Energy supplier being switched without me knowing

laurenphil929

Hi

Just hoping for some advice about an email from OVO I received an hour ago. 

I received an email from my electricity company ovo saying that ''were sorry to see you go'' and that they've received a request for me to switch suppliers. I personally haven't requested to switch anything my end. 
However, I am due to move out around the 26th of this month and have given in my notice already which as all been approved etc, so i'm wondering is it possible that this is the estate agents doing it their end? and if so, are they allowed to do that considering the account is in my name, I'm responsible for it and the payments? 

I'm just concerned that I'm gonna end up with any charges or a bill for another account. I was gonna let OVO know that I'm moving out from this address soon sometime this week but haven't had the time to do it yet. Of course, if it is the estate agents doing it for a new tenant lined up or landlord etc then I understand but its caught me off guard because normally I just sort it out my end. I've been with OVO since moving in, with prepayment meters as that was what was already here. I just opened an account as normal and went from there, so im confused on how someone has started a switch when the account is fully in my name etc. 

If this is normal then no problem, but its just never happened to me before so im a bit concerned and confused. OVO chat lines are closed currently so ive got to contact them in the morning, so in the meantime if anyone has experienced anything similar or has any advice for me then please i would be be very grateful! Moving is already very stressful so this an added concern lol 

thanks,

QrizB

Erroneous switches happen often enough that there's a name for them - erroneous switches!

If you call OVO and tell them you didn't request the switch, they should block it.

WiserMiser

It's quite possible that the letting agent or landlord may have attempted to sign up the supply to themselves or to the new occupier.  Many energy suppliers offer referral bonuses including Octopus, SO Energy, British Gas etc.  Typically the referrer gets £50 and so does the new customer.

Similarly, the lettings agent or landlord may have used Tili to sign up the new occupier to Ovo and thereby get paid commission, especially if they don't know you are already with Ovo.  (Tili is an Ovo company.)  From Tili's Ts & Cs:- "A number of suppliers may pay Tili a small fee for arranging your energy or broadband switch. If you have been introduced to Tili via a third party, such as a letting or estate agent, we may pass commission on to them when you switch."  Needless to say, the tenant will end up paying that commission because they'll be lumbered with a deal that's best for Ovo - but not necessarily for them !

Problems can arise if there's a void period before the new tenancy starts: you could end up paying for all the standing charges and kWh usage in the meantime.  Similarly, if the agent, landlord or new tenant gives incorrect opening reading(s), you could be overcharged and they could be undercharged.

I'd call Ovo immediately.  Don't waste time worrying about who instigated the switch or whether it was an erroneous transfer (e.g. by someone getting the address wrong), just tell them to block the switch.  Then give Ovo notice that you'll be ending your tenancy on the relevant date.  On the last day of your tenancy, take photographs of the meter(s) on the wall and send the readings(s) to Ovo.  When you get the final bill, make sure it shows your readings.

FreeBear

QrizB said:

Erroneous switches happen often enough that there's a name for them - erroneous switches!

If you call OVO and tell them you didn't request the switch, they should block it.

And if an erroneous switch goes through, you are entitled to statutory compensation from both suppliers (£40 from each).

HampshireH

It will have been instructed by the letting agent. Just call ovo and put a stop to it