Couple SHOCKED by their $5k power bill – their electricity provider says it’s correct!
- Replies 15
As much as we moan and groan about how high energy prices are in Australia, most of us still grudgingly accept that paying our bills is just a reality of life.
We may not be happy about it, but we understand that it’s something that needs to be done to keep the lights on and our homes warm (or cool).
But what if one day, out of nowhere, you find your power bill an eye-watering $5,000?
We’re sure you would have some questions for your energy provider!
Unfortunately for one family, this nightmare scenario recently became a reality.
Sonya and Philip were gobsmacked when they received their latest electricity bill in the mail from Simply Energy – instead of being around the hundred-dollar mark like their last bill had been, this one came in at a massive $4,811!
What’s worse, the bill would have been higher if it weren’t for a $1,100 ‘discount’.
At first, the couple thought the whole thing must have been a rather shocking oversight.
‘I thought they put a four in front by mistake, I thought it was a joke, a hoax email, a scam or something,’ Philip said.
In their bills the two months prior, the amounts charged were $600 and $1,600, respectively.
They also said they even installed solar panels to help out with their power consumption.
‘I'm powering Coles I think.’ he said in disbelief.
Sonya meanwhile only felt anger at being charged the insane amount.
As anyone would, the couple quickly called Simply Energy’s customer hotline.
‘You could tell on the phone they were concerned,’ Sonya said.
‘When you contact the company, they are located overseas.’
‘I think it's disgusting really if this is how they're going to treat Australian consumers, but it can't be right, I'm assuming it's a joke.’
Unfortunately for the two, Simply Energy is deadly serious.
In a statement, they explained they had been unable to access Peter and Sonya’s meter for nine months, and that in the interim they had been using estimated power usage.
‘Just recently we received an actual meter read, and it is apparent that the prior estimates were greatly under-estimating the actual electricity usage at the site,’ they said.
‘This large bill is, in effect, a correction.’
Simply Energy also stressed that the bill is displaying the correct amount.
‘Prior to issuing the bill, we checked with the customers' network provider, who confirmed that the meter read was accurate,’ they said.
They also claimed that they sent two letters notifying Philip and Sonya of their meter-reading issues and that the pair were free to reach out to them to settle the matter.
The service provider also pointed out that they even extended assistance to the pair to help with such a large amount to cover.
‘We offered a payment plan to help smooth the financial impact of the bill. Typically, these plans allow for smoothing over 12 months - the customer declined to take up the payment plan offer.’
Lastly, Simply Energy also confirmed that they have employees stationed in Manila, Philippines, who spoke with the couple.
They also have workers stationed in Wollongong (NSW) and Melbourne (VIC).
We sure hope the couple work things out with Simply Electricity because a bill that size is no joke!
Meanwhile, you might also want to check out a similar tale of a grandpa whose power bill dispute ended up taking a big chunk out of his finances.
You might also like to read these small tips that could help save you money by shrinking your power bill.
So, what is your reaction to this horrifying story? Do you think Sonya and Philip are right to be surprised by their bill? Or do you think Simply Energy did its part to inform the two of their issues?
Tell us your thoughts and opinions below!
Source: Facebook/A Current Affair
We may not be happy about it, but we understand that it’s something that needs to be done to keep the lights on and our homes warm (or cool).
But what if one day, out of nowhere, you find your power bill an eye-watering $5,000?
We’re sure you would have some questions for your energy provider!
Unfortunately for one family, this nightmare scenario recently became a reality.
Sonya and Philip were gobsmacked when they received their latest electricity bill in the mail from Simply Energy – instead of being around the hundred-dollar mark like their last bill had been, this one came in at a massive $4,811!
What’s worse, the bill would have been higher if it weren’t for a $1,100 ‘discount’.
At first, the couple thought the whole thing must have been a rather shocking oversight.
‘I thought they put a four in front by mistake, I thought it was a joke, a hoax email, a scam or something,’ Philip said.
Philip and Sonya had quite a shock when their power bill almost reached $5000. Credit: A Current Affair
In their bills the two months prior, the amounts charged were $600 and $1,600, respectively.
They also said they even installed solar panels to help out with their power consumption.
‘I'm powering Coles I think.’ he said in disbelief.
Sonya meanwhile only felt anger at being charged the insane amount.
As anyone would, the couple quickly called Simply Energy’s customer hotline.
‘You could tell on the phone they were concerned,’ Sonya said.
‘When you contact the company, they are located overseas.’
‘I think it's disgusting really if this is how they're going to treat Australian consumers, but it can't be right, I'm assuming it's a joke.’
Unfortunately for the two, Simply Energy is deadly serious.
In a statement, they explained they had been unable to access Peter and Sonya’s meter for nine months, and that in the interim they had been using estimated power usage.
‘Just recently we received an actual meter read, and it is apparent that the prior estimates were greatly under-estimating the actual electricity usage at the site,’ they said.
‘This large bill is, in effect, a correction.’
Simply Energy also stressed that the bill is displaying the correct amount.
‘Prior to issuing the bill, we checked with the customers' network provider, who confirmed that the meter read was accurate,’ they said.
Simply Energy, Philip and Sonya’s service provider, maintains no mistakes were made with their bill. Credit: A Current Affair
They also claimed that they sent two letters notifying Philip and Sonya of their meter-reading issues and that the pair were free to reach out to them to settle the matter.
The service provider also pointed out that they even extended assistance to the pair to help with such a large amount to cover.
‘We offered a payment plan to help smooth the financial impact of the bill. Typically, these plans allow for smoothing over 12 months - the customer declined to take up the payment plan offer.’
They also have workers stationed in Wollongong (NSW) and Melbourne (VIC).
We sure hope the couple work things out with Simply Electricity because a bill that size is no joke!
Meanwhile, you might also want to check out a similar tale of a grandpa whose power bill dispute ended up taking a big chunk out of his finances.
You might also like to read these small tips that could help save you money by shrinking your power bill.
So, what is your reaction to this horrifying story? Do you think Sonya and Philip are right to be surprised by their bill? Or do you think Simply Energy did its part to inform the two of their issues?
Tell us your thoughts and opinions below!
Source: Facebook/A Current Affair
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