Wilson maintains the rage against power billing company

Within days of announcing tough new penalties for power billing companies, Mines and Energy Minister Geoff Wilson has taken further action against a major player in the electricity market.

Minister Wilson said AGL advised the Energy Ombudsman last night of billing errors that could affect up to 60,000 of its customers in south east Queensland.

“AGL has admitted there are errors in their billing systems. The errors occurred prior to the new penalty regime taking effect.

“They are writing to their customers to advise them they’ve been overcharged, on average, by about $1.50,” he said.

“AGL has given an assurance to my Department that the mistake will be fixed up and that their customers will have the correct amount credited on their next bill.

“I have requested my Director General, the electricity regulator, to go straight to the Energy Ombudsman and ask him to urgently investigate the matter.

“That’s why we set up an Energy Ombudsman. He’s got experienced people in his office with their sleeves rolled up, sorting out complaints. He’s there to look after the battler,” he said.

“On top of this, my Director General has regulatory powers under the Act and if it’s found that further action needs to be taken against AGL, I will back him to the hilt in exercising those powers,” he said.

Three companies, including AGL, have already been hit with Show Cause Notices and hefty fines.

Minister Wilson is urging AGL to take a leaf out of another power billing company’s book.

“Recently, when Energy Australia discovered a $1.40 billing error, they did the right thing and gave affected customers a $15 credit on their bill for the inconvenience.

“Our new penalty regime, which forces power billing companies to pay $40 to every customer who is overcharged, doesn’t kick in for a couple of weeks, so AGL should also do the right thing by their customers and cough up this time,” he said.

Minister Wilson said the new penalty regime which will start within weeks would have applied to an overcharged bill of $10 or more.

“But after this latest stuff up by AGL, I’m going to ensure the new code forces power billing companies to pay customers $15 if the amount they are overcharged is less than $10 but more than 40 cents,” he said.

Minister Wilson said he had also requested the electricity regulator to contact every power billing company doing business in Queensland and tell them to simplify their bills.

“A lot of people have problems deciphering their bills. I want power bills to be easier to read and understand. It’s as simple as that,” Mr Wilson said.

Media Inquiries: Minister’s Office 3225 1819