Understand your rights if you want to switch supplier while renting or in debt
Ofgem (the energy regulator) says that tenants who are directly responsible for their own energy bills can legally switch energy supplier – and that landlords and letting agents can’t stop them without a very good reason. Some landlords may include a ‘preferred supplier’ clause in leases and rental agreements, but they can’t enforce this, so tenants don’t have to use the company named in the clause.
In fact, a landlord can only choose the energy supplier if they’re directly responsible for paying energy bills.
For example, if:
Yes, unless it means you need to carry out alterations to the property or if you’re looking to change from paying as you go to pay monthly or vice versa. It’s best to ask your Landlord about the change and check if you’ll have to restore the meter to its former state when you move out.
Ofgem says that your landlord should tell you about any named suppliers, and give you details of their tariffs and charges. If there’s a clause in your lease or agreement naming a specific energy provider, talk to the landlord or agent about re-negotiating this.
Even if they refuse, you’re still entitled to switch energy supplier whenever you want, as long as you’re the person responsible for paying the energy bills.
Only if there’s a clause in your lease stipulating it. There may also be a clause which states that you have to switch back to the original provider when you move out.
Find out about how we use credit checks, and how your information will be used.
If you’re a home mover OVO can help by making your life as easy as possible!
Joining OVO? Or thinking of switching? Lucky us!
Possibly – if you’ve been in debt for more than 28 days, you can’t switch until you’ve paid the debt off to your current supplier. It also depends on the debt buying and selling policy of your current and new supplier.
Suppliers are required to support each other if a customer wishes to switch away while in debt. This means your current supplier has to allow your new supplier to buy your debt, meaning you pay it back to your new supplier instead.
Your new supplier can choose not to buy your debt, which means you’ll still have to pay it back to your old supplier.
If you’re in debt because your supplier made a mistake, they can’t stop you switching. And if you’re in debt with us and need help, contact us right away and we’ll talk you through ways of paying it back gradually.
If you’re a home mover OVO can help by making your life as easy as possible!
Been switched by mistake? Find out what could’ve happened, and what’s next.
Joining OVO? Or thinking of switching? Lucky us!
Recommend OVO to a friend and if they join, we’ll treat you both.
We’ll make switching away as simple as joining us – even if it makes us a bit sad!
Find out about how we use credit checks, and how your information will be used.
You can switch plans, however, there are some things to note.
OVO Energy Ltd, registered office 1 Rivergate Temple Quay Bristol, BS1 6ED, company no. 06890795 registered in England and Wales, VAT No. 100119879
Additional terms and conditions
Please see below for full terms and conditions on 33% renewable electricity, 3-5% interest rewards, exit fees and saving claims.
1Monthly cost - Representative monthly direct debit costs based on a non-economy-7, dual-fuel, medium user (3100 kWhs elec. and 12500 kWhs gas) paying in advance by direct debit, including online discount. All rates correct as of 20/3/2018, but may go up or down.
2Weekly cost - Representative weekly costs based on a non-economy-7, dual-fuel, medium user (3100 kWhs elec. and 12500 kWhs gas). All rates correct as of 22/11/2017, but may go up or down.
3Pay Monthly Savings claims: Saving based on the estimated annual cost of Simpler tariff for a non-economy-7, dual-fuel, medium user (3100 kWhs elec. and 12500 kWhs gas) paying monthly in advance by direct debit, including online discount. Comparisons made against the average of the Big 6 standard variable tariffs with equivalent features. All rates correct as of 20/3/2018.“The Big 6” are British Gas, Scottish Power, SSE, Npower, E.ON and EDF.
4Pay As You Go Savings are based on the average estimated annual costs for new PAYG OVO customers quoted through the OVO website (based on household and/or consumption information provided by those customers), compared to their current supplier and tariff. Comparisons taken between 01/01/2016 and 11/10/16. Incl VAT. Actual savings may vary according to your current supplier or tariff, individual tariff options, household information, consumption and location.
We include almost twice as much renewable electricity as the national average: At least 33% of electricity in all of our tariffs comes from renewable sources. The national average, according to Ofgem as at March 2014 was 16.7%. For more information please visit this page.
33% of your electricity comes from renewable sources: 33% renewable electricity as standard as of 1st April 2015. Renewable electricity is generated from wind, solar, geothermal, wave, tidal, hydro, biomass, landfill gas, sewage treatment plant gas and biogas.
OVO Interest Rewards: Interest Rewards are paid on credit balances of customers paying by monthly Direct Debit. It is calculated at 3% in your first year, 4% in your second year and 5% in your third year (and every year thereafter) if you pay by Direct Debit. Interest Rewards are paid monthly based on the number of days you’re in credit and the amount left in your account after you’ve paid your bill. Full terms apply: https://www.ovoenergy.com/terms
95% of new customers save when switching to OVO: Savings based on the average estimated annual costs for all new OVO customers quoted through the OVO website, compared to their current supplier and tariff. Comparisons taken between 01/05/2016 and 11/10/16. Incl VAT.
94% of surveyed customers would recommend us: OVO conducted a survey of their customers in between 1st January 2016 and 15th April 2016. Out of 15,312 customers who responded, over 94% rated OVO 6+ when asked 'how likely would you be to recommend us to a friend and family, on a scale of 1 to 10.
uSwitch's Energy Supplier of the Year 2017: OVO energy was voted and awarded 'Energy Supplier of the year' and best for: Overall Customer Satisfaction, Most Likely to be Recommended, Value for Money, Best Deal for You, Customer Service, Billing Services, Energy Efficiency, Meter Services, Online Services, Green Services and Transfer Process. OVO Energy scored a 96% customer satisfaction score.
* EV - Everywhere, full terms and conditions: https://www.ovoenergy.com/ev-everywhere/terms
* OVO SolarStore (Beta), full terms and conditions: https://www.ovoenergy.com/ovo-solar-store/terms