British Gas vs OVO Energy – Who Is the Better Supplier?

Who Are British Gas and OVO Energy?

British Gas

• Parent Company: Centrica
• Customer Base: Over 7 million homes
• Headquarters: Windsor, UK
• Main Services: Gas, electricity, smart meters, boiler coverage, home services
• Renewable Electricity Commitment: A mix of renewable electricity and regular energy sources

British Gas is a large energy supplier in the UK. They provide various energy plans, which are fixed and variable. They invest in renewable electricity, such as solar panels and wind energy. They also offer smart meters. These smart meters help customers monitor their energy use.

OVO Energy

• Parent Company: OVO Group
• Customer Base: More than 5 million homes
• Headquarters: Bristol, UK
• Main Services: Gas, electricity, smart meters, plans for electric vehicles, and options to save energy
• Renewable Electricity Commitment: Provides 100% renewable electricity on some tariffs

OVO Energy is a well-known energy provider. They support greener energy by investing in projects that reduce carbon emissions. They also provide green energy tariffs. Their main goal is energy efficiency. They reward customers and use technology to improve their services.

Tariffs and Energy Price Comparison

The energy price cap is decided by Ofgem. It limits what suppliers can charge customers who use standard variable tariffs (SVT). This cap is reviewed and changed every January, April, July, and October. It affects unit rates, standing charges, and exit fees.

Standard Variable Tariffs (SVT) & Standing Charges

• OVO Energy has a lower price for gas units and slightly lower standing charges.
• British Gas and OVO Energy offer similar energy prices under the energy price cap.

Fixed Tariff Options

• OVO Energy offers a fixed price tariff that is slightly cheaper for electricity and gas.
• Each supplier charges an exit fee of £75 for every fuel on their fixed tariffs.
• Fixed tariffs provide peace of mind by protecting customers from sudden changes in energy prices.

Smart Meters and Renewable Energy Support

Smart Meter Availability

• OVO Energy offers green energy options. They have programs to plant trees and plans to reduce carbon footprints.
• Both suppliers help with smart meter targets. This effort is meant to lower energy use.

Customer Service and Reviews

Trustpilot Ratings

• OVO Energy gets a better TrustScore than British Gas because of customer satisfaction surveys.
• British Gas has more customer complaints about billing and customer communications.

Complaints Per 100,000 Customers

OVO Energy receives more complaints per 100,000 customers compared to British Gas. The biggest issues for British Gas are problems with billing and changes in energy tariffs.

How to Submit Meter Readings

Submitting a Meter Reading to British Gas

1. Sign in to your British Gas energy account using the British Gas website or the British Gas app.
2. Choose “Submit a Meter Reading” from your account dashboard.
3. Type in your latest electricity and gas readings.
4. Confirm and send it to update your energy bill.

Submitting a Meter Reading to OVO Energy

1. Log in to your OVO Energy account on the OVO Energy website or app.
2. Click on Submit a Meter Reading.
3. Fill in your latest electricity and gas meter readings.
4. Review and submit to ensure your energy bills are correct.

How to Pay Your Energy Bills: British Gas vs OVO Energy

Both British Gas and OVO Energy offer different payment options. This helps energy customers pay in a way that matches their energy use and budget.

Payment Methods Comparison

• Paying with direct debit is the cheapest option for both suppliers. You get discounts and better choices for energy tariffs.
• Smart meter billing allows you to pay the correct amount based on how much energy you really use, instead of just guessing.
• OVO Energy does not accept cheque or bank transfer payments. However, British Gas offers more traditional payment methods.

How to Pay Your Energy Bill with British Gas

1. Log in to your British Gas energy account on the website or mobile app.
2. Choose a payment method. You can pick Direct Debit, credit or debit card, bank transfer, or cheque.
3. If you use Direct Debit, ensure your account is set up for automatic payments.
4. Check how much you owe and complete the payment.

How to Pay Your Energy Bill with OVO Energy

1. Log in to your OVO Energy account on their website or app.
2. Select a payment method. You can choose Direct Debit, a credit/debit card, or Pay As You Go if you use prepayment.
3. Enter your payment details and submit your payment.
4. If you pick Direct Debit, OVO will automatically take your energy bills each month.

Managing Energy Bills for Peace of Mind

• Direct debit helps keep prices steady and prevents missed payments.
• Customers with prepayment meters can add money easily with the supplier’s app or online.
• People who use a smart meter can check their energy use in real time. This helps them avoid unexpected charges.

Switching Energy Suppliers and Finding the Best Tariff

How to Switch and Save on Energy Bills

1. Look at different tariffs – You can choose from fixed energy tariffs, variable tariffs, and options for dual fuel.
2. Think about renewable electricity choices – OVO Energy has more plans for green electricity compared to British Gas.
3. Check for exit fees – Both companies have a fee of £75 for each fuel if you leave a fixed tariff early.
4. Read customer reviews – OVO Energy has a better customer score, but British Gas has fewer complaints for every 100,000 customers.
5. Keep an eye on the energy price cap – The price cap changes every January, April, July, and October, which affects the cost of SVT.

FAQs About British Gas vs OVO Energy

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