Scottish Power vs OVO Energy: Who is Better?

Switching energy suppliers can affect how much energy you use, how efficiently it’s used, and your bills. ScottishPower and OVO Energy offer variable rates, smart meter plans, and choices for renewable energy. This guide examines what they do for energy efficiency, their smart meter options, and how they treat their customers.

Who is ScottishPower?

Scottish Power is a large energy supplier in the UK. They focus on wind energy and green electricity. They offer several energy plans, including fixed and variable deals.

Key Facts About ScottishPower

• Parent Company: Iberdrola
• Customer Base: More than 5 million homes
• Headquarters: Glasgow, Scotland
• Main Services: Gas, electricity, energy for businesses, boiler cover, smart meters
• Renewable Electricity Commitment: 100% green electricity from wind energy

ScottishPower is well-known for its dedication to being environmentally friendly. They supply their customers with green energy that comes from renewable sources they create themselves.

Who is OVO Energy?

OVO Energy is an energy supplier based in the UK. They offer energy plans designed to reduce carbon emissions and improve energy efficiency.

Key Facts About OVO Energy

• Customer Base: Over 5 million homes
• Headquarters: Bristol, UK
• Main Services: Gas, electricity, plans for electric vehicles, and boiler coverage
• Renewable Electricity Commitment: Provides partly renewable electricity
• Smart Meters: Yes, supports plans that change based on time

OVO Energy provides boiler coverage, flexible pricing options, and additional assistance such as home insulation support.

Tariffs & Pricing Comparison

Standard Variable Tariffs (SVT) & Standing Charges

Fixed & Smart Tariffs

Key Differences in Tariffs

• ScottishPower runs entirely on wind energy. This is a good choice for those who want clean energy.
• OVO Energy offers a boiler cover plan. This provides peace of mind to homeowners.
• Both suppliers charge an exit fee of £75 for every fuel if you have fixed tariffs.

Compare Energy Prices

Thinking about changing your energy provider?

Compare Now

Smart Meter Options and Benefits

Both ScottishPower and OVO Energy provide smart meters. These meters help customers monitor their energy use. They also assist in managing electricity bills more effectively.

Smart Meter Features Comparison

• Both suppliers install smart meters.
• OVO Energy has an app for smart meter tracking. This helps customers keep an eye on their energy usage.

How to Pay Your Energy Bills: ScottishPower vs OVO Energy

ScottishPower and OVO Energy both offer flexible ways to pay your energy bill.

Payment Methods Comparison

• Direct debit is the cheapest way to pay.
• OVO Energy offers more ways to pay with its smart PAYG plans.

How to Submit Meter Readings to ScottishPower & OVO Energy

How to Submit a Meter Reading to ScottishPower

Via Website

1. Visit the ScottishPower website and sign in to your online account.
2. Look for the section that says “Submit a Meter Reading.”
3. Enter your electricity and gas readings.
4. Click submit.

Via ScottishPower App

1. Open the ScottishPower app.
2. Click on “Meter Readings” and put in your most recent readings.
3. Confirm your entries and send them.

Via WhatsApp

ScottishPower customers can send their meter readings through WhatsApp. This helps to process them faster.

How to Submit a Meter Reading to OVO Energy

Via Website

1. Visit your OVO Energy online account and sign in.
2. Select “Submit a Meter Reading” and type in your readings.
3. Press submit.

Via OVO Energy App

1. Open the OVO Energy app.
2. Tap on “Meter Readings” and enter your latest numbers.
3. Confirm and send.

Via Email

Customers can email their readings to [email protected].

Customer Reviews & Trustpilot Ratings

Trustpilot Ratings Breakdown

• OVO Energy is rated higher on Trustpilot than ScottishPower.
• ScottishPower receives more complaints about its billing accuracy.

Complaints Per 100,000 Customers

• OVO Energy receives a lot of complaints about billing and contract issues.
• Scottish Power has had fewer complaints as time goes on, but billing still concerns people.

Switch & Save on Your Energy Bills

If you are thinking about switching your energy supplier, Free Price Compare can help. It can show you different tariffs. By comparing them, you can pick the best and most affordable plan. You can choose a fixed tariff, a variable tariff, or an electric vehicle tariff.

How to Switch & Save

1. Compare energy prices – Get a free quote to find a good deal for your energy use. The cost of energy is based on the unit rate and standing charge. These can change depending on your location, type of meter, and payment method.
2. Check exit fees – If you have a fixed tariff, ScottishPower and OVO Energy will charge you an exit fee of £75 per fuel if you switch before your period ends. Standard variable tariffs do not have exit fees, so you can switch if prices drop.
3. Choose green electricity – ScottishPower offers wind energy, providing 100% renewable electricity. This is a great choice if you want to lower your carbon footprint. OVO Energy has green options as well, but some of their supply comes from renewable energy certificates (REGOs) instead of direct generation.
4. Consider your payment method – Paying by direct debit usually gives you a lower unit rate. This can help with your energy bill. A prepayment meter might lead to higher unit rates and fewer cheap tariffs.
5. Check available tariffs in your region – Energy prices differ in Wales, Scotland, England, and Northern Ireland. Some areas offer night rate tariffs that help typical household customers save on electricity. If you use a lot of gas, a dual-fuel tariff could save you money.
6. Monitor the energy market – The energy regulator, Ofgem, checks the energy price cap every three months which affects how much suppliers can charge. You should also look for updates on the grid and Smart Export Guarantee (SEG) rates if you produce your own electricity.
7. Look for additional incentives – Some suppliers offer incentives like discounted rates for vulnerable customers or special tariffs based on energy usage. If you have solar panels, you may qualify for SEG payments. This allows you to sell kWh of electricity back to the grid.

Switching suppliers is quick and simple thanks to the energy switch guarantee. This lets you change to a new provider without losing your electricity service. If you are in England, Scotland, or Wales, making this change can help you find the best value for your unit of energy. It can also help you save money on your gas and electricity bills.

Correct as of 01 March 2025

FAQs About Scottish Power vs OVO Energy

Compare Energy Prices

Thinking about changing your energy provider?

Compare Now