different energy companies with some e.g. Ebico not charging anything and OVo charging a relatively high 25-30p per day?
Best answer by Lucy_OVO
View originalHigh users benefit from a high standing charge and a low unit rate. Low users vice versa.
I wish the OVO would cater for both, as their SC is a killer to low usage users.
Updated on 14/09/23 by Abby_OVO
Great question to ask about the variety of prices different energy suppliers might offer as a daily standing charge. So let’s break it down:
A standing charge is a daily fixed charge that goes towards the cost of supplying energy to your address. It includes the cost of the pipes and power lines, and maintenance of your meters. You pay your standing charge no matter how much energy you use – even if you have a smart meter.
Because we use a standing charge, we don’t have to use structured unit prices like other suppliers do. We believe our way is honest, transparent and much simpler.
All suppliers have to contribute towards these maintenance cost so it’s likely they will include this as part of your unit rate (which might be higher).
Obviously the impact of a standing charge cost will differ depending on whether you’re a high or low energy user. If you’re comparing plans we’d advise finding out your Estimated Annual Consumption (EAC) figure and entering these under the ‘Do you know how much you use?’ question on our Quote and Switch page.
There’s more details on understanding energy tariffs on this great guide.
Moved the comment but not provided an answer from a technical perspective.
Moved the comment but not provided an answer from a technical perspective.
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Please have a read of this OVO article, as standing charges are covered. Anything you’re not sure of, come back and post and we’ll find an answer for you! :)
Ovo please please sort out your shockingly high standing charges. As suggested above, please offer a low SC option for those aiming for low use, as we all must in these terrifying times.... We are all stuck with our current providers, but those of us with Ovo's high standing charges are least able to mitigate costs with lower fuel use. As discussed above the high SCs effectively mean lower fuel users are penalised with higher costs per unit consumption. I'm a single Mum with a school age child... Why can't I be allowed to reduce my costs?
Related to this, why are Ovo's standing charges higher than allowed by the price cap?
I've now got a 49p+ SC for electrify and 27p+ for gas (and the October terrifying rise hasn't even kicked in yet). That's 80p/day even if I use nothing... That's £300 before I have any fuel - a quarter of my old bill including all its power.
Can Ovo give us reassurance that it won't raise the already extremely high SC any further with the upcoming cap changes.?
Can Ovo give us reassurance that it won't raise the already extremely high SC any further with the upcoming cap changes.?
The price cap varies slightly by region.
You can see the new Ofgem standing charge caps by region on this page
https://www.moneysavingexpert.com/utilities/what-are-the-price-cap-unit-rates-/#tool
OVO have said they will give at least 10 days notice before the 1st October increase of what their new Simpler Energy rates will be given the maximum Ofgem cap.
Related to this, why are Ovo's standing charges higher than allowed by the price cap?
I've now got a 49p+ SC for electrify and 27p+ for gas (and the October terrifying rise hasn't even kicked in yet). That's 80p/day even if I use nothing... That's £300 before I have any fuel - a quarter of my old bill including all its power.
The price cap varies slightly by region.
You can see the new Ofgem standing charge caps by region on this page
https://www.moneysavingexpert.com/utilities/what-are-the-price-cap-unit-rates-/#tool
OVO have said they will give at least 10 days notice before the 1st October increase of what their new Simpler Energy rates will be given the maximum Ofgem cap.
Can Ovo give us reassurance that it won't raise the already extremely high SC any further with the upcoming cap changes.?
The price cap varies slightly by region.
You can see the new Ofgem standing charge caps by region on this page
https://www.moneysavingexpert.com/utilities/what-are-the-price-cap-unit-rates-/#tool
OVO have said they will give at least 10 days notice before the 1st October increase of what their new Simpler Energy rates will be given the maximum Ofgem cap.
Hi Jeffus. Thanks. I see you have lots of replies on here - do you work for OVO/have access to them? (genuine question, not bait 😁). If Ovo's only reply is giving us 10 days notice, that literally makes no difference at all. We are all stuck with our current providers for now, ans Ovo's SCs are particularly eye-watering. Those of us in small places, desperately cutting expenses, subsidise the lavish fuel users.
Can Ovo give us reassurance that it won't raise the already extremely high SC any further with the upcoming cap changes.?
The price cap varies slightly by region.
You can see the new Ofgem standing charge caps by region on this page
https://www.moneysavingexpert.com/utilities/what-are-the-price-cap-unit-rates-/#tool
OVO have said they will give at least 10 days notice before the 1st October increase of what their new Simpler Energy rates will be given the maximum Ofgem cap.
Hi Jeffus. Thanks. I see you have lots of replies on here - do you work for OVO/have access to them? (genuine question, not bait 😁). If Ovo's only reply is giving us 10 days notice, that literally makes no difference at all. We are all stuck with our current providers for now, ans Ovo's SCs are particularly eye-watering. Those of us in small places, desperately cutting expenses, subsidise the lavish fuel users.
No i don't work for OVO. I am just a customer like you. Some of us post from time to time if we think we can help with specific queries. I sometimes mention this when posting but not always.
You will see _OVO in a persons screen name if it is a reply from a OVO moderator on the forum. The OVO moderators also don't have access to your account.
All i would say is that OVOs standing charges on the Simpler energy tariff are in line with other suppliers. It is only fixed rate tariff you will see differences between suppliers.
Some suppliers may price their price cap tariff a very small amount lower than the ofgem price cap. Octopus have done that in the past. But it is very marginal. The biggest difference in the price cap rates is due to the region of the country you live in. Some areas of the country it costs more to get the electricity into your home unfortunately at the moment.
If you want to lobby anyone, i would start by writing to your MP. The more people do this, the more likely things will change.
Lots of suppliers are lobbying government for changes, just this morning Octopus Energy were lobbying for the scrapping of standing charges amongst other things as you suggested.
We should have a new Prime Minister shortly so the lack of action from the government recently will hopefully come to an end.
Hi Sarah,
Just one more thing to add, OVO are in favour of abolishing the standing charge, as we outline in OVO’s 10 point plan to address the national energy crisis
If you wondered what a standing charge is for, we outline this below:
A standing charge is a daily fixed charge for supplying energy to your home. It includes the cost of the pipes and power lines, and maintenance of your meters.
You’ll pay your standing charge no matter how much energy you use – even if you have a smart meter. It’s like the ‘line rental’ on your telephone contract. You’ll see it listed on your ‘Plan details’ page.
We’ll apply standing charges to your balance every time you send us a meter reading.
And yet you have one of the highest? 🤔 as discussed in various places on your forums...
I do in fact like a lot of what 'Ovo' says (such as today's suggestion to discount the first chunk of units used, in order to proportionally benefit those with a smaller footprint more, whether by choice or lack of resources to do otherwise), but afaik, companies already choose how they distribute charges for SC and unit costs. Obviously you'd want to be able to charge a SC to some underoccupied homes (e.g. second homes), separate to usage. But in general SCs disproportionately cost low users, and reduce incentives to reduce use.
And yet you have one of the highest? 🤔 as discussed in various places on your forums...
I do in fact like a lot of what 'Ovo' says (such as today's suggestion to discount the first chunk of units used, in order to proportionally benefit those with a smaller footprint more, whether by choice or lack of resources to do otherwise), but afaik, companies already choose how they distribute charges for SC and unit costs. Obviously you'd want to be able to charge a SC to some underoccupied homes (e.g. second homes), separate to usage. But in general SCs disproportionately cost low users, and reduce incentives to reduce use.
Where did you see something about OVO having high standing charges for their price cap tariff? I am not sure that is correct?
There are various comments online pointing to Ovo's standing charge and comparing it to very much lower/none with some other providers. But in fact I made 5 out of 2 plus 2, as this does not hold up to better scrutiny... You are right to ask, as OVO looks in fact to be in line with other major suppliers at present. Thanks.
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