Ovo

[Deleted User]

Shigs said:

Thanks Dolor.
I'm not ignoring the bills, I've been trying for 2 months to get one! I'm trying to pay them but their entire service is abysmal. 
I'm also concerned that when I questioned the 'meter reading' being an estimate, I was told "it's just the way it's written". 😳

Suppliers have used estimates for years: particularly, since the regulation was changed to obtaining a meter reading once every 12 months. If the consumer cannot be bothered to provide meter readings and the supplier bills monthly, then estimates will be used. This is why this forum is full of people complaining when they receive an unexpected ‘catch up’ bill.

If you are unhappy with Ovo’s service then raise a written complaint. Provide them with a meter reading and ask for a bill to be issued. Hopefully, you will not have to escalate the problem to the Energy Ombudsman. 

Shigs

Dolor, did you forget to read the OP? I've been trying that for 2 months! I've always provided my meter readings, on time, and paid my bills, on time - I've put in a complaint, twice.
Do not accuse me of 'not bothering' to do my bit, I'm chasing them up so I can pay what I owe!! You're very rude aren't you? 

QrizB

Shigs said:

Dolor, did you forget to read the OP? I've been trying that for 2 months! I've always provided my meter readings, on time, and paid my bills, on time - I've put in a complaint, twice.

If it's been eight weeks since your first complaint you can now go to their Ombudsman.

Shigs

Thanks QrizB, I'm going to pay them an estimate of what I owe, lol, and get onto the CAB. 👍

[Deleted User]

Shigs said:

Dolor, did you forget to read the OP? I've been trying that for 2 months! I've always provided my meter readings, on time, and paid my bills, on time - I've put in a complaint, twice.
Do not accuse me of 'not bothering' to do my bit, I'm chasing them up so I can pay what I owe!! You're very rude aren't you? 

I am not trying to be rude - just pragmatic. You have suggested ( but offered no evidence in support of your suggestion) that suppliers cannot bill you using estimated readings. What I am saying - bluntly - is that they can and they do. 

You say that Ovo has provided you with an estimate. An estimate of what: a quote based on estimated annual usage or a bill based on estimated readings? If it is the latter, then it is a valid bill which you can contest by providing the supplier with an actual meter reading. 

If you decide to take your complaint to The Energy Ombudsman then you need to provide EOS with evidence to demonstrate a shortfall in customer service. Ovo will also provide a detailed case file. The ‘investigator’ investigates nothing: it makes an interim and final decision based solely on the evidence that it is presented with. Even then, based on my recent experience, it doesn’t do a very good job of reviewing all the evidence.

If the Final Decision goes against you, and you reject it, then as far as the supplier and The Energy Ombudsman are concerned you have no cause for complaint which puts you back where you started.

Shigs

I agree, in my experience, ombudsman services usually don't bother and just find in favour of the company. 
I'm sending them some money, which will cover most of the bill until they can sort it out. The whole point of me giving the last reading was to get a bill before the prices went up.