OVO Energy Review (2025)

If you’re wondering what OVO Energy really brings to the table, you’re definitely not the only one. OVO Energy stands as one of the UK’s largest independent energy suppliers, and plenty of people are curious: does it offer good value and decent service? With several tariffs, digital tools, and an emphasis on greener energy, OVO has attracted both newcomers and those who’ve switched suppliers a few times already.

Picking an energy supplier isn’t just about cost. You’ll probably want reliability, helpful support, and a smooth account management process, too. OVO Energy gets a lot of feedback and offers features that might suit a range of households.

Key Takeaways

• OVO Energy is a major supplier with several competitive tariffs available.
• The company focuses on providing greener energy options.
• Highly rated on Trustpilot and by CitizensAdvice

Who are OVO Energy?

OVO Energy is one of the leading energy suppliers in the UK, serving millions of customers with electricity and gas. The company puts a lot of focus on competitive pricing, sustainability, and making customer service as simple as possible.

Company Background

OVO Energy started up in 2009 in Bristol. Their aim? Make energy greener, easier, and more affordable for everyone.

Now, OVO supplies energy to over four million customers. They’re known for green electricity tariffs and offsetting carbon emissions from gas, so if you’re eco-conscious, they’re a big name to consider.

When OVO bought SSE’s retail business in 2020, their customer base and market share jumped. They keep investing in tech like smart meters and digital account tools to make things smoother for customers.

OVO Energy Tariffs and Prices

OVO Energy has both fixed and variable tariffs, so you can pick between locked-in prices or more flexibility. Here’s a quick look at the main options:

With a fixed tariff, you lock in your rates for the contract, so your bills won’t shoot up if prices rise. There’s an exit fee if you leave early, though.

Variable tariffs move with the market. No exit fees, and you can switch whenever you want. That’s handy if you like to keep your options open.

Recent comparisons suggest OVO’s fixed rates are a bit higher than those of some rivals like Octopus Energy. Their variable tariffs aren’t the cheapest either, according to current data.

You can manage your account online or through their app. Tariff details and prices change sometimes, so it’s worth checking OVO’s website for the latest info before signing up.

Customer Reviews

Feedback on OVO is a real mix—some people love the service, while others mention account hiccups. People seem especially tuned in to how support teams handle issues and communicate.

Complaint Process and Energy Ombudsman

If you run into problems with your bill or account, OVO gives you several ways to get in touch. Most people start with customer service. Plenty of customers say staff are patient and can sort out billing mistakes or account changes over the phone or online.

If you’re still not happy after that, you can go to the Energy Ombudsman. This independent group helps settle disputes between customers and energy companies. Some reviewers mention that their issues finally get sorted when the ombudsman steps in.

Common complaints include incorrect bills or being chased for money you don’t owe. Some people mention repeated calls or messages after a mistake, which is understandably stressful. But OVO does seem to respond quickly when customers push for a fix, aiming to sort things out and make the experience better overall.

Independent Service and Audience Research

Review sites give a glimpse into what real customers think. On Trustpilot, OVO holds an Excellent rating—an average of 4.5 out of 5 from over 200,000 reviews. Most praise the clear communication, friendly staff, and fast problem-solving.

Lots of people highlight efficient, polite engineers and advisers who handle things like tariff switches, smart meter installs, or even support after a bereavement. The customer service team gets a lot of love for being quick and supportive.

Some negative reviews are about account errors or confusion over charges, but OVO usually replies and tries to fix things. The overall feedback shows their daily support is solid, though complicated account issues can drag on. It’s a mixed bag—strengths in support, but not flawless.

Customer Service and Complaints

You can reach Ovo Energy by phone, email, web chat, or their mobile hotline. If you use British Sign Language, SignVideo support is available. Call centre hours depend on how you pay: pay monthly customers can call weekdays, while prepayment customers get longer hours and some weekend support.

Ovo usually replies to emails within two days. They’ll even call you back, so you’re not stuck on hold. The average phone wait is around a minute and a half, which isn’t too bad these days.

Ovo Energy ranked 4th among main suppliers for customer service, scoring 3.6 out of 5. They do well on contact waiting times and customer commitments, though their complaint numbers aren’t the lowest out there.

The complaint rate is about 50 per 10,000 customers—pretty average among the big suppliers. If you want the nitty-gritty on Ovo’s service scores or contact options, check out their customer service performance.

Contact methods:

• Phone (pay monthly): 0330 303 5063
• Phone (prepayment): 0330 175 9669
• Web chat: Available
• Mobile hotline: 0117 332 6945

Most problems get sorted over the phone or through online chat. Trickier complaints may need something in writing. Ovo also has a Switch Guarantee and Vulnerability Commitment for those who need extra support.

Core Features and Benefits

OVO Energy offers plenty of tools and services to help you control your energy use, understand your bills, and get quick support. The OVO app and a detailed help centre make managing your account less of a headache.

OVO App Functionality

The OVO app gives you live access to your account. You can send meter readings, check your usage, and view bills straight from your phone. It’s a real time-saver and keeps things transparent.

If you’ve got a smart meter, the app shows detailed analytics—daily and weekly breakdowns, so you can actually spot patterns and maybe even cut your costs.

You can also tweak your direct debits, update details, and see your tariff info in the app. Account notifications—like meter reading reminders—are all there too. The layout is clean and simple, so you’re not hunting for what you need.

Customer Help Centre

The Customer Help Centre is online 24/7, with support articles, step-by-step guides, and a search bar to find answers quickly. Topics cover everything from billing to smart meter setup.

If you need more personal help, you can call, chat live, or email. Quite a few customers get their queries sorted just using the FAQs and troubleshooting guides—no phone call needed.

The help centre also shares info on energy analytics and smart meter tips. That way, you can sort out problems yourself and get to know your account better, without waiting ages for a reply.

Where does OVO’s energy come from?

OVO Energy gets its electricity from a mix of sources—renewables, natural gas, nuclear, and a bit from coal. They lean heavily on renewable sources like wind, solar, and hydro, but there’s still a chunk from fossil fuels and nuclear in the mix.

Here’s a rough breakdown of where the energy comes from:

*Percentages change a bit each year depending on government data.

OVO puts a big emphasis on renewables. At least half your electricity comes from green sources, and if you go for a special green tariff, you can get 100% renewable electricity. That’s pretty appealing if you’re after a lighter carbon footprint.

They back up their green claims with renewable energy guarantees (REGOs). Basically, for every unit you use, they make sure the same amount of renewable energy gets added to the grid. It’s not perfect, but it’s something.

Of course, not all of OVO’s supply is green yet. They still rely on natural gas and nuclear to keep things steady, especially when the weather doesn’t play ball for wind or solar.

Curious how OVO stacks up against other suppliers? You can check out their energy mix compared to the rest of the market. Some providers offer more renewables, some less—it’s all down to their own strategies.

Account Management and Security

Managing your OVO Energy account is pretty straightforward. You get tools to control payments, keep tabs on your usage, and keep your info safe. Payment options are flexible, and you can submit meter readings or sort out emergency credit when needed.

Direct Debit and Payment Options

Most people pay their OVO bill by Direct Debit, which just takes money from your bank account each month. It’s easy, and you don’t have to think about it much.

If you prefer, you can pay by debit card, bank transfer, or even cheque. Still, Direct Debit usually gets you the best rates. Changing your payment date or amount is simple if your usage shifts up or down.

Your online account keeps a record of your payment history and any changes you make. It’s handy for staying on top of things, and OVO encrypts payments to keep your info protected. That’s the least you’d expect these days, right?

Standing Charges and Payment Plans

Standing charges are a fixed daily fee for having energy supplied to your home, even if you don’t use any that day. These get added to your bill on top of what you pay for the energy you actually use.

You can check your standing charges anytime in your OVO account. OVO offers a few payment plans, like fixed monthly payments, so you can spread costs out and budget a bit easier. If your usage changes, you can tweak your plan.

If you’re struggling to pay, OVO does offer some support. You can request a tailored payment plan or ask for financial advice—they don’t leave you hanging.

Meter Readings and Emergency Credit

Sending in regular meter readings helps avoid those annoying estimated bills. You can do this online, in the app, or over the phone. OVO suggests you send readings monthly, unless you’ve got a smart meter—those handle it for you.

If you use a prepayment meter and your credit runs low, you can usually get emergency credit. This lets you keep the lights on for a bit until you top up. Just activate it on your meter or with your smart card, and you’ll pay it back the next time you add credit.

Need help? There’s guidance on the website and app, plus customer service if you get stuck with readings or emergency credit. Not always perfect, but it’s there.

Eligibility and Registration

To join OVO, you need to be at least 18 and own or rent your own place. Registration’s mostly online—just head to the OVO website, pop in your address and contact details, and pick your tariff.

You’ll probably need to show some ID and confirm your details by email. Most people can sign up without a hitch, but if you’ve got a prepayment meter or something unusual, OVO walks you through the extra steps.

Once you’re set up, you get a secure online account to manage your details, view bills, send meter readings, and adjust payments whenever you need.

Frequently Asked Questions

People usually ask about billing accuracy, customer support, and tariff prices when it comes to OVO. Reviews and comparisons with Octopus and E.ON highlight some clear differences in service and satisfaction.

What are the common complaints about OVO Energy among customers?

Billing accuracy and surprise direct debit changes come up a lot. Some customers say it’s tough to get help when there’s an account issue, and fixes can take longer than you’d hope.

How does OVO Energy’s customer service rate in reviews?

Reviews are a mixed bag. Some praise the polite staff, but others mention long waits and slow responses to complaints. Your experience might depend on when you contact them or how tricky your problem is.

What aspects of OVO Energy are consistently praised in customer testimonials?

People like the user-friendly app and how easy it is to manage their account. The clear focus on green energy gets good marks, and the switching process is straightforward. The online tools are a hit, too.

How do OVO Energy’s tariffs compare with those of competitors such as Octopus Energy?

Ovo’s tariffs are generally competitive, but sometimes Octopus undercuts them. Octopus offers special rates for electric vehicle charging, which is great if that’s your thing. OVO does have smart tech options on some plans, though.

Are there any recurring themes in negative reviews of OVO Energy on Trustpilot?

Common themes? Billing errors, refund hassles, slow customer service, and communication issues. Some people also mention trouble updating or closing accounts after switching suppliers. It’s not all bad, but these problems crop up a lot.

What do comparisons between OVO Energy and E.ON typically focus on?

People usually compare E.ON and OVO Energy by looking at things like tariff prices, how easy it is to get help from customer service, and what kind of renewable energy options they offer. People also care about which company is simpler to reach and which gives you more flexible or affordable plans. The apps and online account features come up a lot too—some say one is easier to use, while others aren’t so sure.