My Gas Bill Was Extremely High

ThePeterGriffin on 20/11/2021 - 07:43
Last edited 23/11/2021 - 10:10 by 1 other user

Good morning folks.

So, just this morning I got my AGL gas bill and after checking the bill the amount was exorbitant. It was $2033 for a 3 month period. I was shocked to see the such a high amount as we don’t use the gas much. Just for food and maybe the hot water must be based on gas(not sure). Moved to this place a couple of months ago.

The previous bill was about 300 bucks. It’s about a 3 room house shared with all guys working full time. Any helping suggestions on this and what are my options?

Thanks.

Attaching the bill below.
https://ibb.co/hVCq8ZM
https://ibb.co/hRLkvJv

Water meter reading.
https://ibb.co/BBS5NdS

Update: the bill is now fixed as the issue was incorrect meter readings. They owed me money from the previous bill as well and it’s down to 163$ now.
Thank you all and Appreciate your help.

Home & Garden Gas Supply

Comments

  • screensaver on 20/11/2021 - 07:51
    +2

    Thre are 2 meter numbers, have you read the bill explainer? Its clearly an error, you need to find your meter and see whats written on it

    • ThePeterGriffin on 20/11/2021 - 08:00

      Oh that’s strange. I actually was trying to comprehend what was up with the bill. Now actually checking my previous bill I see that even on the previous bill its 2 meter read.(in this case the bill is when I first moved in and even before I transferred my name onto the account)

    • ThePeterGriffin on 20/11/2021 - 08:16

      I’m also curious now why would there be 2 meters for one apartment? :/ and knowing that don’t use the gas much I’m thinking of it must be an error.

      • screensaver on 20/11/2021 - 08:17
        +2

        one could be for water, one for oooking

        • jv on 22/11/2021 - 12:31

          one for oooking

          None of their business if you are into oooking…

      • undocked838 on 20/11/2021 - 12:23

        As Pam suggests, you likely have one for hot water and one for gas cooktop/oven/heater. My bills have two meters, because the apartment block has centralised gas hot water and they meter it separately.

  • upended on 20/11/2021 - 07:52
    +3

    Looks like the usage on meter number starting with WT is very high. You should confirm the numbers by inspecting your meters (assuming you have access). The current usage value should be above or equal to the numbers listed on the bill. If they are less than the usage on the bill, it may be that someone entered them incorrectly.

  • RockyRaccoon on 20/11/2021 - 07:58
    +1

    The other suggestions cover points to consider. Two meters seem a bit strange especially for Gas

    Also check, was your previous bill based on an estimate. If so the previous occupant may have run up a high bill before leaving.

    Jemma never read the bill when we moved in, it was an estimate, based on the previous owners usage, it then gets adjusted with the actual read.

    Given the previous reading would have been for winter if the estimate was wrong, you could be paying for the previous occupants winter use.

    • ThePeterGriffin on 20/11/2021 - 08:02

      The previous bill was also under my name and it was about 300$.

      • RockyRaccoon on 20/11/2021 - 12:10

        I understand that as it was your first bill. BUT if that was based on an estimate, they wont have properly read your meter when you signed up.

        So if the previous occupant had used a lot of gas, their ending bill would have also been based on this estimate, which would have been too low. They would have been under charged, while you are over charged, as the estimate for your start is the same estimate they would have used for the others end.

        Eg

        They used 10000mj but the estimate used is 1500mj. They pay for the 1500mj and the meter read next bill will catch up on the other 8500mj. However that is now your bill. Now if that bill is also an estimate, you wont see that extra charges until the first bill that shows the actual read.

        Hence my question is if the first bill, the one before this, is an estimate.

        Namely when the changeover was made, they never read the meter, they just estimated it, then the next bill was also an estimate as they only read every 6 months. 1 read and 1 estimate. This is what they did to me. They never read the meter at the time of the changeover, they just estimated it.

        • Brodo Faggins on 19/01/2022 - 13:25

          Hi @RockyRacoon - You seem pretty experienced with this so I might add my own situation (similar to OP's) instead of starting a new forum, as I want to know my options.

          Basically moved into a new rental - no gas here. Got my 1st electricity invoice. Start meter read was estimated 11884 & end read was actual 13393 = 1509kWh used in 45 days (pro rata/not full cycle).

          My previous electricity usage from another property was approx 600kWh/91 days = $250 (gas bill another $210). No way I've 4-5X my usage electricity use by moving to another premise + no gas used here.

          I'm awaiting response from Support as to what they say, but below are some thoughts:

          1) Possible that estimated start read 11884 is entirely incorrect. AusGrid hasn't provide up to date information directly to Retailer.
          2) I have switched Retailers upon arriving to new premise (was cheaper overall + didn't need the gas bill combo), and there has been a mix since.
          3) Last read from previous tenant (my start read) is also estimated. Previous tenant could've flogged their bill and passed it onto me (or perhaps owner/LL stayed and used electricity without paying? LOL)

          By their estimations I'm projected to spend $1600+ for this quarter, compared to $250+$210… Happy to provide bill screenshots etc or PM.

          Thanks for your assistance, cheers.

    • upended on 20/11/2021 - 08:04

      Jemena?
      OP's bill clearly shows that the meter reading is actual, not an estimate.

      • RockyRaccoon on 20/11/2021 - 12:12
        +1

        thank you, I understand. Maybe read my reply to GoodGuy above, to understand the possibility on what went wrong and why I made the initial comment.

        Also Jemena is the gas provider (like Ausgrid etc is for electricity) AGL then are the retail provider.

        See first page of the Bill near top right hand corner, it says for faults - Jemena.

        • ThePeterGriffin on 20/11/2021 - 19:06

          I just checked and it’s says my first bill was an estimate. I did have a chat with AGL, they’ve asked me to send them meter readings.
          I’ll send them soon.
          what are my options here?
          1) If the meter reading is correct and meter is not faulty, who has to pay the bill ? The previous tenant ? Or I have to file a complaint ?
          2) If the meter reading is correct and meter is fault? Is my owner liable for it ?
          3)
          Who’s liable for the huge bill? As far as I know I’m not :/

          • RockyRaccoon on 21/11/2021 - 06:38

            @ThePeterGriffin: Given the amount here I would be contacting your local ombudsman

            https://www.energymadeeasy.gov.au/article/useful-contacts

            To my mind if the retailer or supplier decides to save money by not reading the meter and it’s wrong, you shouldn’t pay. But thats my opinion.

            What I would be doing is to show current use patterns, plus if you have past bills even from another premises that can show your personal pattern of use that would help. Now that may be different if you share with different people. But it does give the ombudsman something to go on.

            Btw how long was the first bill for - I would guess much less than the 3 months normally.

            My house has only one meter for Gas. It’s for stove, heating and hot water. I find it strange you have two meters. As others have said, it might be the meter for the whole complex (we have no clues from your bill, to indicate if you are in a house or unit).

            If you live in a unit..

            When the transfer was made, the representative from AGL might have
            ‘Transferred’ the body corporate account to your name in error. Its been done in the past to friends of mine. Have them check this.

            Also look and see if you have a hot water heater in your unit. Being gas it’s unlikely due to need to vent these (burnt gas needs to escape). So they use a common heater.

            But wait to see what AGL says.

            • ThePeterGriffin on 21/11/2021 - 13:09

              @RockyRaccoon: My first bill was about a 3 months ago, when I checked the bill( this is the first bill after I did the transfer in my name) it says it’s estimated. So they charged me a fee for a meter reading but they still estimated it. Now they might have checked it after a long time who knows and then put it all under my name.
              I have contacted my agent and my building manager to get the meter access as it’s not in my house.
              Also my apartment unit doesn’t have any gas based heating system or anything as such but I would still confirm it with my owner. Thanks for the heads up.

              • avoidfullprice on 21/11/2021 - 18:49

                @ThePeterGriffin:

                Also my apartment unit doesn’t have any gas based heating system

                Except for centralised hot water system. Definitely is there

            • ThePeterGriffin on 22/11/2021 - 00:43

              @RockyRaccoon: Have posted the photo of my meter in the above post. I’m confused with how they’ve places the decilitres measurement.

              • RockyRaccoon on 22/11/2021 - 21:55

                @ThePeterGriffin: Thats a water meter , Not a Gas meter from what I can see. So they are charging a gas rate (mega joules, which measures energy, against water usage which is Megalitres or something like that.

                Anyway I did a search on the internet for this meter UltramaxXX HW and found someone having the same issue as you with Jemma/AGL

                Its a bit beyond me and its something requiring followup - its rather detailed, so I'll leave it to you to read and work on. It discusses shared hotwater and conversion factors for individual use. Something like they work out what water everyone uses to determine how much each unit pays of the gas usage.

                https://neighbourhood.agl.com.au/t5/Energy-Accounts-and-Bill…

                • ThePeterGriffin on 23/11/2021 - 08:05

                  @RockyRaccoon: The meter above is the one which calculates the units of hot water flow. Based on the units above they calculate the usage multiplied by the conversion factor. I did check my usage over the 2 days it’s about 250litres which is 25units. As compared to their daily calculation of 300 units per day. This points out the fact that their readings are completely wrong

  • Montyjpm on 20/11/2021 - 08:46
    +1

    Jemena is a gas infrastructure I think. Think of them as NBN for certain Sydney area. They do the reading and provided it for AGL.

    • lgacb08 on 20/11/2021 - 23:03

      not in vic, they only supply electricity in inner Melbourne

  • avoidfullprice on 20/11/2021 - 09:18

    Couldn't see your bills anymore.

    Edit: you just fixed it. Hang on

    Edit 2: request another read for the second meter. This is likely to be the centralised gas hot water system for the apartment. The reading is likely to be in Litres, but the initial read wasn't.

  • Heaps for Cheaps on 20/11/2021 - 09:49
    +1

    Not just very high, but the usage off 55 people…

  • treekangagaroo on 20/11/2021 - 09:53
    +2

    Check were the meter is and make sure the two meters are for your address. It's common to mix up water meters in an apartment. Make sure there a no leaks (leaking taps ?)

    Can you fill a bucket of hot water(measurable) and see how much the meter has progressed ?

    Most of your usage is on hot water

  • stormai on 20/11/2021 - 10:28

    if the second meter is for hot water it could be a malfunctioning hot water system just continuously heating water.

    before calling out for someone to check it (agl will not help you with this), look at your previous bill and see if it was an estimate under "read type". there's cases where it takes them a couple of times to get an actual read so they go by estimates until they can get an actual read. if your usage was higher than their estimate it all comes on in the actual read bill.

    the next step is to actually check the numbers on your gas meter as the number could have been entered incorrectly by the gas meter reader.

    after this if nothing is wrong, check for faults and such.

    if it turns out your hot water system is malfunctioning or something in your property was actually using the gas you'll still have to pay the bill but usually they can offer instalment plans.

  • jackofspade on 20/11/2021 - 11:13
    +1

    Your hot water meter WTO reading is ridiculous from 3 digits to 5 digits. You somehow used 182,660 litre of hot water.
    Check the actual meter, should be somewhere in the laundry room.

    • Muzeeb on 20/11/2021 - 12:11

      You somehow used 182,660 litre of hot water.

      How did you work that out?

      • avoidfullprice on 21/11/2021 - 10:37
        +2

        https://www.agl.com.au/help-support/energy/billing-and-payme…

        Under usage calculation, ithe actual read is correct.

        If you live in NSW, you may notice that your usage has been multiplied by 10, as well as The Common Factor - this is because the hot water meter measures your usage in decalitre (a metric unit of capacity equal to 10 litres).

        I think RockyRaccoon is onto something, that they put the whole complex meter reading onto their bill.

  • Waltervp on 21/11/2021 - 09:42

    You don't have under floor gas heating? My mother has that and it made her bill go into the thousands as well. We switched it off and told her to just use the heat pumps.

    You may have a leak in the hot water system perhaps??? Normally you'd notice but do double check the unit switches off when you turn the tap off.

    • ThePeterGriffin on 21/11/2021 - 13:12

      No under floor heating. Only gas cooktop and water heater. About to check the hot water system for leaks or any sorts.

  • OzHunterNSW on 21/11/2021 - 11:53
    -4

    My gas bill is usually $45.

    I would say your hot water is gas. Your stove is gas. And presume you possibly have central heating - also on gas.

    I advise you to understand how your place is functioning. Does the oven, stove have little blue flames, if yes, then it is gas.

    Do you have a fireplace or other heating device that requires you to turn on a valve looking like a gas valve, if yes, then it too is gas.

    You only have yourself to blame. Winter does not mean you walk around in tropical 24 degrees: get a jumper.
    Showers don't mean 30min of steamy Bali days: get a timer.

    And I bet you profess to be a carer of the environment.

    • Muzeeb on 21/11/2021 - 12:08
      +2

      Savage and very likely prejudicial bulltish

    • Jugganautx on 21/11/2021 - 12:58
      +1

      Your gas bill is $45? Must be cooking on an outdoor gas stove or something…

      Service fee alone is double that.

  • reddevilcat on 21/11/2021 - 12:26

    your usage equates to 900Mj of gas per day for 3 months!!!!!

    live in a two-storey house ( 4 adults), have ducted gas heater on 24/7 in July (Melbourne): 600MJ per day is what we use.

    something is definitely wrong.

    • ThePeterGriffin on 22/11/2021 - 00:41

      I have posted my meter photo in the Original post.

  • ThePeterGriffin on 21/11/2021 - 21:48

    Guys, I have posted the picture of my water meter and I am just not sure whether the indicated usage is more or less than the bill. Sorry just a noob in this case.

    • jackofspade on 22/11/2021 - 12:14

      Your hot water meter is at 21700 vs 18932 (12 Nov) = 2768 units in 9 days. That's about 3000 litres per day!
      Looks like your meter is faulty. You can test it - release 20 litres of hot water then check number of units used (should be about 2)

      • ThePeterGriffin on 22/11/2021 - 12:20

        I did check the meter and I assume the meter is running alright. I tested about 5 litres of hot water and i think it was all good. The last digit in the meter moved about 5 units. Which I think indicates a litre each. Had a shower this morning as well and was about 90 litres which I think is fair. Also checked that if any leakage but I don’t think so as such.
        I am assuming that jemima is sending old readings even though it says “actual”

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