Victorians fume over massive energy bill increases with little to no notice

ENERGY customers have complained of bills more than doubling — including a man whose quarterly bill jumped from $332 to $931 — after retailers impose price rises with little or no notice.

ENERGY customers have complained of bills more than doubling after retailers impose price rises with little or no notice.

Some consumers have landed in debt because of massive cost increases, Energy and Water Ombudsman Victoria records reveal.

Others have told of being stung with huge price rises only shortly after being lured into signing a new offer.

DEFAULT POWER PRICE TO CUT BILLS

ENERGY COMPANY’S PRIVACY BUNGLE

AGGRESSIVE ENERGY TELEMARKETING COMPLAINTS

Bill shock complaints include:

A WOMAN whose $2700 electricity bill was more than double compared with the same period last year. Her use had risen by 33 per cent.

A MAN whose quarterly bill jumped from $332 to $931 after a rate change.

A CUSTOMER struggling to pay a $2400 energy debt after a 34 per cent price jump between bills.

Some energy customers have complained of experiencing significant price increases.

The cases are detailed in a submission to the state’s energy regulator ahead of looming changes to Victoria’s retail energy market rules.

The Essential Services Commission has proposed compulsory “best offer” messages on bills at least twice a year.

Advance notice of any changes to prices, discounts or benefits would also be required.

It is deciding on the final design of the regulations.

In the submission, ombudsman Cynthia Gebert suggests that best offers be declared every three months.

She also believes customers should be advised of the genuinely best offer available — rather than the cheapest “generally available” deal.

Victorian Energy and Water Ombudsman Cynthia Gebert.

The Herald Sun has previously revealed how retailers have secret discounts for select customers, such as those they try to win back or retain after threats to leave.

Ms Gebert said advance notice of price or benefit changes would give customers the chance to shop around before receiving bills at new rates.

In addition, a further reminder should be issued on or with the first bill after a price increase, she said.

One in three customers who contacted the ombudsman last financial year were worried about being able to pay for energy or water.

High bills were the top overall issue, mainly for electricity and gas. Disconnection disputes, debt collection and credit default listings were the next most common gripes.

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@KarenCollierHS