Ovo Energy - www.ovoenergy.com Reviews
Latest Reviews
★☆☆☆☆
“money grabbers”
Written on: 28/04/2013 by sarahbob (2 reviews written)
Despite me giving them my previous years energy profile, they have raised my direct debit by 50% without either explanation or my consent, just at the point when my energy consumption has dropped by 60%, i'm paying £297 per month. They neither answer my questions or provide justification for their actions, they grab money because it suits them. Wont be using them next year and suggest you don't either. (read more)
★★★☆☆
“Very mixed bag”
Written on: 27/04/2013 by pogs1511 (10 reviews written)
Ovo is very mixed. Cheap when I moved to it, independent and helpful. But their 'statements' are useless estimates (guesses) of my usage, their 'we're the best, we're so happy' tone on the web site is really irritating and when I sent a reasoned email about these, I received a fob off reply. (read more)
★★★★★
“BEST ENERGY SUPPLIER ”
Written on: 26/04/2013 by WILLIAMS9999 (1 review written)
AFTER BEING WITH BRITISH GAS AND SWALEC SEEN A BIG SAVING SINCE BEING WITH OVO FOR 6 MONTHS. EASY TO SUBMIT METER READINGS ONLINE AND CLEARLY SHOWS HOW MUCH GAS AND ELECTRIC YOU ARE USING CUSTOMER SERVICE FRIENDLY AND SUPPORTIVE. (read more)
★☆☆☆☆
“Nightmare.”
Written on: 23/04/2013 by Phil298 (1 review written)
Started with Ovo after moving into a new flat, they were the energy suppliers to the at the time so I used them to save time and they promised me a low monthly D/Debit, Which I questioned at the time as it seemed too low! But I was assured that what they had quoted was correct. 6 months later they more than doubled the D/Debit...their excuse was they had under estimated the usage. Last month they contacted me again to tell me I owed them over £900 because they had again under estimated AND... (read more)
★★★★★
“The best supplier out there!”
Written on: 21/04/2013 by Oliver_Finch
I joined Ovo about three years ago and I have to say, I'm baffled by the comments I see here. Ovo Energy is a company that puts the interests of its customers first. Take the Direct Debit review as an example: they initially overestimated my monthly payment so after 3 months, they decreased it by 20%! So clearly, the DD review works both ways. I had to change my meter because it was faulty. They handled everything brilliantly and even recommended me to change to an Economy 7 meter, based on... (read more)
★☆☆☆☆
“Ovo”
Written on: 18/04/2013 by stefanbarron (1 review written)
So contract states 'your direct debit will initially be set 25% higher. This temporary increase will make sure your account doesn't fall behind from the start' Well people my bill just went up by 50% DO not use Ovo they pester you for meter readings even though I am on a fixed price tarriff. Duping customers into thinking their deals are cheaper than other providers. DO NOT USE. You have been warned. (read more)
★★☆☆☆
“Steer clear of this company”
Written on: 01/04/2013 by marylou0210
I don't usually write reviews on companies because i always allow for a bit of bad service with things. However this company is awful, i regret the day i signed with them. They were in fact a few pound more than the cheapest ones so we thought well, green energy pay a little more thats fine. Oh boy, were we wrong. They estimated us a figure that was fine and then three months later we apparently owed them more money than we had even paid them in total those three months something due to an... (read more)
★☆☆☆☆
“OVO avoid completely!!!”
Written on: 29/03/2013 by seaton7392 (1 review written)
Like most people I was attracted to Ovo by the cheapness of their tariff prices. However I have had nothing but problems with them from start to finish and they have taken over a year to resolve my transfer from NPower and still have not completed it. They set their Direct debits up so that you are always in credit. My account is now £500 in credit and they are still taking almost £100 per month from me. I keep trying to phone them but I have more chance of winning the lottery than getting... (read more)
★☆☆☆☆
“Never use OVO”
Written on: 15/03/2013
AVOID OVO AT ALL COSTS Be very wary of OVO, they alter DD's upwards and use other very sharp business scams. I will be leaving as soon as possible and use a company that is honest in their dealings with customers. Pros- UK based Cons- Deceitful and devious. (read more)
★★☆☆☆
“Watch Their Direct Debit Policy”
Written on: 14/03/2013
I joined OVO December 2012. DD of £129.00. As this was an amount that should balance my account over 12 months is was obvious that I would owe them money until the summer, the same as any other company. I have ended up owing them around £150.00 for the first 3 months, as one would expect. They have contacted me and say my direct debit should be increased to £181.00. Previously I was with southern electric and my DD was £122.00. They say they are cheap because they recoup any money owed... (read more)
See next 10 reviews
Showing 1 - 10 of 30 Reviews
★★★★☆
“better than the bigger names in the energy market”
Written on: 13/03/2013
I switched to OVO after the other companies were forever increasing my direct debit to cover my 'increased useage'. I use an electricity meter so I know this is a lie and it is just to cover their increased wages. I found OVO to be cheap and chearful in a good way. there is no Nectar points or clubcard points to increase the cost of my power used. They do however give 3% intrest on credit balances. They do their bit for the rainforest by buying a space of rainforest per customer. This does... (read more)
★★☆☆☆
“nothing but worry”
Written on: 01/03/2013 by JennynPaul (1 review written)
decided to switch to ovo after looking on comparison site, big mistake, they messed up my transfer meter reading and blamed my previous supplier, the result being I ended up looking at a humungous,terrifying gas bill, after contacting the ovo customer services over the phone and being told countless times that they understood how upset I must be and they were doing their best to help , I was told it will take up to 12 weeks to sort this matter out. I contacted my previous supplier to ask... (read more)
★★☆☆☆
“Poor complaint handling”
Written on: 01/03/2013
Without going into too much detail, the main gripe is the amount of money they hold in credit. I have had to constantly press for this to be reviewed/refunded and my account has been in credit since I first started my contract. Despite always sending accurate meter readings, the amount taken has never been anywhere near sensible. Replies to emails seem to be very selective and very standard - skirting round the more difficult to justify issues. Finally, I am leaving them and they have stated... (read more)
★★★★★
“excellent and cheap”
Written on: 16/02/2013
i am into my second year with ovo energy and i can only commend them for their excellent service and cheap price. Their prices are consistently low compared with other providers. I had no problems with their switch over team. Everything went without a hitch. Their online only service takes a bit of getting used as it is a drastic change from the old fashioned postal bills and home meter readings but after a while u realise the website is a breeze and online bills only clutter your inbox.... (read more)
★☆☆☆☆
“NO GOOD AVOID !!!”
Written on: 02/02/2013
Joint company in April 2012 and worst mistake ever,would not use my opening meter reading until I cancelled my direct debit. Made payment directly into their bank account and they tried to say these payments were not made and not credit to there account(scanned receipts to them)they still denied payments. Payments were credited to account nearly over two months later and in the meantime received letters from debt collection agency. They take ages in replying to emails and you never get a... (read more)
★☆☆☆☆
“Watch them like a hawk!”
Written on: 01/02/2013
I've been with many different energy companies but OVO energy takes top on customer ripp-off. They do not stop your DD after your supply has changed and you need to hassle them for any refund or over-paid money. If you are not good with keeping your paper work in order, stay away from this company because you'll definately loose out. (read more)
★★★★★
“Proactive and efficient. ”
Written on: 29/01/2013 by somersetsally (2 reviews written)
Having never switched and bills escalating over the years, I had a few moments and did a comparison. Ovo Energy came up as a good deal and, in trepidation, I signed up. It's clear from the beginning that this is an online account so it's not fair for other reviewers to complain that they don't get a paper bill. The switch happened as planned, I was informed throughout as to progress. My only problem came from my previous provider who overcharged me for the final account. (This was... (read more)
★★★★☆
“Happy Customer”
Written on: 10/01/2013 by fotft
I felt I had to comment on my experience with OVO having seen the poor reviews here. I swapped to OVO in April at which time they were the best deal for me on the comparison sites. I love their website which is so friendly,helpful and simple.(Without all the baggage of the old faithful utility companies and I think I have been with all of them over the years!)They do like you to post meter readings monthly which is a pain, but it keeeps you on top of your usage which has a lot to be said for... (read more)
★★★★★
“Great so far”
Written on: 30/12/2012 by streaman (1 review written)
Having researched all the cos and deals, I switched to Ovo a couple of months ago and so far (fingers crossed) I am really impressed: clear communication and easy-to-understand bills, switch took place effortlessly as advised, estimated readings spot on, receiving 3% interest on amount I am in credit (lot more than the bank!). (read more)
★★★★★
“Ovo - 3rd year now.”
Written on: 16/12/2012 by oborne27 (1 review written)
Having read all the reviews below I don't really know why they have had problems. My experience with OVO has been brilliant. I have jst signed up for my 3rd consecutive fixed 12month contract. Whilst OVO require at least 1-2months credit balance they do give 3% interest on that credit balance. That means that they pay about twice as much in interest than most high street banks! The comparasion sites make OVO one of the cheapest around. The telephone answering is good. They do prefer e-mail... (read more)
See next 10 reviews
Showing 11 - 20 of 30 Reviews
★★☆☆☆
“Not as good as it looks!”
Written on: 15/12/2012 by ddman
I was attracted to the supplier by their relatively low electricity unit prices. Initial impressions are favourable, the staff appear efficient and helpful but be aware of the problems I have encountered. Firstly it is a condition that a customer is one month in credit on their account. This is done by increasing the monthly direct debit amount in excess of the cost of energy used. Also, OVO will adjust your direct debit in the most unusual way. My energy bill is approximately £90.00 per... (read more)
Asterix100's Response to ddman's Review
Written on: 05/01/2013
Looks like standard practice for the energy cartels
"Utility companies are holding up to £1bn belonging to customers in a growing overpayment scandal. As many as ten million households are in credit with energy suppliers, entitling them to a refund for overpaid bills."
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Tallan's Response to ddman's Review
Written on: 23/02/2013
Had a similar experience, but managed to talk their proposed DD increase down to what I thought would reflect actual annual usage. Still in debit, but no further communication from them for two months. However, my new tariff starts in April, so may have to increase again then.
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★☆☆☆☆
“Cancelled after 3 months - extremely unhelpful...”
Written on: 02/12/2012 by Probably
I chose OVO because of the environmentally friendly tarif (forgot the name) and arranged connection over the phone. At that time, the person must have get my email wrong. Well, next OVO subscribed me to "email only" billing which obviously never came but started to deduct money via direct debit. I contacted them via email to (a) first send a proper bill and (b) fix my email in their system. Now begins a very long story - basically it took me 30 mails and phone calls to somehow get my account... (read more)
★★★★★
“Good Company - Good Service ”
Written on: 25/11/2012 by peetreestar (2 reviews written)
I think some of the reviews on here of Ovo are rather unfair, and relate to a few limited circumstances. I signed up with Ovo just over a month ago, and whilst you could consider myself a relatatively new customer, their service so far has been brilliant, and their tarrifs, fair and well priced. Whilst I have found i pay a little more on the daily service charge with them, their lower price per KW works out that they are still cheaper than my previous supplier, who made nothing more than... (read more)
★☆☆☆☆
“Fine until there was a problem”
Written on: 19/11/2012 by ismoore999 (1 review written)
I joined ovo at my old flat and then when I moved, I used them again as they originally had been excellent. There was some discrepancies when I moved which should have set alarm bells going. I closed my account, and was issued a notice about my new account at the old address. For my new flat, the meter address was incorrect (it was inconsistent with all other addresses) - contact your new supplier I was told. Numerous calls, escalations, emails, letters, etc had to be done, and only the... (read more)
★☆☆☆☆
“Avoid ”
Written on: 19/11/2012
changing to ovo was the worst mistake they got readings wrong from the start blamed me & previous supplier took 12 months to correct their mistake absolute nightmare (read more)
★☆☆☆☆
“Absolute Shambles”
Written on: 17/10/2012 by JimmyLove (1 review written)
Similar to everyone else. Since starting with this company they have misread the readings, pretended they hadn't received any for two years, then accepted they had and just couldn't manage to input them at all. They will then blame every other company involved from Transco to Nasa to my bank for their own faults. It took eons for me to clawback the amount they had incorrectly charged me and when i finally ended the contract they continued to take DD's from my account even though i had emails... (read more)
★☆☆☆☆
“OVO - Unclear Policy on Summer / Winter charging.”
Written on: 19/07/2012
At first I was very impressed with these people. Not too difficult to get hold of and very polite. Easy to understand statements etc. I liked the idea of paying more in the winter and less in the summer. I initially paid £90 dual fuel for winter, this was reduced to £60 in the summer. I built up a credit of £100 (actually £160 but as per their terms, you have to keep one months DD amount in the kitty) So I asked for £100 back. They duly obliged. Days later I get a letter saying... (read more)
Zzx27's Comment
Written on: 04/10/2012
Sounds awful. Who would have thought that you have to pay for fuel? Not as if you are losing anything - the price per unit remains the same. To lower your bills, turn off lights as soon as you leave a room and turn the heating down!
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Redlufbra's Comment
Written on: 09/10/2012
To Zz27
I am very conscious about lighting and heating and am very economical with it. I live on my own, don't claim any benefits and as i'm sure you are aware times are tough at the minute and every penny counts. I don't see why my bills have to go up when I am so far in credit (now £140 and counting). It's far more useful to me in my pocket than in theirs. Simple stuff really! Before you are so presumptuous in your reply, try giving your brain time in catching up with your mouth, eh? (or in your case, your typing)
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★☆☆☆☆
“OVO Energy Avoid”
Written on: 03/04/2012 by walter47 (12 reviews written)
At first site these people seem nice, new, Green and generally the good new guys on the energy block. I moved to them some months ago as it seemed a good idea and would produce a useful saving on my electricity bill. It was a mistake and I should have stayed where I was. I have been incorrectly billed since I signed up as I was put on an incorrect rate from inception. My monthly statements from them are horrendous. OVO have admitted the mistake but seem incapable or unwilling to rectify it... (read more)
Guest's Response to walter47's Review
Written on: 04/08/2012
I have found them the same. But, they seem unwilling to rectify the mistakes they make.
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★★★★★
“Top serviceand they will not rip you off ”
Written on: 10/12/2011
Ovo Energy was recently voted the UK’s top gas and electricity supplier in the "2010" Which Switch Consumer Satisfaction Survey only company not to put the prices up as ther wholesale price gas/electric has dropped (read more)
Walter47's Comment
Written on: 08/02/2012
This is not my experience at all. I transferred to them on the basis of the report from a price comparison site. I thought I could save £10 a month.
This has been a big mistake as I now find the Economy 7 tariff I have with OVO is twice what I paid with my previous provider and the Day tariff slightly more. OVO customer service is appalling.
If the matter is not resolved to my satisfaction by the end of the week I will cancel my contract and move back to my previous provider.
Although not the cheapest they were reliable, efficient and did not try to scam me.
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Wheresmytrev's Comment
Written on: 28/08/2012
You're obviously from Ovo. Please, if you're going to write a "review", at least TRY NOT to sound like an Ovo press release and at least PRETEND to be an ordinary punter.
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★☆☆☆☆
“Ovo Energy terrible service”
Written on: 21/06/2011
Hi all, just wanted to share my experience with Ovo with your selves and the nightmare continues, I have copied an email I sent to them which should fill you in below... I attach the last of my un-replied to emails to yourselves outlining the problems I have been having and your inability to resolve the issue with my account. I also left a phone message at the weekend and have had no reply to that. Phone calls to you are useless as all I ever get is “ the dispute is still being looked... (read more)
Guest's Comment
Written on: 24/11/2011
I also have had the same problem and whilst I haven't contacted the Ombudsman,I'm still waiting for Ovo to give me an accurate invoice for my usage.
I have given monthly readings for my electricity and I have been with them since July 2011 at one time my invoice was showing at over £500 for a months usage. I also live in a one bedroom on economy 7.
Is this incompetence or deliberate.
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Walter47's Comment
Written on: 08/02/2012
This experience is very similar to my own. Small 2 bed house. Low electricity user. I have Economy 7 which I use for storage heating and water heating. Not much use during the day as I am out most of the time. My monthly bills have been horrendous and far in excess of anything I have had with previous providers. Customer Service from OVO is abysmal.
This is certainly not in line with what I was led to believe. Have paid up and will cancel and move back to my previous provider but will certainly be taking this to the Ombudsman. I have been screwed by tehse people.
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Billmont's Response to sarahbob's Review
Written on: 10/05/2013
totall agree, worst decision i made joining ovo, my direct debit has nearly trebled in a year and i now pay £298 per month, im contacting ofgen about them
Collinsrex's Response to sarahbob's Review
Written on: 16/05/2013
We've had the same problem and have just left them (we had only just switched to them in December). We're now fighting for them to waive the cancellation fee as we feel that they have misrepresented themselves as a fair and ethical company and we switched to them based on misinformation. Our DD went up nearly 50% in April as well, even though we made it through the winter (with no already built up credit as we had just switched to them) in credit. When we asked for an explanation for the DD increase, we got everything from they needed us to build up enough credit to cover one month's bill to they depend on customers pre-paying to ensure they can ensure cheaper prices (i.e. customer's are making up for their lack of cash flow). As it was, with the increase we would have amassed enough credit in a little more than 2 months. With their policy of reviewing DDs twice a year, we would have amassed enough credit to cover nearly 3 months before the next review. When we protested and requested that our DD be returned to the previous amount, we met brick wall after brick wall. It took a lot of effort and a lot of not backing down to get them to agree to return the DD - I know plenty of people would not have persisted to the point we did. We got the impression that they're interested in customers 'loaning' them cash, even if that means the customer must sacrifice elsewhere. And the repeated response of "that's how we work" or "it's better for you in the long run, it's not that much when you consider you'll use more energy in the winter" (said to the holders of the account in credit following the harsh winter we just had) quite frankly made us feel like we were being done in. So we switched back to our old provider.