Find out how this Aussie dad managed to save over $1,000 on his baffling Origin Energy Bill
- Replies 28
We all know how crucial managing finances and keeping costs down can be – especially as the cost of living continues to rise. That's why we at the Seniors Discount Club keep an eye out for tips, tricks, and stories that can help save you money.
So, when we came across the tale of a Sydney father and his experience with an eye-watering energy bill, we knew we had to share it with you.
The young dad, who is living with his wife and their 14-month-old child, was left ‘baffled’ when their household received an invoice for their December 30 to May 10 billing cycle from Origin Energy.
‘We were shocked to see that our provider had calculated that we owed $1,384.13,’ the anonymous resident posted on the social media forum Reddit.
‘We use gas for our stove and hot water. We were baffled. We have only just moved in, and neither of us had paid a gas bill before.’
But instead of blindly paying the bill, the father decided to investigate further.
He noticed that the charge on the bill was just an estimation, not an actual meter reading. So, he checked the meter himself and discovered that the reading was entirely different from what was stated on the bill.
‘The meter did not even remotely match what was stated on the bill,’ he said.
‘Check your bill to see how they indicate an estimated bill or actual bill. I submitted my meter read to our provider and received a new bill today indicating we actually owed only $271.19.’
However, the saga didn't end there. The man told reporters that he received yet another bill on Thursday for $1,420.48.
‘I have had to contact them once again to reissue a bill based on actual readings,’ he shared, adding that he had managed to have the bill reduced again – this time, to a more reasonable $296.54.
‘No explanation why they have tried to overcharge me again,’ he continued.
The man has also been sharing his experience with other internet users.
‘With the cost of living going through the roof, surely there is a way to ensure ... that customers aren’t charged 510 per cent of what they use,’ he wrote in his post.
‘An apology (at the very least) would have been nice.’
Customers with natural gas connections are billed by their energy retailers based on physical gas meter readings taken by the local gas network company.
However, if meter readers cannot access the meter on the premises, the energy provider (in this case, Origin) will use an estimation based on the property's historical usage.
That’s where many residents can inadvertently be overcharged.
A spokesperson for Origin Energy told reporters that customers should ‘provide safe and easy access for meter readers’ to avoid estimated bills.
They also advised customers to clear any hindrances like locked gates, unrestrained pets, or overgrown plants that might deter meter readers from accessing and accurately recording energy consumption.
However, the dad stated that there was nothing noticeable that was hindering meter access.
‘Our meter is at the front of our home. About 3m from the front boundary. No fence, no dog.’
Now, the Sydney father is raising awareness of his experience and urging others to scrutinise their bills for discrepancies.
Don't be afraid to speak up if something doesn't feel right. In this father's case, his persistence and diligence in resolving the matter saved his family over $1,000.
Remember that many providers, like Origin Energy, have online guides on how to conduct a self-meter reading. This simple action could save you from a potential financial headache and ensure that you're not being overcharged.
Keep an eye on your bills, stay persistent, and be sure to share any tips or stories you have with us here at the Seniors Discount Club.
Have you recently been hit by a surprisingly high bill, members? How did you resolve it? Let us know in the comments!
So, when we came across the tale of a Sydney father and his experience with an eye-watering energy bill, we knew we had to share it with you.
The young dad, who is living with his wife and their 14-month-old child, was left ‘baffled’ when their household received an invoice for their December 30 to May 10 billing cycle from Origin Energy.
‘We were shocked to see that our provider had calculated that we owed $1,384.13,’ the anonymous resident posted on the social media forum Reddit.
‘We use gas for our stove and hot water. We were baffled. We have only just moved in, and neither of us had paid a gas bill before.’
The dad was surprised to see their household’s energy bill. Credit: Joy Singh/Pexels
But instead of blindly paying the bill, the father decided to investigate further.
He noticed that the charge on the bill was just an estimation, not an actual meter reading. So, he checked the meter himself and discovered that the reading was entirely different from what was stated on the bill.
‘The meter did not even remotely match what was stated on the bill,’ he said.
‘Check your bill to see how they indicate an estimated bill or actual bill. I submitted my meter read to our provider and received a new bill today indicating we actually owed only $271.19.’
However, the saga didn't end there. The man told reporters that he received yet another bill on Thursday for $1,420.48.
The dad submitted their meter reading to their provider. Credit: Wilson Vitorino/Pexels
‘I have had to contact them once again to reissue a bill based on actual readings,’ he shared, adding that he had managed to have the bill reduced again – this time, to a more reasonable $296.54.
‘No explanation why they have tried to overcharge me again,’ he continued.
The man has also been sharing his experience with other internet users.
‘With the cost of living going through the roof, surely there is a way to ensure ... that customers aren’t charged 510 per cent of what they use,’ he wrote in his post.
‘An apology (at the very least) would have been nice.’
Customers with natural gas connections are billed by their energy retailers based on physical gas meter readings taken by the local gas network company.
However, if meter readers cannot access the meter on the premises, the energy provider (in this case, Origin) will use an estimation based on the property's historical usage.
That’s where many residents can inadvertently be overcharged.
A spokesperson for Origin Energy told reporters that customers should ‘provide safe and easy access for meter readers’ to avoid estimated bills.
They also advised customers to clear any hindrances like locked gates, unrestrained pets, or overgrown plants that might deter meter readers from accessing and accurately recording energy consumption.
However, the dad stated that there was nothing noticeable that was hindering meter access.
‘Our meter is at the front of our home. About 3m from the front boundary. No fence, no dog.’
Now, the Sydney father is raising awareness of his experience and urging others to scrutinise their bills for discrepancies.
Don't be afraid to speak up if something doesn't feel right. In this father's case, his persistence and diligence in resolving the matter saved his family over $1,000.
Remember that many providers, like Origin Energy, have online guides on how to conduct a self-meter reading. This simple action could save you from a potential financial headache and ensure that you're not being overcharged.
Keep an eye on your bills, stay persistent, and be sure to share any tips or stories you have with us here at the Seniors Discount Club.
.png){kind=icon}
