Switching suppliers - timing of changeover

rubble2

Hi,
Not much experience of switching energy suppliers but I am in the middle of migrating from SSE Atlantic to OVO for both gas and electric.

I had a message from OVO saying that the switchover would take place on 22nd September and asking me for meter readings which I supplied on 18th. OVO took first direct debit payment on the 22nd.

I have just spoken to SSE who say that they haven't yet received the meter readings from OVO but that this is not unusual and 'can take some time'.

What I want to know, if possible, is if I am now being supplied via OVO as of the meter readings I provided?.

I have my direct debit with SSE due to go out on 28th September, so would I expect that to be taken as usual even though I have apparently changed supplier? I know that SSE will send a final statement once the switchover is complete but will I be effectively paying two suppliers up until that point with the final payment (credit or debit) being resolved with the final bill from SSE?

Thanks

FreddieFrugal

From what you've said,


yes you are now being supplied by OVO as from the meter readings you gave them.
Once those readings do finally make their way to SSE they'll use those to work out your final bill for them.
But all of your payments for future usage, from your starting meter reading, will be to OVO.


You shouldn't be charged by SSE until they know your final reading so that they can charge you correctly...they may still charge you anyway due to their payment system, but you would be refunded any difference between that payment and your proper final closing account payment.


Just make sure you have enough funds in the account just in case they DO charge you. But as I said, this would be either refunded to taken off your final bill. Don't be surprised if you have to chase them for it. They may have it all in hand but these companies often don't!

footyguy

rubble2 wrote: »

Hi,
Not much experience of switching energy suppliers but I am in the middle of migrating from SSE Atlantic to OVO for both gas and electric.

I had a message from OVO saying that the switchover would take place on 22nd September and asking me for meter readings which I supplied on 18th. OVO took first direct debit payment on the 22nd.

I have just spoken to SSE who say that they haven't yet received the meter readings from OVO but that this is not unusual and 'can take some time'.

What I want to know, if possible, is if I am now being supplied via OVO as of the meter readings I provided?.

I have my direct debit with SSE due to go out on 28th September, so would I expect that to be taken as usual even though I have apparently changed supplier? I know that SSE will send a final statement once the switchover is complete but will I be effectively paying two suppliers up until that point with the final payment (credit or debit) being resolved with the final bill from SSE?

Thanks

As I understand it, you have been on supply from Ovo since 22-Sep-2015 (Tuesday). It is not clear if this is for both gas & electricity or just one of the supplies (it is not uncommon for there to be a small difference in switching dates). Refer to the message you received from Ovo as to what they have switched.

Regarding the meter readings, you provided these 4 days prior to the switch on the 18th. These are within the permitted window, and so should be used, although don't be surprised if a small variation is then estimated from those readings to allow for what you consumed in the 4 days difference.

Your next payment to SSE is scheduled for Monday (28th). I would expect that as the BACS file had already been submitted, that this payment will be collected as planned (and will be shown as a credit on your final bill). If it's not collected, then don't worry about it.