OVO energy/ any help appreciated

jezzmip

Hello all, I’m new to forums so I apologise if this is in the incorrect section.
im Just looking for some advice, I’m 22 and just began renting a first studio flat and have been here now approx 2 weeks almost. The agents told me gas and electric was supplied by OVO, and they were gonna let them know that I’m the new tenant so that they can set everything up and remove the previous tenants account etc. this was great as I could focus on the other hard parts of moving. However, they emailed them with all the info and also stating that previous tenant had a £40 debt on gas meter, so they requested it to be wiped for me. This was on the first day I moved in, and I’ve heard nothing ever since. I haven’t topped anything up as at the moment Im still receiving gas, and figured that I could keep track of what I use so that I can pay when they’ve set my account up. I’ve tried emailing myself and have also had no reply. It’s been 2 weeks now and I’ve heard nothing, and getting a bit anxious. It’s a smart gas meter, so the screen tells me there’s debt like so far it says -£42.75, it started on £24.75 when I first moved in but I’ve also used some and the main meter says there was -£40 debt when moving in. The screen says “gas disablement suspended” “top up soon” “gas credit low”  etc and the main meter just says there’s a debt. I’ve never dealt with anything like this before so I have no clue what’s going on, or if I need to do anything. I’m currently without WiFi so I’m using 4g in the mean time so I’m not sure if I need to ring someone, get in touch with my agents etc?
I just don’t wanna top up and then be paying off someone else’s debt, as I was told I’m not expected to pay this previous tenants bill whatsoever. 

Any help is really appreciated, thank you all

AskAsk

you need to set up an account with OVO.  the EA can let them know but they can't set the account up for you, you need to do it.

Robin9

Contact OVO yourself -  never rely on anyone else to do it and never use any old key left lying around    They will send you a new key.

Gerry1

When moving into a property, NEVER let anyone read the meters on your behalf, apart from an official meter reader.  You may find you are paying for any void period after the previous occupier moved out, and any debt on a prepayment meter.

Always take readings yourself on the day you take possession, sign up with the existing suppliers, and don't forget the water meter if there is one.

NEVER allow a landlord or agent to sign you up 'to make things easier'.  You may end up being monetised: you get put on a very expensive tariff, they get a kickback. 😱

Jonboy_1984

Once you sign up for an account their customer service team should be able to text you the meter key numbers to use in their app (Beware they may not work until the following day).

Scot_39

As above - its a personal contract you are setting up - so needs to be you.

The agents are really only covering their backs and the landlords - some suppliers used to trigger letters to new tenants based on the landlord or agent notification - sounds like not in your case - not yet anyway.

You should ideally have taken meter readings on day 1 - and contacted deemed supplier as soon as practicable after to register.

You should still do this and supply any readings you have.

If prepay - AFAIK you will generally get a new key or even a card linked to your specific account.

You can probably pay to top up direct with customer services if need be in interim.

If you think you can get a better deal elsewhere - or prefer to deal with another supplier for whatever reason - you still have to have a contract with Ovo - the deemed (sitting) supplier - before you can request it to be moved.  

Some people will request the move same day - but it can take time to process and resolve billing.

The reason others are telling you never to trust anyone else - is that it is not unheard of to fall foul of paying for usage of previous occupants (tenants or owners) - or in a void (unlet) period - energy that the landlord should be responsible for.