How to Switch from British Gas to OVO

Thinking about switching your energy supply from British Gas to OVO? Here is what you need to know about smart meter compatibility, tariff differences, and the key steps involved.

Before you switch

First, check your current contract end date with British Gas. If you are on a fixed-rate tariff, leaving early may trigger an exit fee of up to £75 per fuel, depending on your plan. You can switch without penalty during the last 49 days of your fixed-term contract. Review your British Gas account or contact their customer service to confirm any exit fees that apply. You will lose any British Gas loyalty rewards or bundled discounts once you switch, but your email, phone number, and broadband services will not be affected by an energy switch.

How to switch, step by step

Get a quote from OVO Energy. Visit OVO's website and provide your address, current supplier details, and recent meter readings.
Sign up with OVO. Choose your preferred tariff and complete the sign-up process. You will need your bank details and information about your current energy plan.
Cooling-off period. After signing up, you have 14 days to change your mind without penalty.
Switching process. OVO will handle the switch with British Gas. No need to contact British Gas directly unless you have specific questions about your account.
Provide final meter readings. A few days before your switch date, submit final readings to both British Gas and OVO to ensure accurate billing.
Switch completes. The switch usually takes up to 5 working days from your agreed start date. There is no interruption to your energy supply.

What to watch out for

Smart meter compatibility: Most British Gas smart meters (SMETS2 and enrolled SMETS1) will retain smart functionality with OVO, but some older meters may revert to manual readings temporarily.
Exit fees: Double-check your British Gas contract for early termination charges, especially if you are not in the final 49 days of your fixed deal.
Customer service response times: Some users have reported slower response times from OVO's customer service, so keep this in mind if you need support during the switch.

Comparison of British Gas and OVO Energy

Comparison of British Gas and OVO Energy Smart Meter Compatibility and Tariff Options in the UK (as of March 2026)
Feature	British Gas	OVO Energy
Smart Meter Compatibility	Yes, with installation required within 3 months of signing up for certain tariffs	Yes, with installation available upon request
Standard Variable Tariff (SVT) Electricity Unit Price	24.85p per kWh	24.80p per kWh
Standard Variable Tariff (SVT) Gas Unit Price	6.40p per kWh	6.30p per kWh
Standard Variable Tariff (SVT) Electricity Standing Charge	63.50p per day	62.50p per day
Standard Variable Tariff (SVT) Gas Standing Charge	33.10p per day	32.10p per day
Fixed Tariff Name	Fixed Saver	Better Smart Plan
Fixed Tariff Electricity Unit Price	23.50p per kWh	23.20p per kWh
Fixed Tariff Gas Unit Price	5.90p per kWh	5.85p per kWh
Fixed Tariff Exit Fee	£75 per fuel	£75 per fuel
Fixed Tariff Contract Length	12 months	12 months
EV Charging Tariff Name	EV Power+	Charge Anytime
EV Charging Off-Peak Rate	7.9p per kWh (12am-5am)	7p per kWh (anytime, requires compatible EV and smart charger)
EV Charging Off-Peak Window	5 hours (12am-5am)	Anytime, with smart charging capabilities
EV Charging Requirements	Smart meter; Hive-compatible EV charger for best rates	Compatible EV and smart charger; smart charging capabilities

Tariff and feature data sourced from OVO Energy, British Gas, FangWallet, and Free Price Compare (see sources below).

Switch with Lodo

Want to make switching from British Gas to OVO as easy as possible? Lodo is the simplest way to do it.

We will sign you up with OVO and handle the supplier switch. If anything goes wrong, we resolve it with the providers directly. Free, no catch. Switch with Lodo for free

Frequently asked questions

How much does it cost to leave British Gas?

British Gas typically charges an early exit fee of £30 per fuel for their 1-year fixed-rate tariffs and £40 per fuel for their 2-year fixed-rate tariffs. (safeenergyswitch.co.uk)

How long does the switch to OVO Energy take?

The switching process usually takes up to 5 working days from the contract start date. (ovoenergy.com)

Will I lose my phone number, email address, or smart meter data when switching?

Switching energy suppliers does not affect your phone number, email address, or smart meter data.

Can I switch to OVO Energy if I am still under contract with British Gas?

Yes, you can switch to OVO Energy even if you're still under contract with British Gas. However, be aware of any early exit fees that may apply. (ovoenergy.com)

Do I need to contact British Gas, or does OVO Energy handle it?

OVO Energy will handle the switch for you, including notifying British Gas about your change of supplier. (ovoenergy.com)

What happens if something goes wrong during the switch?

If any issues arise during the switch, OVO Energy will work to resolve them promptly. You can contact their customer service for assistance.

Is there any downtime during the switch?

No, there is no interruption to your energy supply during the switch. (ovoenergy.com)

Are there any specific considerations when switching from British Gas to OVO Energy?

Ensure you are aware of any early exit fees from British Gas and provide accurate meter readings to both suppliers to facilitate a smooth transition.