New mines and energy telephone hotline to boost customer service

A new free call telephone hotline has been established to take inquiries about electricity, gas and mining matters, Mines and Energy Minister Geoff Wilson said today.

Minister Wilson said the free hotline service had been operating for a week and had already received around 200 callers.

“A large volume of calls related to mining grants with callers wanting to know how to apply for them,” Mr Wilson said.

Callers can simply dial 1800 657 567 and an operator will be able to help them with their inquiry.

“With just one phone call, callers will be able to get the right response from the right person without being transferred between departments. It’s streamlined and it’s free,” he said.

Mr Wilson said the new inquiry line complemented a range of existing services, particularly for energy customers.

“Customers making enquiries in relation to electricity and gas supplies should, in the first instance, try to get their problem resolved through their supplier,” Mr Wilson said.

“If they can’t get a satisfactory response I would encourage them to contact the Energy Ombudsman Queensland.

“The State Government set up the Office of the Energy Ombudsman to help protect the rights of consumers. It’s a free, dispute resolution service and it gives consumers somewhere to turn,” he said.

The toll free number for the Energy Ombudsman is 1800 662 837.

Media inquiries: Caroline Kaurila 3224 7332.