Energy bills simplified for customers
From 30 September, energy bills will be easier for consumers to understand. Energy retailers must comply with new obligations under the Australian Energy Regulator's (AER) Better Bills Guideline.
The mandatory new guideline is designed to help households and small businesses understand their energy use and costs, and to find the best energy deal available to them.
Retailers must now include a ‘better offer’ statement on the front page of their bill. This statement will advise the customer if the retailer has a better deal for them, with details on how to switch plans.
Retailers must also use plain, clear language in their bills, highlighting the most useful information on the first page.
AER Chair Ms Clare Savage said it’s critical that consumers are able to readily understand their bills and options available to them.
‘Now more than ever, consumers must have the information they need, presented in a way they can easily understand, to ensure they can make informed decisions about their energy plan. These new billing obligations provide clarity and transparency for consumers.
‘Even if they are on their current retailer’s best deal, we strongly encourage all consumers to visit the Energy Made Easy website to compare plans and find out if they could be on a better deal with another retailer. Under the Better Bills Guideline, every bill must now include a link to this independent website,’ Ms Savage said.
Read more
Better Bills Guideline (PDF 417 KB)
