It really pays to watch the bills
MIA Steiber, 26, was in the dark when presented with an astronomical gas bill.
Living in a share apartment, she noticed their gas bills were far higher than electricity.
“We were getting bills of $400 for 60 days, compared to electricity of $130 a quarter,” Ms Steiber said. “The only things using gas were the stove and hot water.”
One bill made it obvious there was a major problem.
“We were overseas for all but 14 days and the bill was around $650.”
The housemates contacted strata, a former repairman and real estate agent but no one could explain why.
They launched a case with the ombudsman and began shopping for a better deal.
She has since moved out but the experience taught Ms Steiber to take a more active interest in her energy deals.
“I was cautious about who we signed up with when we moved,” she said. “When I shopped around I asked what happened if there was a problem with gas or water.
“When I told providers I was shopping around and not committed to any deals yet, they started throwing discounts at me.
“The research process taught me we could afford the little luxuries. In our old apartment I worried when we had too many showers.
“I didn’t want to pay extra rent for airconditioning, but not be able to use it.
“I just made sure we were with a provider that wouldn’t charge us an arm and a leg to do so.”