Stone turns up the heat on energy supplier OVO after billing issues in far north

After our report about a Wick householder's issues with OVO Energy, north MP Jamie Stone met the company's executives to discuss issues around its billing and complaints system.

Mr Stone, MP for Caithness, Sutherland and Easter Ross, met the energy giant's bosses to discuss concerns regarding the company’s procedures, customer relations and handling of the Radio Teleswitch Service (RTS) closure

That service is connected to the Total Heating Total Control (THTC) two-meter system that Elspeth Durrand from Wick had experienced major issues with after receiving hugely inflated energy bills. Mrs Durrand's problems were partly resolved after intervention from Highland News Media which led to her being put on a better tariff and receiving monetary compensation.

Mr Stone previously met with OVO Energy and claimed he had been inundated with harrowing cases raised by constituents. In a meeting last week, Mr Stone quizzed OVO bosses on their progress to improve their billing and complaints system. He also sought to gain further clarity regarding the closure of the RTS.

Following the meeting, OVO says it has "committed to working closely" with the MP as it seeks to transform its systems and deliver a better service for customers in the far north.

The company confirmed that June 30, 2025 is the latest date customers need to have their meters changed by. The signal will be switched off in stages from June 30, 2025 and finished by September 30, 2025.

Mr Stone says it will come as a huge relief to many consumers who were previously left in the dark, faced with potential disruption to their supply of energy. In due course, OVO says it will begin to ramp up communications with customers in the Highlands to ensure they are kept in the know about developments.

Commenting, Jamie Stone said: "Consumers in the far north are already bearing the brunt of the energy crisis and OVO’s persistent procedural failings have subjected vast numbers of people to undue distress.

"In recent times, myself and my team have sought to work constructively with OVO to resolve constituent concerns and future-proof their systems. Going forward, as many customers are forced to transition away from Radio Teleswitching, I will continue to apply pressure.

"OVO recognise the need to do better for our part of the world, and I will support them in doing so. If anyone reading this has concerns they wish to raise, I urge them to get in touch with my team. We are more than happy to escalate cases where need be."

https://www.johnogroat-journal.co.uk/news/electricity-shock-for-wick-resident-but-groat-helps-resolve-343014/

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