How to Cancel OVO Energy Service: Step-by-Step Guide

Canceling your OVO Energy service might seem daunting, but with the right information and approach, it can be a smooth process. This comprehensive guide will walk you through the steps to cancel your OVO Energy service, handle potential complications, and ensure a hassle-free transition to your new energy supplier.

Understanding the Cancellation Process

Before diving into the specifics, it’s essential to understand that canceling your OVO Energy service is primarily done by signing up with a new supplier. This process, known as “switching,” is designed to be seamless and requires minimal direct interaction with OVO Energy.

Key Points to Remember:

• You don’t need to contact OVO Energy directly to cancel
• Your new supplier will handle most of the cancellation process
• There’s a cooling-off period that protects you from unnecessary fees

Step 1: Sign Up with a New Supplier

The first and most crucial step in canceling your OVO Energy service is to sign up with a new energy supplier. This initiates the switching process and sets everything in motion.

What Happens Next:

1. Your new supplier will notify OVO Energy of the switch
2. They will handle the transfer of your energy supply
3. You’ll be given a switching date

Step 2: Clear Any Outstanding Debts

Before your switch can be completed, it’s essential to ensure you don’t have any outstanding debts with OVO Energy.

Important Considerations:

• Debts under £25 won’t prevent you from switching
• Pay-as-you-go customers can transfer up to £500 of debt per fuel to the new supplier under the Debt Assignment Protocol
• If you have a larger debt, you’ll need to clear it before switching

Step 3: Be Aware of the Cooling-Off Period

After signing up with your new supplier, you have a 14-day cooling-off period. This is a consumer protection measure that allows you to change your mind without incurring any penalties.

During the Cooling-Off Period:

• You can cancel the switch and stay with OVO Energy
• No exit fees will be charged if you decide to cancel
• You’re still responsible for any energy used during this period

Step 4: Provide Meter Readings

Accurate meter readings are crucial for ensuring a smooth transition and accurate final billing.

When and How to Provide Readings:

• Your new supplier will request initial meter readings
• You have a 10-day window to provide these readings (5 days before and 5 days after the switch date)
• It’s recommended to send these readings to OVO Energy as well

Step 5: Await Your Final Bill and Refund

After the switch is complete, OVO Energy will use your final meter readings to generate your last bill.

What to Expect:

• You’ll receive your final bill within 4-6 weeks of the switch
• Any credit remaining will be refunded within 10 working days
• Refunds are typically sent to the bank account used for Direct Debit payments or by cheque if you use a different payment method

Step 6: Check for Early Exit Fees

Depending on your current plan with OVO Energy, you may be subject to early exit fees.

Early Exit Fee Details:

• Applicable if you leave a fixed plan contract more than 53 days before it ends
• The fee is £75 per fuel (£150 for both electricity and gas)
• No exit fees apply for the “Simpler Energy” variable rate tariff, pay-as-you-go customers, or during the cooling-off period

What to Do If You Accidentally Switch to a New OVO Energy Tariff

If you find yourself in a situation where you’ve accidentally switched to a new tariff or contract with OVO Energy during the cooling-off period, don’t panic. You have options to rectify the situation without incurring additional costs.

Steps to Cancel an Accidental Switch:

1. Contact OVO Energy immediately
2. Inform them that you want to cancel the new contract within the cooling-off period
3. Provide any necessary meter readings for a smooth transition back to your previous plan or to a different supplier
4. Clear any outstanding debts if required

Remember, you have 14 calendar days from the start of the new contract to cancel without penalties.

Closing Your OVO Energy Account

When you’re moving out or switching suppliers, it’s important to properly close your OVO Energy account to avoid any future complications.

Account Closure Process:

1. Notify OVO of your intent to leave (use the “Moving Home” section on MyOVO if you’re moving out)
2. Provide final meter readings
3. Wait for your final bill (typically 4-6 weeks after your switch or move-out date)
4. Settle the final bill or receive any credit refund
5. Your Direct Debit will be automatically cancelled once the account is settled

Notifying OVO Energy of Your Move

If you’re moving to a new address, it’s crucial to inform OVO Energy in advance to ensure a smooth transition and proper account closure.

Steps to Notify OVO of Your Move:

1. Log into your OVO account through My OVO
2. Provide your move-out date (up to 4 weeks in advance)
3. Enter your forwarding address and email
4. Submit final meter readings (if available)
5. Await your final bill and any refund due

Conclusion

Canceling your OVO Energy service doesn’t have to be a complicated process. By following these steps and being aware of your rights and responsibilities, you can ensure a smooth transition to your new energy supplier or a hassle-free account closure when moving. Remember to keep all relevant documentation and communication for your records, and don’t hesitate to reach out to OVO Energy’s customer service if you need any additional assistance during the process.