By Sumeyya Ilanbey
Melton residents are feeling the brunt of power price rises and an increasing number are complaining to the Ombudsman about it.
Although overall Melton cases to the Energy and Water Ombudsman decreased by 9 per cent (from 766 to 700) in the past financial year, the number of high bill cases increased by 21 per cent (from 71 to 86) and disconnection cases increased by 13 per cent (78 to 88).
Energy and Water Ombudsman Cynthia Gebert said those increases were concerning and an indication people were struggling to stay connected to electricity, gas and water supplies.
“The amount of media and political attention means customers are very aware of electricity prices and gas prices, and they’re consciously thinking about it and whether they think their bills are right,” Ms Gebert said.
“I don’t think it explains it all, but it does contribute to people questioning their bills.”
There’s been intense scrutiny on power prices in recent years, with politicians and social welfare groups scrambling for ways to make energy more affordable.
Earlier this year, the federal government released the final report into Retail Pricing Information Guidelines, which was aimed at helping customers assess and compare energy plans.
The state government announced it would give every Victorian who used the independent Victorian Energy Compare website $50.
Ms Gebert said customers should always compare energy plans, choosing one that suits their lifestyle.
If customers are unable to pay their bills early, for example, there is no point in signing up to a plan that rewards early payments, she said.
“We really need to work with customers to help them understand how they’re using their energy,” she said.
“Obviously we’re really keen to keep people connected and on supply. If they’ve been disconnected, we work to get them back on as soon as possible because it’s an essential service.”
The number of complaints received by the Ombudsman from Melton was 5.2 per 1000 people, slightly below the Victorian average of 5.37 complaints.
