From humble beginnings in a Cotswolds barn, OVO Energy has come a long way in the last 15 years. Find out all you need to know about the UK’s fourth largest energy company.
Before it joined the ranks of the Big Six in 2019, UK startup OVO Energy was a major disrupter in the UK energy market. It continues to innovate in 2024, with a range of tariffs available. It also offers related heating and electric vehicle services and is fully transparent about where it sources its energy from.
About OVO Energy
OVO Energy started out as a small operation in 2009, based in a small barn in the Cotswolds. It grew steadily throughout the 2010s until it broke into the Big Six in 2019 when it acquired SSE’s 1.5 million customers. It’s established itself as the fourth largest UK energy supplier according to Ofgem. At the end of 2023, OVO Energy’s 4.5 million customers accounted for 13% of the electricity market and 10.9% of the gas market.
The company has always been a supporter of green energy, and in 2014 launched its own climate-focussed charity the OVO Foundation. In 2019, it launched its Plan Zero sustainability plan. OVO Energy is also the parent of its pay-as-you-go brand Boost Energy, while continuing to offer prepayment plans on its own tariffs too.
OVO Energy reviews 2024
Over 155,000 customers have rated OVO Energy via TrustPilot, and awarded it an average 4.3 rating, as of April 2024. Of those 155,000 reviews, 71% have been 5-star ratings.
What tariffs does OVO Energy offer?
OVO Energy offers a wide range of tariffs for home customers. They include its Simpler Energy variable tariff, which tracks the price set by the energy price cap. The company also offers a selection of 1- and 2-year fixed-rate deals. These can be combined with other services (see below), including the Greener Energy upgrade, boiler cover and free smart heating controls.
OVO Energy tariffs can be dual fuel, electric-only and gas-only. They can also be single or multi-rate, including Economy 7 and Economy 10. Electric vehicle owners can also add Charge Anytime to both variable and fixed-rate OVO electricity tariffs. This offers a fixed rate of 7p/kWh for smart charging your EV from home and applies at any time of day or night.
What other services does OVO Energy offer?
OVO Energy offers a wide range of additional related services. These include EV home charger fitting, boiler and heating system repairs and insurance, and smart thermostats. Services can be purchased independently or alongside an OVO Energy tariff as an upgrade.
Which meter types does OVO Energy support?
OVO Energy supports the full range of meter types: both non-smart and smart meters, as well as standard credit and prepayment meters.
Can I get a smart meter with OVO Energy?
Yes, OVO Energy offers smart meters for all its customers.
How do I contact OVO Energy?
Visit OVO Energy’s help page to access the full range of contact options including all OVO Energy contact numbers. They include:
- Phone (pay monthly customers): call 0330 3035063 weekdays (9am-5pm).
- Phone (pay as you go customers): call 0330 1759669 weekdays (8am-8pm), weekends (9am-5pm).
- Online chat
- Email: contact hello@ovoenergy.com – reply times are up to 2 working days.
- Write to: OVO Energy Services, PO Box 5280, Worthing, BN11 9RG.
- Emergency phone contacts in the event of a gas leak or power cut can be found here.
Does OVO Energy have an app?
Yes, the OVO Energy app for both Android and iPhone allows customers to:
- View energy usage, bills and statements
- Submit meter readings
- Get a prediction of how much you’re likely to spend
- View tariff and account details
Does OVO Energy use renewable energy?
OVO Energy does offer renewable energy, but it’s not included as standard. Instead, its Greener Energy upgrades, which offer 100% renewable electricity and 100% carbon neutral gas, are designed to be as transparent as possible. This allows customers to see exactly where their energy is sourced from.
OVO promises that all its renewable electricity is purchased directly from independent generators in the UK. The plan includes a £20 annual donation to help more independent renewable power generators get up and running. It also makes sure it purchases enough green gas – biogas – to cover the gas consumed by its Greener Energy gas customers.
What help does OVO Energy offer customers struggling with bills?
At the present time, OVO Energy is the only big six energy company not to provide customers with access to a hardship fund. Instead, it offers a dedicated page that provides information about what help it can provide. This includes setting up payment plans to spread the cost of money owed.
If you’re struggling to pay your utility bills, check out our comprehensive guide to see what help is out there, from government schemes as well as charities and other organisations.
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