OVO Energy: A Complete 2024 Guide to Tariffs and Services
From a challenger brand disrupting the market to one of the UK's most significant energy suppliers, OVO Energy has had a remarkable journey. Founded in 2009 with a focus on fair pricing and green energy, it now supplies millions of homes across the country. If you're considering a switch, this guide covers everything you need to know about OVO's tariffs, renewable energy options, customer service, and additional home services in 2024.
1. Who is OVO Energy?
OVO Energy launched as an independent supplier aiming to make energy simpler and more sustainable. Its customer base grew steadily before a major expansion in 2020, when it acquired SSE's domestic retail arm. This move elevated OVO into the top tier of UK energy companies, often referred to as the 'Big Six'.
Today, OVO supplies energy to over four million UK households. The company maintains a strong focus on sustainability through its 'Plan Zero' initiative, which aims to drive progress towards net-zero carbon living. It also operates the OVO Foundation, a charity dedicated to environmental causes and youth empowerment.
2. OVO Energy Tariffs Explained
OVO offers a focused range of tariffs designed to suit different customer needs, from those seeking flexibility to others wanting price certainty.
Variable Rate Tariff
OVO's primary variable tariff is named Simpler Energy. The rates on this plan can rise and fall in line with the wholesale cost of energy, and are capped by Ofgem's energy price cap.
- Flexibility: This tariff has no fixed contract term and no exit fees, meaning you are free to switch to another OVO tariff or a different supplier at any time.
- Availability: It is typically available to both new and existing customers.
Fixed-Rate Tariffs
For customers who prefer predictable energy costs, OVO provides several fixed-rate deals. These lock in your unit rates and standing charges for a set period, usually 12 or 24 months.
- Price Certainty: Your energy costs per unit will not change for the duration of the contract, protecting you from wholesale price increases.
- Contract Term: You commit to staying with OVO for the agreed period.
- Exit Fees: Leaving a fixed-rate contract early will usually incur an exit fee, which is charged per fuel (gas and electricity).
Here is a summary of the typical tariff types:
| Tariff Type | Contract Length | Exit Fees | Key Feature |
|---|---|---|---|
| Simpler Energy (Variable) | Rolling (no term) | None | Complete flexibility; prices track the Ofgem price cap. |
| 1-Year Fixed | 12 Months | Yes | Guarantees your energy rates for one year. |
| 2-Year Fixed | 24 Months | Yes | Provides longer-term price security for your energy bills. |
| Fixed + Greener Energy | 12 or 24 Months | Yes | Includes OVO's 100% renewable electricity upgrade as standard. |
| Fixed + Boiler Cover | 12 Months | Yes | Bundles a fixed energy rate with boiler insurance. |
Note: The availability of fixed-rate tariffs, particularly for new customers, can vary depending on market conditions. It's common for the best fixed deals to be offered to existing customers first.
Tariffs for Electric Vehicle Drivers
OVO's Charge Anytime add-on is a standout feature for electric vehicle (EV) owners. Rather than being a separate tariff, it can be added to any OVO plan for free.
- Smart Charging: It provides an ultra-low rate for charging your EV at home (currently 7p per kWh).
- How it Works: You plug in your car, and OVO's smart charging technology automatically schedules your charge for the greenest and cheapest times.
- Convenience: The low rate applies regardless of the time of day, and the savings are credited back to your account monthly.
- Requirements: You will need a compatible smart meter and home EV charger.
3. OVO's Commitment to Green Energy
Sustainability is a cornerstone of OVO's brand identity. While not all its tariffs include renewable energy as standard, the company offers a transparent way for customers to go green.
The Greener Energy upgrade can be added to any tariff. This ensures:
- 100% Renewable Electricity: OVO matches every unit of electricity you use by purchasing a unit directly from a UK-based renewable generator, such as wind, solar, or hydro.
- 100% Carbon-Neutral Gas: For your gas usage, OVO offsets the carbon emissions by investing in carbon-reduction projects around the world. A portion of this is also covered by purchasing 'green gas' (biomethane).
OVO also supports the growth of renewable infrastructure through its initiatives, contributing to the development of new independent green energy projects in the UK.
4. Beyond Energy: Other OVO Services
OVO has expanded its offerings to provide a holistic home energy solution. These services can often be purchased separately or bundled with an energy plan.
- Heating Services: This includes comprehensive boiler and heating insurance, one-off repairs for boilers and home systems (like plumbing and electrics), and full boiler replacement and installation.
- Smart Home Technology: OVO installs smart thermostats, helping customers to control their heating more efficiently and reduce energy waste.
- EV Charger Installation: To complement its Charge Anytime add-on, OVO offers the installation of home electric vehicle chargers.
- Energy Efficiency Solutions: The company is also involved in installing low-carbon technologies like heat pumps and solar panels.
5. Customer Support and Reviews
OVO Energy generally receives positive feedback from its customers. As of mid-2024, it holds an 'Excellent' rating on Trustpilot, based on over 150,000 reviews. Customers frequently praise the user-friendly app and helpful installation engineers.
How to Contact OVO Energy:
- Phone (Pay Monthly): 0330 303 5063 (Mon-Fri, 9am-5pm)
- Phone (Prepayment): 0330 175 9669 (Extended hours on weekdays and weekends)
- Online Chat: Available via the OVO website for quick queries.
- Email: hello@ovoenergy.com
- Post: OVO Energy Services, PO Box 5280, Worthing, BN11 9RG
The OVO Energy app is a powerful tool for managing your account. Its key functions include submitting meter readings, viewing your energy usage history, downloading bills and statements, and checking your account details.
6. Support for Customers with Bills
While OVO does not currently operate its own direct hardship fund like some other major suppliers, it provides dedicated support for customers experiencing financial difficulty. The primary method of support is through personalised payment plans, which allow customers to spread the cost of what they owe over a manageable period. Their customer support team can also provide advice and direct customers to government schemes and independent charities that offer financial assistance.
7. Frequently Asked Questions
Does OVO Energy offer smart meters?
Yes, OVO is actively rolling out smart meters to all its customers. You can book a free installation appointment through your online account or by contacting their support team.
Does OVO support prepayment meters?
Yes. OVO previously operated a separate brand called Boost for prepayment customers, but this has now been fully integrated into the main OVO brand. OVO continues to offer pay-as-you-go energy tariffs.
Can I get a gas-only or electricity-only deal with OVO?
Yes, all of OVO's tariffs are available as single-fuel plans. However, taking out a dual fuel plan (for both gas and electricity) can sometimes be more convenient and may offer a small discount.
