Origin Energy has been required to pay half a million dollars in Wrongful Disconnection Payments because it disconnected customers without providing adequate information about payment support measures.
The Wrongful Disconnection Payment (WDP) will be paid to compensate 263 electricity and 86 gas Victorian customers.
In Victoria, before an energy customer can be disconnected, the retailer must provide adequate warning of disconnection and offer payment assistance options to those experiencing payment difficulties. If the correct process if not followed, a customer is entitled to a Wrongful Disconnection Payment of $500 per day.
Customers must contact their energy company within 14 days of disconnection, otherwise the payment is capped at $3,500. These measures are in place to ensure that household disconnection is a last resort.
The Essential Services Commission found that Origin Energy did not provide clean and unambiguous information about the payment assistance customers are entitled to. As a result, it wrongfully disconnected 349 customers. Read the full article: https://bit.ly/3g6XiGL
Bravery Trust provides immediate financial support and financial counselling to serving and ex-serving members of the Defence Force who are facing financial crisis as a result of service-related injury or illness.
This financial year alone, we’ve provided almost $9,000 in urgent assistance for essential household utility bills.
Prioritising essential bills is important. To stay on top of these bills, we recommend: -Linking concession cards to your account -Liaising with your retailer to arrange extended due dates and payment plans – hardship programs are available to help -Considering ways to lower energy usage and save money.
Injured or ill veterans and families in financial hardship can call Bravery Trust on 1800 272 837.
Our team will work with each veteran to understand your financial situation and tailor unique options specific to individual circumstances. Bravery Trust can provide emergency assistance and advocate on behalf of veterans with banks, debtors and landlords and support those in need to financial wellbeing.
Bravery Trust is a not-for-profit charity organisation endorsed as a Deductible Gift Recipient (DGR). All donations over $2 are tax deductible.
