OVO Energy recorded meter info incorrectly, updating will take 12 weeks so can't change supplier?

Joshuaclay

 I had a smart meter installed about a year ago and am looking to change from OVO to Ecotricity. My switch can't go ahead though as the information on the ECEOCS database doesn't match the meter. This seems to have been a mistake by OVO, however, I'm being told that I'll have to wait 12 weeks for the change to go through with the international database so am stuck paying for an energy company I don't want to be with.

Is this standard procedure? It seems odd that due to a mistake by OVO I have to stay with this company for an additional 3 months, if by misrecording things in the database they're securing 3 months of extra payments it seems to incentivize them to deliberately make mistakes like this?  

MattMattMattUK

Joshuaclay said:

 I had a smart meter installed about a year ago and am looking to change from OVO to Ecotricity. My switch can't go ahead though as the information on the ECEOCS database doesn't match the meter. This seems to have been a mistake by OVO, however, I'm being told that I'll have to wait 12 weeks for the change to go through with the international database so am stuck paying for an energy company I don't want to be with.

Is this standard procedure? It seems odd that due to a mistake by OVO I have to stay with this company for an additional 3 months, if by misrecording things in the database they're securing 3 months of extra payments it seems to incentivize them to deliberately make mistakes like this?  

Yes you have to wait, as the database does not match the potential new supplier will not be able to complete the transfer. It can take "up to twelve weeks" it can be resolved quicker. 

I do not think you will have lost out due to this situation though as Ecotricity's prices are actually 18% higher than Ovo's. You can raise a complaint and you will likely get a gesture of good will in the £30-50 range, though raising a complaint will not get the matter resolved any quicker. 

*Note that the database is not international, it is national.

ArbitraryRandom

MattMattMattUK said:

*Note that the database is not international, it is national.

Unless you count Scotland, England and Wales  

[Deleted User]

Good advice above. OP you do realise that if you pay Ecotricity for energy from fully renewable sources, you may see none of it. You will just get the same energy mix as other consumers in your area. Ecotricity is one of three suppliers who are allowed to set their prices outwith the Ofgem Cap. 

Joshuaclay

Haha yes, national not international. Thanks for the response, I was told in the OVO chat it would take 12 weeks, not up to so that's good to know.

And yes I realise that the actual energy mix won't be any different in the domestic setting. However, I'm just wanting to pay towards a supplier that's investing in more renewable energy generation, rather than just paying out their profits to shareholders.

[Deleted User]

Joshuaclay said:

Haha yes, national not international. Thanks for the response, I was told in the OVO chat it would take 12 weeks, not up to so that's good to know.

And yes I realise that the actual energy mix won't be any different in the domestic setting. However, I'm just wanting to pay towards a supplier that's investing in more renewable energy generation, rather than just paying out their profits to shareholders.

I would be very surprised if it takes more than a couple of weeks. Suppliers use the ‘up to 12 weeks’ excuse for anything that involves industry change procedures. It is to stop customers complaining.