Forum Topic

OVO Energy Again!

In yesterday’s Sunday Times “Question of Money”, Jill Insley said: ”OVO, often in collaboration with British Gas, has taken over from Barclays in dominating the complaints coming in to Question of  Money” I have mentioned OVO Energy before on this Forum and so has Neil Milkins.  I am so glad I changed to Octopus Energy.

Martine Guy ● 393d8 Comments

That is the only gripe with Octopus. 12 spins in the past 12 months and zilch. Can't wait for midnight to send in readings and the next spin.

Neil Milkins ● 389d

Thank you Neil, may luck be with you when you spin the wheel.

Ed Robinson ● 390d

Grateful to Ed Robinson for his post regarding surpluses in energy account. I am £768.88 in credit and following Ed's post regarding Martin Lewis' advice I emailed Octopus at 9.57am today asking for a £500 rebate and at 10.03am just 4 minutes later a reply came back - "job done." Amazing service.

Neil Milkins ● 390d

And so am I glad I changed to Octopus. OVO featured again on Rip Off Britain this week.

Neil Milkins ● 391d

Perhaps I may have understated the response from Octopus when commenting that they responded very quickly.I sent the email at lunch time and didn't check my email again until the evening.Looking at my email timestamps Octopus, recorded the issue, corrected it and informed me, all within three minutes and ten seconds. That's very impressive.

Ed Robinson ● 391d

Thanks for the advice.  I will watch Rip Off Britain on catch up.  I think it’s one of be best programmes on the BBC. Re: dealing with Octopus, I found it easy to get through to someone and that they were straightforward and helpful to deal with.  Their concise energy bills are easy to understand, ie you have used so much energy over the last month and this is what you will pay.  When I changed to them, they rang me about having a smart meter, I said no thanks and they have never bothered me again. Contrast this experience with OVO, the energy company from hell, imo. When you get through to someone, they make it up as they go along.  From the very beginning, they have got bills wrong and they charge you a penalty for their mistake.  I believe I have been overcharged by possibly £2000 but their lengthy bills are so incomprehensible, it’s anyones guess.   I decided to cut my losses and move before the amounts got any higher. I used to read the online reviews on a daily basis but the bad reviews are so numerous, it was taking up too much time.  People say how quick OVO are to bring in debt collectors.  I feel so sorry for people over this.

Martine Guy ● 393d

Martin Lewis, who I'm not a great fan of btw, mentioned making sure that you remove surpluses in your energy accounts.No sooner did I read that than Octopus Energy sent me a email detailing how helpful they are and would be increasing my direct debit and not to worry it's all done automatically and I can always change it myself.I checked and I was in credit a couple of hundred so went to reduce my direct debit back but it would not let me. They were however very responsive to my complaint and put the matter straight very quickly.I wouldn't be surprised if many people had more money in their utility accounts than they do in their current accounts. I really do not want to run a surplus or a deficit. Other utilities manage to debit what you actually owe. I think there are various reports about the energy companies holding onto customers money and some action although too slow as always, by the regulator.

Ed Robinson ● 393d

Did you see my post about Radio 5 Live and Rip Off Britain Energy Special yesterday morning? (Bank Hol Mon) You should be able to catch Rip Off Britain on BBC One.  I see it also has a Facebook page.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b00wck32

Philippa Bond ● 393d