Energy Ombudsman welcomes new penalties

• October 11, 2008
• General
• Editor

Queensland’s Energy Ombudsman Barry Adams welcomed the State Government’s announcement of a $40 rebate for energy customers overcharged on their electricity accounts.

Mr Adams said, “For too long, energy companies are not giving Queensland’s pensioners the rebates they are entitled to.”

“In August alone, we investigated 96 cases into account fees and charges, which includes the pensioner rebate and Community Ambulance Cover amongst other issues.

“This represents 26 percent of all account complaints investigated in August.

“Energy Ombudsman Queensland (EOQ) staff are actively working with those who’ve contacted us for assistance in these situations.

“We’ve achieved good outcomes for complainants, such as back-dated payments to those eligible for pensioner rebates who hadn’t received them, as well as the reimbursement of incorrect fees and charges.”

EOQ also identifies types of systemic issues which affect a group of customers rather than just an individual customer.

Energy suppliers who fail to address these issues can be referred to the appropriate regulator to take any action they deem necessary.

Mr Adams said the pensioner electricity rebate increased from 1 July 2008.

“I would encourage those who haven’t received a rebate they’re entitled to, or the increased rebate, to contact their energy supplier as soon as possible to try to resolve the problem,” he said.

“If the issue still persists, contact Energy Ombudsman Queensland for assistance on freecall 1800 662 837 or visit www.eoq.com.au.”