THE Australian Energy Regulator has published its second annual report on retail market performance in the ACT.
AER Board member Jim Cox said the report sheds light on key energy issues facing many ACT households, including that:
- approx. 5000 residential customers (3.1 per cent) in the ACT had energy bill debt with their retailer,
- average electricity bill debt was $825 in 2013-14,
- approx. 7 000 residential gas customers (6.4 per cent) had a gas bill debt with their retailer,
- average gas bill debt was $551 in 2013-14,
- the number of electricity customers on payment plans to repay a debt was 571 (0.36 per cent). A further 679 (0.43 per cent) received assistance under retailer hardship programs, and
- the number of gas customers on payment plans to repay a debt was 300 (0.26 per cent). A further 473 (0.42 per cent) received assistance under retailer hardship programs.
“The numbers of customers in the ACT with electricity bill debt is low compared to the national average, however, the number of customers that have incurred a gas bill debt is comparatively high,” Jim said.
“Help under a retailer’s hardship program can include tailored payment plans based on what a customer can afford to pay. As long as a customer is making the agreed repayments, they shouldn’t be disconnected”
Mr Cox said the report is a timely reminder about the potential benefits of shopping around.
“There can be big difference between the most expensive and least expensive energy offer, even in the same area, so it is definitely worth looking to see if there is a better energy offer available.”
“Our Energy Made Easy website (www.energymadeeasy.gov.au) is a handy resource to help consumers compare the electricity deals in their area. It’s a free government website, so you can trust it’s not influenced by commercial interests,” Mr Cox said.
[by Mark, attribution licence]
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