OVO Energy Review

Challenger

OVO Energy is a major UK challenger supplier headquartered in Bristol. They acquired SSE Energy Services in 2020, making them the second-largest energy supplier in Britain by customer numbers.

Founded

2009

Headquarters

Bristol

Customers

4 million

Green Rating

Good

Pros

Second-largest UK supplier after British Gas
OVO Greenlight carbon tracking tool
Interest paid on credit balances
Good mobile app with usage insights

Cons

SSE integration caused service disruptions
Customer complaint levels increased post-merger
Green credentials questioned after rapid growth

About OVO Energy

OVO Energy was founded in 2009 by Stephen Fitzpatrick in Bristol. The company grew rapidly as a challenger supplier and acquired SSE Energy Services retail business in January 2020, taking their customer base to approximately 4 million accounts.

OVO Energy Tariffs

OVO offers variable and fixed-rate tariffs. Their standard variable tariff follows the Ofgem price cap. Fixed deals are available for 12 or 24 months. OVO also offers a green add-on called OVO Beyond, which includes carbon offsetting for gas usage and tree planting.

OVO Energy Technology

OVO has invested in smart home technology through their acquisition of VCharge (smart storage heaters) and Kaluza (energy flexibility platform). Kaluza now powers OVO intelligent energy management systems.

OVO Beyond

OVO Beyond is an optional add-on (currently around £5/month) that upgrades your electricity to 100% renewable sources, offsets all carbon emissions from your gas usage, and plants trees on your behalf through OVO reforestation partner.

Areas Served by OVO Energy

OVO Energy supplies energy across Great Britain. Compare their plans in these areas:

SW — South West London SE — South East London E — East London N — North London NW — North West London W — West London EC — East Central London WC — West Central London B — Birmingham M — Manchester

Frequently Asked Questions

Is OVO Energy the same as SSE?

OVO Energy acquired SSE Energy Services (the retail supply business) in January 2020. All former SSE domestic customers were transferred to OVO. SSE continues to exist as an electricity generation and networks company, but no longer supplies energy to households.

Does OVO pay interest on credit balances?

Yes, OVO Energy pays interest on customer credit balances held in your account. This is unusual among UK energy suppliers and means you earn a return if your direct debit payments exceed your usage.

Is OVO Energy green?

OVO standard tariff includes 100% renewable electricity. For full carbon neutrality, including gas offsetting and tree planting, customers can add OVO Beyond for an additional monthly fee.

Compare OVO Energy Plans

See how OVO Energy compares to other suppliers in your area.

Compare Plans

OVO Energy official website →

Supplier data sourced from Ofgem and Citizens Advice. Last updated April 2026.