A win for people power
BELMONT nurse Gill Thomson has welcomed new energy reforms set to make it easier for consumers to get better deals when choosing their supplier.
The 55-year-old aged care nurse was concerned about her upcoming energy bill after being forced to use the heater extensively while at home with a bad cold.
She said her monthly energy bills average $200 even when she isn’t at home often.
Ms Thompson said she had previously found it too hard to “shop around” because prices were displayed in a confusing way by energy companies.
“I found the whole thing bamboozling,” she said.
“I’ve got no idea and I get confused with what deals are available, so I’ve just stayed put.”
From today, game-changing reform initiated by the Essential Service Commission mean energy companies must tell customers whether they’re on their best energy plan and how much the customer could save by switching to that plan.
They must also provide customers with a fact sheet showing key information about available energy offers for gas and electricity.
Customers currently on simple standing offers will automatically be transferred to the Victorian Default Offer while other customers can ask to switch to the default offer. This latest change comes after the introduction of new protections for customers who are experiencing troubles, through a payment difficulty framework which came into effect on January 1 this year.
Ms Thompson said the reforms would alleviate stress for her and other customers.
“It’s just a fairer system for people to negotiate, for people to get a better deal and its more transparent,” she said.
“I work for the aged care service and there is a real concern that a lot of elderly people are being ripped off.
“This is just more straightforward and a fairer way.”
Essential Services Commission energy director Sarah McDowell said it was vital the community was aware of the full benefits of the reforms.
“We want to make sure everyone knows about the changes coming in to give them more power over their electricity and gas deals,” Ms McDowell said.
To find out your rights visit vic.gov.au/itsyourenergy.