How to Prevent Being Overcharged for Your Electricity Bills in NSW?
According to the latest data, the average annual electricity bill paid by NSW residents is around $1421. However, electricity suppliers are known to give nasty surprises to consumers by increasing power rates or overcharging.
While it is common for the electricity tariff to go up, it is also easy to accidentally pay more than you should. So, check the below to make sure you’re not being overcharged.
Check if Your Provider is Offering You the Best Plan
There are around 30 electricity retailers providing power to 8.2 million residents in NSW. However, the electricity tariffs offered by each electricity retailer is different. Hence, it would help if you compare electricity providers NSW to get an idea of the average tariffs paid by NSW residents. This way, you can figure out if you’re getting the best plan for your requirements.
Check the Meter Equipment
Though faults in the meters are rare, electricity meters, just like other electronic devices, can malfunction. If your meter is faulty, you could get an unexpectedly high bill as your meter shows you consuming more electricity than you actually do.
If your existing meter is faulty, you can ask the electricity supplier to install a smart meter to record your electricity consumption. Changing faulty meters can prevent overcharging.
Check the Plan
According to the latest data, an average Australian home uses 18 KiloWatt (KW) per day. So it would help if you considered a suitable energy plan to reduce your electricity bills. The tariff rates change with energy plans, and you should compare electricity providers in NSW and their plans to know about the best rates. You need to check both types of plans, like fixed-rate plans and variable rate plans.
In a fixed-rate plan, the tariffs agreed upon by both parties are not changed until the contract ends. If you have selected a fixed-rate plan and see the rates have changed, you can contact the electricity provider and complain about overcharging.
If you picked a variable rate plan, you need to determine when the meter reading was taken and when the electricity supplier applied new rates. According to a news report, many Australian consumers were surprised to receive inflated bills in 2020 when they were stuck at home for longer periods due to the governmental lockdowns.
If you feel the electricity bill is inflated, you need to check all charges like transmission charges, capacity charges, and other miscellaneous charges mentioned on your bill and seek clarification. If the charges are wrong, the electricity provider will provide a refund for the same.
You Upgraded the Plan, but the Changes Are Not Implemented.
If you notice a change in your plan without your consent, you can get in touch with the electricity provider to raise a complaint and have it revoked. Conversely, if you agreed on a new plan with your provider, but you see your next bill based on the rates mentioned in your old plan, you can contact the provider to make the necessary adjustments. In both cases, the energy provider will rectify their billing mistake and send you a revised bill as per your agreed energy plan.
To sum up, overcharging is a common phenomenon that might occur due to technology glitches or human errors. To prevent being overcharged, you need to carefully analyse your electricity bill and ensure all tariffs and charges are applied accurately.
