How do I read my OVO Energy bill?
OVO bill example
We’ve taken an example OVO energy bill to show you where you'll find the key information on it.
This is the first page of a recent OVO bill. It clearly shows the time period the bill relates to and the charges for that month. This customer spent £55.23 worth of gas and electricity but their direct debit is set to £88, so their overall balance is in credit.
Taking note of whether you're in debit or credit to OVO can be a good indicator of whether or not your direct debit is at the right level to cover your energy usage.
If you're building up credit during the winter months, you should probably be paying a lower direct debit amount. If you're in debit to your supplier in the summer months, you'll accrue an even larger debt as you head into winter when your usage increases. Your supplier may then automatically increase your direct debit amount.
Supplying regular meter readings keeps your balance as accurate as possible.
OVO charges, balance and credit/debit
The second page shows the specific charges for electricity. On the left are the charges in terms of unit rates and standing charges. Usage is shown in kWh, based on smart meter readings. Uswitch can use these figures to calculate how much you would pay for the next 12 months on different plans.
On the right are the details about the customer's energy deal, which will be useful if they need to look at whether they can switch. For example, the tariff name could quickly flag whether or not they're on the supplier's often expensive default tariff (standard variable tariff).
The date the tariff ends is also important. After this point they'd be rolled onto the supplier's standard variable tariff, which would probably cost them more. They should switch again to a fixed plan at this point (or any time in the 49 days before the stated contract end date of 20 August) to avoid overpaying.
The exit fees are also listed - if the customer wanted to switch before the final 49 days of the contract, they'd have to pay £100 (£50 for each fuel as it's a dual fuel deal). From 49 days before the plan end date, suppliers shouldn't charge you any exit fees.
Can I see my OVO Energy meter readings?
Yes - on the bill, the latest OVO Energy meter readings are on the pages for the individual fuels where it says "Meter readings". It will also specify the type of reading, whether it's a smart meter automatic send, a manual send or an estimate. Here we can see the readings marketing as "Smart meter".
You can also double-check your meter numbers to ensure you're receiving bills for your meter and not someone else's. They're blanked out here but can be found in the upper right-hand corners of the pages for each fuel.
To see older meter readings, you might have to log in to your online account, which should have historical readings available.
How to save money on your OVO energy deal
Could you pay less? Your supplier will tell you if you are not on its cheapest plan. This was designed to keep people from sticking with overpriced tariffs.
Keep in mind that this is only your own supplier’s cheapest plan, and may not be the cheapest energy plan on the market. You can compare energy prices below to get a full-market look at what's out there. If you want to stay with OVO, you can usually switch to a fixed deal from either a standard variable or another of its fixed deals.
Run an energy comparison
Click here to compare energy prices and get started on your energy switch.
