Ovo Energy - demands for payment for previous occupier. I am an Octopus customer

Scot_39

You generally become liable from the start date of the tenancy - not the moving in date if later.

But it sounds like the property was empty for 12 months - and yes that whole period should really be the landlords responsibility.

Arguably any bill for that period should be sent to the landlord - or the agent.

But it often doesn't happen cleanly.

As above - a copy of your tenancy agreement will confirm date your liability begins maybe Nov 12 2025 or I assume close to it if moved in days / weeks later (given the overlap) - and the 30th October 2025 date on the Octopus email suggests it could have been weeks - the rest - to recover prior to that date and who from - is up to Ovo to resolve - not you.

And your day 1 readings - day 1 responsible if earlier than moving date if applicable - will protect you against paying for landlords use in the void period / previous tenants usage.

But I am still not sure why you didnt need a deemed supplier contract with Ovo from day 1.

Did you rely on Octopus taking over the supply on your behalf at the new property.

elstree324

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/81855733#Comment_81855733

Octopus dealt with the readings for Ovo. I also sent an email to Ovo with the readings. In fact, I remember Octopus telling me that Ovo attempted to keep the supply but Octopus blocked them.

I have now referred Ovo to the Energy Ombudsman. I was assured that no more correspondence would be sent, but lo! and behold, a letter came from LCS debt collectors. Admittedly, it is addressed to the Occupier. I have had enough.

TheMilkmansDad

Bit late to the party and may have missed some details so apologies in advance.

Have OVO actually sent you a bill/chaser. You keep mentioning occupier so those can all be binned/ignored.

Before going to the Ombudsman; can you clearly write down the dates and events of your issues removing all emotion - just facts. That would probably give the Ombudsmen (and others here) a clear picture of the issue.

If the issues are all relating to "the Occupier" then its a waste of time going to the Ombudsman. But, as stated, I may have missed something obvious!

Scot_39

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/81856488#Comment_81856488

I dont like that bit about Ovo not releasing the supply at first request.

It makes me again question the exact dates of your reponsibility and the exact dates Octopus were able to takeover the supply - and so potentially if Ovo were in fact your deemed supplier during any delay.

So again

What is the start date of your tenancy at new flat - you only gave moving in day above ?

What is the start date of your First Octopus bill period for the new property ?

Or just do they match ?

And importantly - legally you are "The Occupier" - and as you didnt register with them - means they may not have your name etc - to address you otherwise.

You cannot simply ignore those bills or debt collection letters - you have to defend against if not for periods you were liable for.

I know you did engage - but you havent convinced us here of the timelines.

its still not clearly stated above for insrance what dates the Ovo and now debt agency debt claim is for.

So for instance did you ever provide Ovo with hard written proof as evidence of the start your tenancy (as above a copy / photo / scan of the tenancy agreement would more than satisfy most suppliers) to establish if debt 100% before you were responsible ?

elstree324

I did not send my tenancy agreement to Ovo but I did send an official complaint. I moved in on 12 November 2025 and my tenancy agreement was dated 12 November. My opening bill from Octopus is also dated 12 November. There is no discrepancy with dates whatsoever.

After Ovo ignored all my emails, and continued to bombard me with bills and demands, all of which were returned by post, with a follow up email with the scanned documents attached, I lodged a complaint against Ovo with the Energy Ombudsman, even though I was uncertain as whether I was actually - even fleetingly? - a customer of Ovo. I undoubtedly was the Occupier when they sent their demands and they gave an account number on their correspondence.

The Ombusman accepted my case.

Lo and behold! I have finally received an email from Ovo. Success!

Scot_39

Thanks.

sorry if seemed like pressuring you but there wax a trickle of confusing dates and ive never used a suppliers move my supply service - but have seen some thread reports of it going wrong here.

seems pretty clear they have accepted its not your debt.

Ideally this should never have gotten out to LCS if was anything to do with your period - but its easy for them to tag dates together wh3n accounts not opened / closed properly by previius tennants, landlords or their agents and new tennants (my sister worked for a lha used to have to help many set up their accounts) - but sadly sounds like could ve quite an old claim if covers the year empty..

If you do get any further correspondence from them - just send them that Ovo response - that clearly states your "not liable" for the debt.

let them trace previous tennants or landlord etc. Via lettings agency as above or other records.

Swipe

I'd push for a goodwill payment for your time spent on this.

elstree324

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/81863577#Comment_81863577

I certainly will do! Let's see what the Energy Ombudsman decides. At least energy companies have to pay a fee for any referral to the Ombusman so that's some satisfaction for us disgruntled customers!