Oct2011_CONCERN OVER THE NUMBER FACING DISCONNECTION
Energy and Water Ombudsman Forbes Smith raised concern over the number of families in Queensland who have been disconnected due to non-payment of their energy bills.
“I am disappointed by the increasing number of disconnections recently reported in the Queensland Competition Authority’s (QCA) quarterly report,” Mr Smith said.
The increasing number of Queenslanders being disconnected for debt is concerning when, by law, all energy retailers have an obligation to assist their customers such as having hardship programs in place to assist those facing payment difficulties.
The QCA’s figures show that over double the number of customers were disconnected compared to the previous quarter.”
Mr Smith said that no-one should be left in the dark and there was help available for those feeling the pinch.
“I urge anyone who can’t afford to pay their bill to contact their energy retailer immediately to find out what assistance they can provide to avoid disconnection,” he said.
“A payment plan allows you to pay an agreed amount regularly towards your bill.
It’s important that you only agree to an amount you can realistically afford because if you break the payment plan you can be disconnected.
You can only be refused a payment plan if you have defaulted on previous arrangements.”
Mr Smith said other assistance programs include Centrepay, financial hardship programs, the Home Energy Emergency Assistance scheme, and rebates for eligible pensioners.
“If you have contacted your energy retailer to discuss payment difficulties but you cannot agree on the amount of your payment plan, contact EWOQ on 1800 662 837 or visit www.ewoq.com.au .”
The increasing number of Queenslanders being disconnected for debt is concerning when, by law, all energy retailers have an obligation to assist their customers such as having hardship programs in place to assist those facing payment difficulties.
The QCA’s figures show that over double the number of customers were disconnected compared to the previous quarter.”
Mr Smith said that no-one should be left in the dark and there was help available for those feeling the pinch.
“I urge anyone who can’t afford to pay their bill to contact their energy retailer immediately to find out what assistance they can provide to avoid disconnection,” he said.
“A payment plan allows you to pay an agreed amount regularly towards your bill.
It’s important that you only agree to an amount you can realistically afford because if you break the payment plan you can be disconnected.
You can only be refused a payment plan if you have defaulted on previous arrangements.”
Mr Smith said other assistance programs include Centrepay, financial hardship programs, the Home Energy Emergency Assistance scheme, and rebates for eligible pensioners.
“If you have contacted your energy retailer to discuss payment difficulties but you cannot agree on the amount of your payment plan, contact EWOQ on 1800 662 837 or visit www.ewoq.com.au .”
