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1 March 2010
While university students participated in 'O-Week' festivities last week, the Energy Ombudsman Queensland (EOQ) encouraged young adults to be switched on energy consumers.
Energy Ombudsman Barry Adams said a lot of young people are savvy energy consumers when it comes to environmental issues, but many were unaware of their rights as energy account holders.
"As the Energy Ombudsman, I have a special interest in ensuring young adults have a thorough knowledge of their rights, especially their right to make a complaint if they have an unresolved issue with their energy supplier," Mr Adams said.
"Similar to other ombudsman schemes that deal with complaints about banks, phones and internet providers, EOQ provides free, fair and independent assistance for those who have been unsuccessful in resolving a dispute with their energy supplier."
Many young adults who finished school last year and are about to undertake further study or enter the workforce are also likely to be moving out of home for the first time.
"This can be an exciting but daunting time—especially when it comes to finding somewhere to live and setting up utility accounts in their name," Mr Adams said.
"Some first-time energy account holders struggle to stay on top of their bills and are not aware of their rights and responsibilities in relation to opening, closing and managing electricity and gas accounts."
When opening an energy account, people can choose to enter into either:
"Similar to a mobile phone contract, they are legally binding agreements so it makes sense to shop around, compare offers and fully understand what you're agreeing to before entering into any contract," Mr Adams said.
"It may appear that one offer is cheaper than another, but you might end up paying more when you take into account other hidden fees and charges, including account establishment fees, change of address fees, late payment fees, cancellation fees and credit card processing fees.
"Don't let yourself get drawn in just by the promise of a magazine subscription or football tickets—it might work out cheaper if you sign up with another company that doesn't offer these benefits but a cheaper electricity price or fewer fees and charges."
Mr Adams said it was also important for those planning to live in share accommodation and split an energy account with flatmates to understand that if they open an energy account in their name they would be responsible for all future bills on that account.
EOQ co-hosted information stalls with other ombudsman schemes this week at university orientation stalls in Brisbane, Rockhampton and Cairns to provide students with information on:
For more information or to make a complaint, freecall 1800 662 837.
ENDS
EOQ media inquiries: Media Officer on (07) 3006 2676 or email media@eoq.com.au
