Over the last ten years, electricity bills in Australia have surged between $100 and $850, depending on the state. Brisbane resident Daniella, a mother of two, recently faced an astonishing bill of over $7,000, prompting her to contact her electricity provider for clarification. Initially, her provider, Powershop, suggested it might be a billing error and offered to reduce the amount to $1,600; however, Daniella refused to pay, arguing that the figure was still incorrect. After the involvement of the television program A Current Affair, her bill was ultimately cancelled, with Powershop confirming it was indeed a mistake.
In light of rising energy costs, many Australians are seeking new ways to manage their electricity and gas expenses. One option is Hipages Energy, a service that automatically switches users to the best available energy deals, promising at least a 20 per cent reduction on bills within the first year. The company operates using a government-developed data scheme designed to protect user information. According to Hipages CEO Roby Sharon-Zipser, the average Australian could save approximately $250 on their electricity costs.
Sharon-Zipser explained that the service simplifies the process of finding cheaper energy plans, handling all necessary comparisons and switches. Users need only provide recent bills for electricity or gas, after which Hipages takes over the management. The service itself is free, with Hippages earning a small commission similar to a mortgage broker.
Furthermore, should Hipages fail to secure the best deal on the market, they offer gift vouchers worth up to $1,000 to make up the difference. Money-saving expert Joel Gibson pointed out that around 80 per cent of Australians are not on the cheapest energy plans available. He advised households to approach this service cautiously as it does not assess the entire market, only comparing 13 providers for potential savings.
In light of the recent incident with Daniella, Powershop issued an apology, acknowledging their communication could have been better and emphasising their immediate acknowledgement of the error. Additionally, Origin Energy, another provider, mentioned that factors like increased energy usage during winter months contribute to higher bills, especially when solar energy output decreases in the colder seasons.
Overall, the steep rise in electricity costs has led many Australians, like Daniella, to seek assistance and explore innovative services to manage their energy expenses effectively.