The Anonymous Widower

Changing From A Large To A Small Energy Supplier

I recently changed from a large energy supplier; NPower, to a small one; OVO.

So how has the experience been and would I change now, knowing what I now know?

1. Costs

If I compare my actual costs for 2013, when I was with NPower to the estimated costs for 2014 on OVO, they are about the same at £143-145 a month for both gas and electricity. I suspect that for a modern three-bedroomed house, where I cook by electricity, do one load of washing a week and have a deep bath every day, that these figures could be a bit low.

But it is surprising how close the two suppliers are in terms of costs. Partly, this is because OVO set the level of the standing order based on what I was paying NPower

2. Account Management

I am just getting to grips with managing my account to my benefit.

In the previous section, I said that OVO set my initial payments based on my NPower usage.

I have now adjusted my standing order to my usage , as OVO allow you to do.  I estimate that when I get this adjusted correctly, my bill could reduce to about £120 a month.

One thing that happens with OVO, is that if you are in credit, they give you a small interest payment.  It may only be pence, but it’s more than a big supplier would give. You can also request that the balance be withdrawn to your bank account.

3. The OVO Web Site

Like all new web sites, the OVO web site has a few problems and could be better. In their case, things like remembering your login ID and the general handling of passwords are areas I would improve.

As to the login, they could do a lot worse than look at how Zopa has created a secure login. Zopa’s is certainly one of the best!

I would also recommend that you login once a month and give it a good look around.

4. Customer Support

I don’t think I have any complaint in this area.

You phone them on an 0800 number.

5. Would I Change Again?

Not at the moment, but if I did want to change, I’ve got a single A4 piece of paper with all of my details and relevant numbers on it, so change would be easy.

So for that reason alone, I would advise anybody to change at least once to an energy supplier with good paperwork and web site.

March 28, 2014 - Posted by AnonW | Computing, World | Customer Service, Energy, Internet, OVO