Electricity Bill (Undercharged for Two Years)

punk000 on 26/09/2015 - 12:24
Last edited 26/09/2015 - 13:11 by 1 other user

Hi everyone

So my folks just received a letter from the electric provider (Origin) stating that they have under billed the folks for the last two years and that we now have to pay an extra $700.

Is this common ? and its not like you can challenge it anyway right ?

Home & Garden Origin

Related Stores

Origin Energy
Origin Energy

Comments

  • eqv on 26/09/2015 - 13:43
    +5

    There should be a limitation of the period that they are able to backbill.
    In NSW (http://www.ewon.com.au/index.cfm/suppliers/supplier-responsi…):

    According to the electricity and gas regulations where a supplier has undercharged a small retailer customer, there is a limit of 9 months within which they can recover an amount payable. For example, a supplier may issue a backbill covering a two year period, however they are only able to recover charges for the 9 months prior to the date of issue of the bill. However, if you don’t allow access to the meter and you receive a catch up bill, there is no limit on the length of time the retailer can backbill you.

    This should be in place in other states as well if I'm not mistaken.

    • punk000 on 26/09/2015 - 14:13

      Hey thanks for the info

      I have searched further for Victoria and it looks to be the same
      (1) If its the fault of the electric provider's billing system then the maximum back bill period is 9 months
      (2) If its other faults, also by the electricity provider then the maximum back bill period is 12 months

      • eqv on 26/09/2015 - 14:54
        +1

        Not a problem, hope you're able to sort it out with them, get your energy obudsman to step in if necessary. Good luck.

  • oscargamer on 26/09/2015 - 16:20
    +1

    yep - 9 months max backbilling

    read this

    http://ewov.com.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0017/4922/Fact-She…

    then give them a ring and they will give you very good advice

  • bambooculm on 26/09/2015 - 17:11
    +3

    Origin Energy is not big on principles. Depending upon which state the account is in, refer the matter to the ombudsman or Fair Trading or whatever the relevant consumer protection body is. There is no point in trying to deal with Origin. Refer the matter to someone else. Your folks should change to a supplier that does not act like an organised crime outfit. My personal dispute with Origin took two years to settle, and AGL settled it for me. All complaints about Origin Energy should be taken very seriously indeed.

  • TPbMe on 27/09/2015 - 08:56

    Agree totally with bambooculm regards immediately taking your complaint higher - to the ombudsman. However, do make your complaint IN WRITING to Origin Energy so that you have a proven documented trail. Also, get a hold of their Customer Charter - it should state that customers have the right to timely & accurate billing. I would expect that with involvement of the Ombudsman Origin will waive the $700. Good Luck

  • punk000 on 11/10/2015 - 15:35

    Thanks everyone.

    Just to update on the situation. I have got back looking at all the bills and see BLATANTLY wrong billings where they randomly charges for what ever amount of kWh they like (the number does not reflect their stated meter readings). And following the above advices of maximum 9 months back bill, I have gave them a call stating the (1) maximum 9 months back bill and (2) they have been wrong calculations and that they actually overcharged us ~$270. So they have looked at the bills and did just sent us a new bill stating that they overcharged.

    Now I don't know if I want to scan though all the other bill outside of this period because I'm not sure I we can claim back anything if its also outside of the 9 months rules

Login or Join to leave a comment
Login Join