OVO Energy Review: Is It a Good Energy Supplier in 2026?
OVO Energy is one of the larger energy suppliers in the UK, supplying gas and electricity to millions of households across the country. Founded in Bristol in 2009, it grew quickly from a challenger brand into a significant player in the domestic energy market, and its acquisition of SSE Energy Services customers accelerated that growth considerably.
The company has built much of its identity around renewable electricity and carbon reduction. It appeals particularly to households who want to reduce the environmental impact of their energy use, though it also competes on price and tariff options with suppliers like Octopus Energy, British Gas, and EDF Energy.
Whether OVO is the right choice for your home depends on more than its environmental credentials. Tariff prices, customer service quality, and the specific deals available in your area all matter too.
This review covers OVO Energy’s tariffs, pricing, customer feedback, and how it compares with other suppliers, so you have a clear picture before deciding whether to switch.
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OVO Energy: Company Background
OVO Energy was founded in 2009 and is headquartered in Bristol. It launched as a relatively small challenger in a market dominated by the Big Six energy suppliers, with a focus on straightforward tariffs and competitive pricing. That approach helped it grow steadily through the 2010s.
The most significant moment in OVO’s expansion came when it acquired the retail energy business of SSE Energy Services in 2020. That deal brought millions of additional customers across to OVO, transforming it from a mid-sized challenger into one of the largest retail energy suppliers in the UK almost overnight.
OVO has positioned itself strongly around sustainability. It offers renewable electricity across its tariffs and has developed carbon offset initiatives for customers who want to go further in reducing the environmental impact of their energy use. The company has also invested in smart energy technology and app-based account management.
That growth has not always been smooth. The integration of SSE customers was a significant operational challenge, and some customers experienced billing issues and service disruptions during the transition period. OVO has worked to address these, but the period did affect its customer satisfaction scores and reputation in ways that are still reflected in some review platforms.
Today OVO competes directly with Octopus Energy, British Gas, and EDF Energy for household customers. It remains one of the more prominent suppliers in the UK market and continues to develop its product range alongside its sustainability commitments.
OVO Energy Tariffs Explained
OVO Energy offers a range of tariff types. Here is a breakdown of the main options and which households they tend to suit best.
Fixed rate tariffs
OVO’s fixed tariffs lock in your unit rate for a set period, typically 12 months. Your price will not change during that time regardless of what happens to the Ofgem price cap or wholesale energy markets. This offers bill certainty and protection if energy prices rise during your fixed term.
The same trade-offs apply as with any fixed deal. If market prices fall, you will not benefit until your term ends. Some fixed tariffs also carry early exit fees, so it is worth checking the terms carefully before committing.
Standard variable tariff
OVO’s standard variable tariff tracks the Ofgem price cap and adjusts when the cap is reviewed each quarter. There are no exit fees on variable tariffs, which makes them flexible if you want to switch quickly. The downside is that your bills can rise when the cap increases, which has happened several times in recent years.
Customers who have been with OVO for some time without actively choosing a tariff are likely on the standard variable rate. Comparing against available fixed deals is always worthwhile.
Renewable electricity tariffs
OVO includes renewable electricity across its tariffs, backed by renewable energy certificates. For households who want their electricity consumption to support renewable generation, this is worth considering. OVO also offers additional carbon offset options for customers who want to go beyond just renewable electricity.
EV tariffs
OVO offers tariffs designed for electric vehicle owners, with cheaper overnight rates to reduce the cost of home charging. If you have an EV and a smart meter, this kind of tariff can make a noticeable difference to your monthly bills compared with a standard rate.
Tariff availability varies by region and changes with market conditions. Using a comparison tool with your postcode and usage figures is the most reliable way to see what OVO is currently offering.
OVO Energy Prices and Standing Charges
Like all major UK suppliers, OVO Energy pricing is shaped by the Ofgem price cap for variable tariff customers. Fixed tariff rates are agreed at the point of sign-up and may sit above or below the cap depending on market conditions at the time.
Unit rates
The unit rate is what you pay per kilowatt hour of gas or electricity you use. OVO unit rates vary by region, reflecting differences in local distribution costs. This is the case with all suppliers and is not specific to OVO.
Standing charges
Standing charges are a fixed daily fee applied to both your gas and electricity accounts. They cover the cost of keeping your property connected to the energy network and apply regardless of how much energy you use on a given day. For very low-usage households, standing charges can account for a significant portion of the overall bill.
Are OVO prices competitive?
On standard fixed tariffs, OVO prices are broadly in line with other large suppliers. They tend to be more competitive than staying on a default variable rate that has never been reviewed, but may not always match the keenest deals from newer or more agile suppliers.
Prices shift regularly, so comparing directly using current tariff data is far more useful than any figures quoted in a review.
Check whether switching to OVO Energy could reduce your energy bills.
OVO Energy Pros and Cons
Pros
- One of the larger UK energy suppliers with wide coverage across Great Britain
- Renewable electricity included across tariffs
- Carbon offset initiatives for households who want to reduce their footprint further
- EV tariffs available for electric vehicle owners
- App-based account management and online tools
- Smart meter support and installation available
Cons
- Customer service feedback has been inconsistent, particularly following the SSE customer integration
- Tariffs are not always the cheapest available compared with some competitors
- Some customers have experienced billing issues, particularly around the SSE transition period
- The sustainability focus may not translate into the lowest possible tariff for price-driven households
OVO Energy Customer Reviews
OVO Energy’s customer reviews reflect the turbulence of its rapid growth, particularly the period following the SSE Energy Services acquisition. On Trustpilot, OVO sits below the likes of Octopus Energy but in a similar range to other large suppliers. Scores vary considerably depending on when you look and which platform you use.
The pattern in reviews follows a familiar split. Customers who have had straightforward billing and no reason to contact customer service tend to report positive experiences. Those who have needed to resolve a billing query or dispute an account issue have reported more mixed results, with complaints about response times appearing fairly regularly.
Common positive feedback includes:
- Clean and easy-to-use app for managing accounts and tracking usage
- Renewable electricity and carbon initiatives appreciated by environmentally conscious customers
- Smooth sign-up process for new customers
- EV tariff users reporting genuine overnight savings
Common criticisms include:
- Billing errors affecting some customers, particularly those who were migrated from SSE
- Customer service response times during busy periods
- Direct debit adjustments that some customers felt were not communicated clearly
Ofgem’s customer satisfaction data has reflected these challenges for OVO at various points. The supplier has invested in improving its digital tools and customer service processes, and more recent reviews suggest some improvement, though the overall picture remains mixed.
Reading reviews from the past few months will give a more current view than overall platform scores built up over several years.
Is OVO Energy Good Value?
For many households, OVO Energy offers reasonable value, particularly on fixed tariffs compared with staying on a default variable rate. The difference between an unreviewed variable tariff and a competitive fixed deal can be significant, and OVO’s fixed offers are broadly in line with those from other large suppliers.
Against Octopus Energy, OVO does not always have the edge on price. Octopus frequently offers competitive fixed tariffs and has smart tariff options that can deliver additional savings for the right household. On customer service reputation, Octopus also tends to come out ahead. For households where price and service quality are the primary concerns, Octopus is usually worth comparing directly.
Against British Gas, OVO is a closer comparison. Both are large suppliers with similar pricing structures on standard fixed deals. OVO’s renewable electricity and sustainability positioning gives it a different angle for environmentally motivated households, while British Gas appeals more to those who want additional home services like boiler cover bundled in.
Against E.ON Next, prices are often similar. The choice between the two may come down to which offers the better current deal in your region, or which has the stronger recent customer service record at the time you are comparing.
For EV owners, OVO’s overnight tariffs are worth a direct comparison against similar offerings from EDF and E.ON Next.
Compare OVO Energy deals in your area to see current tariffs for your region.
How to Switch to OVO Energy
Switching to OVO Energy follows the same process as switching to any UK energy supplier.
Step 1: Compare tariffs
Use an energy comparison tool to see what OVO Energy is currently offering alongside deals from other suppliers. You will need your postcode and an estimate of your annual energy usage in kWh, which you can find on a recent bill.
Step 2: Choose a tariff
Select the OVO tariff that suits your household. If you have an electric vehicle, the EV tariff is worth a close look. If you want price stability, a fixed rate tariff is usually the more sensible option.
Step 3: Enter your details
Provide your personal information, current meter readings, and preferred payment method. Monthly direct debit is the most common payment approach and usually the cheapest way to pay.
Step 4: The switch completes
Switching typically takes around five working days. Your energy supply will not be interrupted at any point during the process. You will not notice any change in the gas or electricity coming into your home.
Step 5: Submit a meter reading
Once the switch is complete, provide an opening meter reading to OVO. This ensures your first bill is accurate rather than estimated. If you have a compatible smart meter, readings may be submitted automatically.
Switching is free, and if you are currently on a variable tariff with your existing supplier, there are no exit fees to worry about on your way out either.
OVO Energy vs Other Energy Suppliers
OVO Energy vs Octopus Energy
Octopus Energy consistently outperforms OVO in customer satisfaction surveys and often offers competitive fixed tariffs alongside smart options like Agile and Tracker. Both suppliers place renewable electricity at the centre of their offering, but Octopus has generally maintained stronger service scores and has developed a more distinctive smart tariff range. For households who want the best combination of price and customer service, Octopus is usually the stronger comparison. OVO may appeal more to households who value its specific carbon reduction initiatives.
OVO Energy vs British Gas
British Gas and OVO are quite different in character. British Gas has stronger brand recognition and offers home services like boiler cover that OVO does not bundle with energy supply. OVO has the stronger green credentials and more explicit sustainability focus. On price, both are broadly comparable on standard fixed deals, though this varies by region and changes regularly. The choice often comes down to whether you want home services bundled in or whether environmental credentials matter to you.
OVO Energy vs EDF Energy
EDF and OVO both have sustainability narratives, though they arrive at them differently. EDF’s low-carbon story is rooted in nuclear generation, while OVO’s is built around renewable electricity and carbon offsets. On standard fixed tariff pricing, the two are broadly comparable. EDF’s EV tariff is a direct competitor to OVO’s overnight EV offering, making a direct comparison worthwhile for vehicle owners. Customer service scores for both suppliers are mixed, sitting in similar territory.
Should You Switch to OVO Energy?
OVO Energy is one of the larger suppliers in the UK market, with a genuine commitment to renewable electricity and carbon reduction that sets it apart from some competitors. Its tariff range covers the main options most households need, and its EV tariffs are worth a serious look for vehicle owners.
At the same time, OVO’s customer service record has been inconsistent, particularly during its rapid growth phase. Billing issues and slower response times have affected a portion of its customers, and this is reflected in its review scores across platforms.
Whether OVO is the right choice depends on what matters most to you. For households who prioritise environmental credentials and want a large, established supplier, it is a credible option. For those who want the sharpest possible price or the highest customer service scores, comparing Octopus Energy directly before deciding is worthwhile.
Tariffs change regularly. What looks competitive today may not be in six months, so comparing before switching is always the sensible move.
Compare OVO Energy tariffs today and see if switching could reduce your energy bills.
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Frequently Asked Questions
It depends on the tariff and when you compare. On standard fixed deals, OVO is broadly competitive with other large suppliers. It is generally cheaper than staying on a standard variable tariff that has never been reviewed. Against newer or more agile suppliers, OVO does not always come out the cheapest, though this varies by region and changes over time. Comparing directly with your postcode and usage figures is the only reliable approach.
Yes. OVO offers fixed rate tariffs that lock in your unit price for a set period, typically 12 months. These provide certainty over your bills and protect against price rises during the fixed term. Some fixed tariffs include early exit fees, so check the terms before signing up.
Switching to OVO Energy typically takes around five working days. Your energy supply will not be interrupted at any point during the process.
Yes. OVO supports smart meters and can usually take over operation of an existing smart meter when you switch. In some cases, the meter may temporarily revert to basic mode during the switchover period. OVO should be able to resolve this once your account is fully set up on their systems.
Yes. OVO includes renewable electricity across its tariffs, backed by renewable energy certificates. The company also offers carbon offset options for customers who want to go further in reducing the environmental footprint of their energy use. If the structure of the renewable element matters to you, it is worth checking the specific tariff details before signing up.
In most cases, yes. If you pay your energy bills directly rather than through your landlord, you can usually choose your own supplier. It is worth checking your tenancy agreement first, as some rental arrangements include energy as part of the monthly rent rather than as a separate bill.
If you are on a standard variable tariff, you can leave without paying an exit fee. If you are on a fixed tariff, there may be an early exit fee if you switch before the deal ends. OVO will send a final bill based on your closing meter reading, and any credit on your account will be refunded.
Yes. OVO offers tariffs designed for electric vehicle owners with lower overnight unit rates to reduce the cost of home charging. These require a smart meter and are worth comparing against similar EV tariffs from EDF and E.ON Next if you charge a vehicle at home regularly.
What Our Customers Have To Say
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