July 2010 CONCERN FOR FAMILIES FACING INCREASED ELECTRICITY COSTS

With winter on our doorstep and electricity costs set to increase, Energy Ombudsman Barry Adams raised concern over the number of families who would face difficulty paying high energy bills.

The independent Queensland Competition Authority last week announced their decision to increase electricity prices by 13.29% from 1 July 2010.
"The future increase in electricity pricing, combined with increased energy usage throughout winter, is only going to add to the number of people feeling the pinch," Mr Adams said.
“These price rises come at a time when the weather is getting cooler and a greater demand is placed on electricity usage for appliances such as heaters and dryers, as well as increased demand for hot water and lighting during colder and shorter daylight hours.
Although the Energy Ombudsman Queensland (EOQ) has no role or authority in setting prices and we are not able to investigate complaints about price increases, we can assist those who are experiencing payment difficulties.
Since our establishment nearly three years ago, complaints about payment difficulties continue to be one of the most common issues people contact us for assistance with.
Many people underestimate their energy usage and are unaware of the amount of energy their home appliances actually use.”
Queensland Mines and Energy developed an online energy calculator to help consumers estimate the costs of their household electricity use.
According to the online calculator, it will cost approximately $125 if you use one family-sized, reverse cycle heater for five hours per day over three months.
Another $45 will also be added to your energy bill if you use one five kilogram clothes dryer for seven hours per week over three months.
“When you add this extra $170 as well as the increased electricity tariff costs to your average energy bill, the increase could be quite significant.” 
Mr Adams said it was also important that people chose appliances with high energy efficiency ratings and understood how much energy new technologies such as plasma televisions actually consumed.
He also stressed that help was available for those suffering financially.
"If you can’t afford to pay a bill or are facing disconnection, you should always contact your energy supplier immediately to discuss your options," he said.
"All energy suppliers have processes in place to assist customers pay off their debt and avoid disconnection through affordable payment plans."
Other assistance programs which are available include Centrelink’s Centrepay automatic payments to accounts, the Queensland Government’s Home Energy Emergency Assistance Scheme, and electricity and gas rebates for eligible pensioners.
Mr Adams said., “If you have received a high bill that you believe doesn’t accurately reflect your energy usage and your supplier is either not able to explain it or you are not satisfied with their response, you can contact EOQ for assistance,”
“If you are having problems paying your bill and you have contacted your supplier to discuss payment options but are unhappy with the outcome, contact EOQ straight away on free call 1800 662 837 or visit www.eoq.com.au .
We provide a free, fair and independent service to resolve disputes with your energy supplier.”