Energy bills differ from retailer to retailer, but knowing how much you have to pay and when that payment is due remains the same.
The bill should show the start and the end date of your billing period, how much electricity you've used, what tariff you're being charged and if you've got extra fees to pay.
This is Paula Conboy, chairperson of the Australian Energy Regulator.
Energy bills differ from retailer to retailer, but knowing how much you have to pay and when that payment is due remains the same.
The bill should show the start and the end date of your billing period, how much electricity you've used, what tariff you're being charged and if you've got extra fees to pay.
You'll generally receive your electricity bill every month or every three months and you always have at least 13 days to pay it.
It's especially important to check the payment due date if you're with an organisation that has pay-on-time discounts.
Cynthia Gebert is Victoria's Energy and Water Ombudsman. She explains that there are different ways to pay your bill.
"You can pay your bill at an Australian post office. You can do it over the phone using a debit or credit card or with online banking, but always have a look to see whether or not your retailer will charge you a fee for that. Another important thing that's available for people who are receiving Centrelink benefits is you can actually set up Centrepay so that's when the money is directly taking out of your Centrelink payment to pay your bills. So it's taken out fortnightly before you get your Centrelink payment."
You can also ask your retailer to set up regular payments that will automatically be debited from your account.
If you can't pay your bill on time, Paula Conboy says you've got options.
This is Paula Conboy, chairperson of the Australian Energy Regulator.
"Retailers are required to help customers who are having trouble paying their bill. So call your retailer to find out what assistance they can provide you. That might include an extension of time to pay. It might be putting you on a payment plan that you're able to meet or those bill smoothing arrangements. They also have access to their hardship program so if you are struggling to pay your bill, don't let it get out of hand. Make sure you call your retailer as soon as possible. "
A lot of retailers have apps and online tools where you can monitor your usage daily.
Cynthia Gebert says that an unusually high electricity bill, may result from changes around your home.
If you still think there's something wrong with your bill, call your retailer and ask to speak with a senior officer or manager.
Aside from this, your state's energy ombudsman can provide further support and interpreter services.
If you need more information, Paula Conboy recommends visiting the government's Energy Made Easy website.
The website is energymadeeasy.gov.au.
They have resources in thirteen different languages.
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