Complaints about power bills from people in the Central West to the official ombudsman are rising.
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New figures from the Energy & Water Ombudsman NSW (EWON) reveal it received 887 complaints from Central West residents in 2017-18, which is up four per cent from 2016-17.
A spokeswoman said when population was taken into account it was the equal third highest rate of complaints received by EWON across NSW in 2017-18.
“High bills, poor customer service and complaints related to payment difficulties are the biggest issues for people in the Central West, consistent with NSW as a whole,” she said.
Orange City Council has instigated a financial advice day on Tuesday September 25 at the CWA Hall in Robertson Park following concerns raised by residents with councillors.
The Stretch Your Dollar Day, from 10am-3pm, will have financial counsellors, including an EWON investigator and representatives of Centerlink, FoodCare Orange, Revenue NSW, Lifeline Central West Financial Counselling, No Interest Loans, TAFE NSW Orange and First Choice Credit Union Orange available.
EWON ombudsman Janine Young welcomed the initiative.
“EWON is really pleased to be able to attend the Stretch your Dollar Day to support residents in Orange and surrounding areas who are having problems meeting the high cost of energy,” she said.
“We can assist customers by reviewing their bills, checking to see if they are getting rebates they are eligible for and, if necessary, helping them secure an affordable payment plan.”
Orange mayor Reg Kidd said people could also get advice on reducing debt, spending less time at the supermarket and how to deal with fines.
Cr Kidd said power bills had been a major concern for residents.
“We have had a lot of enquiries, it has come up a lot,” he said.
“A lot of elderly people in Orange rely on electric heaters and electric blankets.”
He said people could also ask about getting better housing and savings interest rates at banks, information about your superannuation and how to monitor your power use to be more efficient and save money.
READ MORE: High power bills here to stay: report
“This unique opportunity has the potential to make a difference for many people struggling with their finances, particularly as quarterly energy bills roll out after an exceptionally bitter winter,” he said.
Council services policy committee chair Cr Stephen Nugent said there would be a range of sessions.
“There will be opportunities to talk to relevant agency staff and to make individual appointments to have a confidential chat,” he said.
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David Fitzsimons
I am a senior journalist at the Central Western Daily concentrating on council, government and real estate issues. Before moving to Orange I filled senior roles at the Daily Telegraph, Daily Telegraph-Mirror and the Daily Mirror in Sydney. They included being an editor, news editor, chief of staff and reporter.
I am a senior journalist at the Central Western Daily concentrating on council, government and real estate issues. Before moving to Orange I filled senior roles at the Daily Telegraph, Daily Telegraph-Mirror and the Daily Mirror in Sydney. They included being an editor, news editor, chief of staff and reporter.
