OVO Energy Economy 7 - Energy usage not being taken

Duk

Hi All,

I previously had a standard Economy 7 which worked perfect but was asked to switch to a smart meter just over a year ago. since then every month OVO are only charging me for the standard rate tariff and no energy usage.  So I am paying my standard £137 a month DD but only being charged ~£15 a month Electricity. The Meter and Smart device are connected and OVO have confirmed they can see the readings.

I have called OVO on many occasions because of this, not only to be honest but I do not want a huge stonking bill to come through the door one day. 

I suffer from Asperger's syndrome and unfortunately, it comes with some unwanted mental health issues for free including Anxiety. I really struggle to keep on top of everything in life and have spreadsheets for the smallest things as its the only way I can manage.

I have called OVO 3 times over the past 3 months to which they have replied that there is an accounting issue and they are looking into it. Now the main problem is, I do not know if what I am paying or have been paying is enough. I am in credit by a huge amount but only because they have not been taking money off my monthly payments. 

Some of my friends are on nearly triple their original DD cost. But I am so in the dark and even though I do not have people knocking at my door or OVO requesting Money its causing me more problems as I am getting little sleep and have had to take time off work because of it in the past few months. I try to forget but I get so hyper focused onto the subject that its all I can think about for days.

I am currently ~£1500 in credit. but what if OVO send a bill for £5k. I do not have that as a lump sum and I cant afford to be adding that to already rising costs, I needed to know months ago. But they just won’t do anything about it. Is there some recourse I can take as this is completely OVO’s fault that I do not know how much I am spending and its really affecting my already fragile health?

Additionally, the button on the smart device does not work correctly so I cant even use that to work out how much I'm spending.

Thanks for any help.

littleteapot

The good news is you are aware of the problem and so can prepare for the realistic worst case, which is that OVO one day get a valid reading from the meter and bill you for all the electricity that you have used since the problem began.

I assume that the smart meter still shows the usage on it's built  display for both rates? (not the remote display). If so simply take a reading from it each month and record in a spreadsheet. From this you can calculate how much you have used and should have paid. Put this money aside in a savings account ready for when ovo eventually provide a correct bill. For even better protection of yourself take date-stamped photos of the meter readings with your phone.

You could also try emailing the readings and possibly the photos to ovo with your meter supply number. If nothing else it provides evidence of your real usage and shows due diligence on your part in the event a dispute shoud occur.

littleteapot

should have said position the camera so that both the meter readings and supply number label are visible in the photo. If you can enable the date-stamp feature on your phone/camera as well this is about as good evidence as you can possibly get.

Duk

Thanks, I did not realise you could still get a reading from the meter, mine just looks like a big plastic case now, I used to have a button to press for day and night. maybe there is something I have to unclip.

Alnat1

If you have problems, post a pic of the meter (cover any meter number) and some clever person here might know what you need to do to get the readings.

Swipe

Just put the money away monthly in a savings account and then periodically work out what your bill should actually be from your meter readings. No need to stress about it.