Cancellation service n°1 in United Kingdom
Evo is a UK-based energy supplier that provides gas and electricity services to households and businesses across the country. As part of the competitive energy market, Evo positions itself as an alternative to the traditional "Big Six" energy companies, offering various tariffs designed to meet different consumer needs. The company operates under the regulatory framework established by Ofgem, the UK's energy regulator, which means customers benefit from specific protections and rights when it comes to switching suppliers or cancelling their services.
Understanding your rights as an Evo customer is essential, particularly when you decide to cancel your energy supply contract. Whether you're moving house, finding a better deal elsewhere, or simply dissatisfied with the service, you have legal protections that ensure you can switch suppliers or cancel without facing unfair penalties. This means you're not locked into an arrangement that no longer serves your best interests.
Energy suppliers like Evo must comply with strict regulations regarding contract terms, cancellation procedures, and customer communications. As a result, you have the right to clear information about how to end your contract, what notice periods apply, and what charges you might face. In practice, this regulatory oversight provides you with significant leverage when managing your energy supply arrangements.
Many customers choose to cancel Evo for various reasons. Some find more competitive rates with other suppliers, particularly when their fixed-term contract ends and they move to a more expensive variable tariff. Others experience issues with billing accuracy, customer service responsiveness, or smart meter installations. Therefore, knowing the proper cancellation process protects your interests and ensures a smooth transition to a new supplier or property.
Evo offers several types of energy tariffs to accommodate different customer preferences and usage patterns. Understanding which plan you're on is crucial because it directly affects your cancellation rights and any potential exit fees you might face. The main categories of tariffs include fixed-rate contracts, variable-rate contracts, and prepayment options.
Fixed-rate contracts lock in your energy prices for a specified period, typically ranging from twelve to twenty-four months. This means your unit rates for gas and electricity remain constant throughout the contract term, protecting you from market price increases. However, these contracts often come with early exit fees if you cancel before the fixed term ends. These fees can range from £30 to £150 per fuel type, though Ofgem regulations limit exit fees to a maximum of £30 per fuel if you're within 49 days of your contract end date.
The advantage of fixed-rate tariffs is price certainty, which helps with household budgeting. The disadvantage becomes apparent when market prices drop below your fixed rate, or when you need to cancel early and face exit charges. Therefore, always check your contract end date and mark it in your calendar to avoid automatically rolling onto a more expensive variable tariff.
Variable-rate tariffs fluctuate with market conditions and the supplier's pricing decisions. Evo's variable rates typically don't include exit fees, giving you greater flexibility to switch suppliers whenever you find a better deal. This flexibility is particularly valuable in today's volatile energy market, where prices can change significantly within short periods.
The standard variable tariff is often the most expensive option and is what customers automatically move to when their fixed-rate contract expires. As a result, many consumers find themselves paying substantially more than necessary simply because they didn't actively switch at the right time. This is precisely why monitoring your contract status and understanding your cancellation rights is so important.
Prepayment options allow customers to pay for energy in advance using a meter and top-up system. These arrangements typically don't involve long-term contracts or exit fees, making cancellation relatively straightforward. However, you'll still need to follow proper procedures when switching suppliers or moving house to ensure accurate final readings and billing.
| Tariff Type | Typical Duration | Exit Fees | Flexibility |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fixed-rate | 12-24 months | £30-£150 per fuel | Low (until contract end) |
| Variable-rate | Rolling monthly | None | High |
| Prepayment | No fixed term | None | High |
Your cancellation rights depend largely on your contract type and circumstances. Understanding these rights empowers you to make informed decisions and avoid unnecessary charges. The good news is that UK energy regulations strongly favour consumer flexibility, particularly when switching suppliers.
When you switch to a new energy supplier, that new supplier handles most of the cancellation process with Evo on your behalf. This is called the "switch process," and it's designed to be as simple as possible for consumers. You don't need to formally cancel with Evo yourself—instead, you sign up with your chosen new supplier, and they coordinate the transfer.
The switching process typically takes around 21 days to complete, though it can be faster in some cases. During this period, Evo must cooperate with the switch and cannot block it, even if you owe them money. However, any outstanding debt will be transferred to your new supplier or you'll receive a final bill that must be paid. This means you cannot escape legitimate charges by switching, but you also cannot be prevented from switching due to a billing dispute.
When moving to a new property, you have the right to cancel your Evo contract without paying exit fees, even if you're within a fixed-term contract. This is a crucial consumer protection that ensures you're not financially penalised for circumstances beyond your control. However, you must provide proper notice and follow the correct procedure to benefit from this protection.
You should notify Evo of your move at least 48 hours before you vacate the property, though giving more notice is advisable. You'll need to provide your final meter readings on the day you move out, as these determine your final bill. Failure to provide accurate readings can result in estimated bills that may be higher than your actual usage, so taking photographs of your meters is strongly recommended.
If you recently signed up with Evo, you benefit from a 14-day cooling-off period during which you can cancel without penalty. This statutory right applies to most distance sales, including energy contracts signed online or over the phone. The cooling-off period begins from the date you receive your contract confirmation, not from when you first made contact with the company.
To exercise your cooling-off rights, you must notify Evo in writing within the 14-day window. Therefore, using postal cancellation with proof of delivery is particularly important in these situations, as it provides documented evidence that you cancelled within the legal timeframe.
If you're cancelling a fixed-rate contract before its end date and not moving house, you'll likely face exit fees. These fees compensate the supplier for the fixed-rate pricing they offered you. However, Ofgem regulations cap these fees, and they must be clearly stated in your contract terms.
As mentioned earlier, if you cancel within 49 days of your contract end date, exit fees are capped at £30 per fuel (£60 total for dual fuel). Outside this window, fees can be higher but must be "fair and reasonable" and reflect the actual costs to the supplier. In practice, most suppliers charge between £30 and £60 per fuel for early cancellation.
| Cancellation Scenario | Exit Fees | Notice Period |
|---|---|---|
| Within cooling-off period | None | 14 days |
| Moving house | None | 48 hours minimum |
| Switching supplier (variable tariff) | None | 21 days (switch period) |
| Early exit from fixed contract | £30-£150 per fuel | As per contract |
| Within 49 days of contract end | Maximum £30 per fuel | As per contract |
Sending your cancellation notice by post using Recorded Delivery or a similar tracked service is the most reliable method for protecting your consumer rights. This approach provides you with documented proof that you've fulfilled your legal obligations regarding notice periods and cancellation procedures. In practice, this evidence can be invaluable if disputes arise about when you cancelled or whether proper notice was given.
Postal cancellation with proof of delivery offers several important advantages over other methods. First, it creates an independent record of your cancellation request that doesn't rely on the company's internal systems or record-keeping. If Evo claims they never received your cancellation, your proof of delivery demonstrates otherwise.
Second, written cancellation allows you to clearly state all relevant details, including your account number, address, meter readings, and specific cancellation date. This reduces the risk of misunderstandings or incomplete information that can occur during phone conversations. As a result, you're less likely to face complications or delays in processing your cancellation.
Third, postal cancellation provides you with time to carefully review what you're sending and ensure all necessary information is included. Unlike phone calls where you might forget important details or feel pressured, writing gives you control over the communication. Therefore, you can be confident that you've met all requirements for a valid cancellation.
Your cancellation letter should contain specific information to ensure Evo can process your request efficiently. Start with your full name as it appears on your account, your complete service address, and your account number or customer reference number. These details allow Evo to quickly identify your account in their system.
Clearly state that you wish to cancel your energy supply contract and specify the date you want the cancellation to take effect. If you're moving house, include your moving date and your new address for final bill correspondence. If you're switching suppliers, mention this fact, though your new supplier will handle most of the technical coordination.
Include your current meter readings for both gas and electricity if you have dual fuel. Taking these readings on the day you send your letter ensures accuracy. Provide contact details where Evo can reach you regarding your final bill or any queries about your cancellation. This means including a phone number and email address in addition to your postal address.
Request written confirmation of your cancellation and ask for details about your final bill, including when you can expect to receive it and how any credit balance will be refunded. This proactive approach helps prevent delays in receiving money you're owed.
Sending your cancellation to the correct address is crucial for ensuring it reaches the appropriate department without delay. Always use Evo's official correspondence address for contract cancellations. Based on available information, you should send your cancellation letter to Evo's registered business address. However, it's important to verify the current postal address as companies occasionally update their contact details.
You can find the most current postal address on your latest bill, on Evo's official website under their contact information section, or in your original contract documentation. Using the address from your most recent bill is generally the safest approach, as this confirms the address Evo is currently using for customer correspondence.
Royal Mail Recorded Delivery or Special Delivery services provide proof that your letter was sent and delivered. Recorded Delivery costs approximately £1.85 in addition to standard postage and provides a signature upon delivery. Special Delivery offers guaranteed next-day delivery with higher compensation if the item is lost, though it costs more at around £6.85.
For most cancellation situations, Recorded Delivery provides adequate protection. The tracking number allows you to monitor your letter's progress online, and the signature proof confirms delivery. Keep your proof of postage receipt in a safe place along with copies of your cancellation letter and any supporting documentation. This creates a complete record of your cancellation that you can reference if needed.
Services like Postclic streamline postal cancellation by handling the physical sending process on your behalf. Instead of visiting a post office and managing tracked delivery yourself, you can submit your cancellation details digitally, and Postclic prints, envelopes, and posts your letter using tracked services. This means you get the benefits of postal cancellation—documented proof and legal validity—without the inconvenience of physically posting the letter.
Postclic provides digital proof of postage and delivery confirmation, which you can access online whenever needed. The service ensures your letter is professionally formatted and includes all necessary elements for a valid cancellation. As a result, you reduce the risk of errors or omissions that could delay processing. For people with busy schedules or limited mobility, this service offers a practical solution that doesn't compromise on the legal protection that postal cancellation provides.
After sending your cancellation letter, monitor for confirmation from Evo. You should receive acknowledgment within 7-10 working days. If you don't hear back within two weeks, follow up with another letter referencing your original cancellation and including a copy of your proof of delivery.
Keep records of all correspondence related to your cancellation, including dates, tracking numbers, and any responses from Evo. This documentation protects you if disputes arise about cancellation dates, final bills, or exit fees. In practice, having comprehensive records gives you a strong position if you need to escalate issues to Ofgem or alternative dispute resolution services.
Learning from other customers' experiences helps you navigate the cancellation process more effectively. Many Evo customers share common concerns and challenges when cancelling their service, and understanding these patterns empowers you to avoid similar pitfalls.
Price increases are among the most frequently cited reasons for leaving Evo. When fixed-rate contracts end, customers often find themselves moved to significantly more expensive variable tariffs. This automatic rollover catches many people by surprise, resulting in substantially higher bills. Therefore, being proactive about tracking your contract end date and shopping for alternatives beforehand saves money and frustration.
Customer service issues also drive cancellations. Some customers report difficulties reaching Evo's support team, long wait times, or problems getting billing errors corrected. When you feel your concerns aren't being adequately addressed, switching to a supplier with better customer service ratings becomes an attractive option. This means researching potential new suppliers' customer service reputations before switching is time well spent.
Smart meter installation problems have caused frustration for some customers. Issues with meter functionality, inaccurate readings, or delays in installation lead some people to seek alternative suppliers. In practice, while smart meter issues can occur with any supplier, persistent problems that aren't resolved satisfactorily justify considering a switch.
Timing your cancellation strategically minimises costs and complications. If you're on a fixed-rate contract, set a reminder for 49 days before your contract ends. This is when exit fees drop to their lowest level, and you can switch without facing higher penalties. As a result, you maintain flexibility while avoiding the automatic rollover to expensive variable rates.
Take accurate meter readings and photograph them before cancelling or switching. This simple step prevents disputes about your final bill and ensures you're only charged for energy you actually used. Many customers report issues with estimated readings that resulted in overcharges, so taking control of this aspect protects your financial interests.
Research your new supplier thoroughly before switching. Compare not just prices but also customer service ratings, complaint handling records, and contract terms. Ofgem publishes supplier performance data that helps you make informed decisions. This means you're less likely to jump from one problematic supplier to another.
Keep all documentation related to your cancellation organised and accessible. This includes your cancellation letter, proof of delivery, meter reading photographs, final bills, and any correspondence with Evo. If problems arise, having comprehensive records allows you to quickly demonstrate your position and resolve issues efficiently.
Final bills typically arrive within six weeks of cancellation, though this can vary. Review your final bill carefully against your meter readings to ensure accuracy. If you've been paying by direct debit and are in credit, Evo should refund the balance. However, some customers report delays in receiving refunds, so following up proactively helps ensure you get your money back promptly.
If you dispute your final bill, don't ignore it. Contact Evo in writing explaining the discrepancy and providing evidence such as meter reading photographs. If the dispute isn't resolved satisfactorily, you can escalate to Evo's complaints procedure and ultimately to the Energy Ombudsman if necessary. These protections exist specifically to ensure fair treatment, so don't hesitate to use them if needed.
If Evo doesn't acknowledge your cancellation or claims they never received it, your proof of delivery becomes crucial evidence. Send a follow-up letter referencing your original cancellation, including a copy of the proof of delivery, and request immediate processing of your cancellation. This documented approach demonstrates you've fulfilled your obligations and puts pressure on the company to act.
For unresolved complaints, follow Evo's formal complaints procedure. Suppliers must investigate complaints and provide a final response within eight weeks. If you're not satisfied with their response or they fail to respond within the timeframe, you can refer your complaint to the Energy Ombudsman, an independent service that resolves disputes between consumers and energy suppliers at no cost to you.
Remember that you cannot be prevented from switching suppliers due to a dispute, even if money is owed. Your right to switch is protected by regulation. However, any legitimate debt will follow you, either transferred to your new supplier or pursued separately. Therefore, while you maintain switching rights, resolving billing disputes fairly remains important for your financial wellbeing.
Understanding your rights and following proper procedures protects you throughout the cancellation process. Postal cancellation with proof of delivery provides the strongest foundation for exercising these rights effectively. By taking control of the process and maintaining thorough documentation, you ensure that cancelling your Evo service proceeds smoothly and that your consumer rights are fully protected. This empowers you to make changes that serve your best interests without facing unnecessary obstacles or unfair treatment.