Origin survey shows households are in the dark on their pricey power bills

HALF of all Victorians believe they’re getting a good deal on their electricity bills even though most would save by doing this one simple thing.

HALF of all Victorians believe they’re getting a good deal on their electricity bills even though most would save by switching providers.

As households struggle with soaring power costs, a new survey released by Origin Energy has revealed that just 13 per cent think their electricity deal is more expensive than they could be paying elsewhere.

$50 CASH INCENTIVE TO FIND BETTER DEAL

PM FORCES RETAILERS TO HELP CUSTOMERS SAVE

Most households could get a better electricity deal by shopping around.

Seven out of every ten households can save money by switching to a new electricity deal, with the typical family saving $330 in the first year alone.

But the survey, by Empirica Research, quizzed 1000 bill-payers and found they were more likely to try and reduce their power usage and buy energy efficient appliances to pay less on their bills, instead of switching providers.

Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull has already forced electricity providers to contact two million households to offer cheaper deals after revelations they were stuck on expired discounts or pricey standing offers.

Origin’s head of retail Jon Briskin said the company was working hard to simplify its offers so customers “can compare apples with apples, and feel informed and confident when they choose an energy deal”.

A new survey released by Origin Energy has revealed that just 13 per cent think their electricity deal is more expensive than they could be paying elsewhere.

Origin has launched an online comparison tool to help Victorians check if they can save by moving their electricity account to them.

Mr Briskin said Origin had also delivered automatic discounts to its customers in January, even for those who had not switched to new deals.

“We still have a way to go to address customers’ concerns about affordability, but the good news is that most are willing to embrace the technology that will help them save money.” he said.

“We need to keep simplifying things so customers can deal with us quickly and easily, while continuing to work with industry and government to put downward pressure on prices.”

It comes as Premier Daniel Andrews offers $50 to every household which visits a state government energy comparison website.

The unprecedented $48 million cash splash to encourage people to find and switch to better deals has been welcomed by welfare and social services groups.

About half of all households have not switched in the last five years even though they could save as much as $1500.

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