❓ Hon. Kate Doust questions the Minister for Energy regarding changes to Synergy's billing system, resulting in delays and longer billing periods. The Minister acknowledges the changes aimed at efficiency but disputes the extent of the problems and offers to address specific cases.
AnsweredQoN 1050Legislative Council
QuestionView source ↗
SYNERGY BILLING SYSTEM CHANGES
I refer to advice from Synergy that changes to its billing system have resulted in significant delays to customers being billed. (1) Can the minister confirm that the billing system has been changed and explain how and why this has occurred? (2) Can the minister advise the house of the total cost associated with these changes? (3) Can the minister confirm that as a result of these changes, thousands of customers are now receiving bills for a period of 120 days’ usage rather than the standard 90-day account? (4) Can the minister inform the house whether Synergy warned customers of the delays in billing? (5) Can the minister provide details of what provisions are being made to allow customers to pay these inflated bills in instalments if needed? Hon PETER COLLIER
I refer to advice from Synergy that changes to its billing system have resulted in significant delays to customers being billed. (1) Can the minister confirm that the billing system has been changed and explain how and why this has occurred? (2) Can the minister advise the house of the total cost associated with these changes? (3) Can the minister confirm that as a result of these changes, thousands of customers are now receiving bills for a period of 120 days’ usage rather than the standard 90-day account? (4) Can the minister inform the house whether Synergy warned customers of the delays in billing? (5) Can the minister provide details of what provisions are being made to allow customers to pay these inflated bills in instalments if needed? Hon PETER COLLIER
AnswerView source ↗
I thank the honourable member for the question. (1)-(5) I say with all due respect that I have no problems answering questions, but most of these questions without notice — Hon Kate Doust : The minister should know this. Hon PETER COLLIER : No, it is not my responsibility. What I can say at the outset is that I am very — Hon Ken Travers : You’re responsible as minister! Hon PETER COLLIER : Just let me finish. I am very conscious of the change in the formation of the billing processes of Synergy. The aim of the changes made to the billing processes of Synergy was to make it a much more efficient system and to that degree, as I understand it, that system is more efficient. I am not sure where this 120-day usage figure has come from. I am not sure where the member got that figure from. Hon Kate Doust : From customer accounts, and Synergy itself admitted that thousands of people are affected. Hon PETER COLLIER : Where did that come from? Hon Kate Doust : Synergy. Hon PETER COLLIER : Synergy told the member that it did it? Hon Kate Doust : Synergy did not tell me; it told a constituent who has contacted me. Hon PETER COLLIER : Synergy told a constituent, so a constituent told the member that bills are 120 days’ late. With all due respect — Hon Simon O’Brien : Members opposite never answered this many questions when they were in government! Hon PETER COLLIER : Again, I do not have any problems whatsoever if the member has some specific issues about bills that are 120 days’ late or 90 days’ late. I have no problems dealing with them; that is my role as energy minister. When Synergy came to me at the beginning of the year and forecast a change to the billing system, I was very comfortable with that—I really was. As I understand it, in the changeover from the former billing system to the current billing system there were some teething problems. I am not aware of excessive delays with the billing. If there are specific issues with one constituent — Hon Kate Doust : I have had a number. This is the one I am using as an example. Hon PETER COLLIER : If there are specific issues with billing and delays with billing, I have no problem dealing with them, and I always will deal with them expeditiously. As I said, if the member has specific issues and she wants specific answers, I will deal with them if she gives me just a couple of hours’ notice. Suffice it to say, the billing system, as I understand it, is much more efficient than was previously the case. I would be very surprised if she finds issues in the next few months. If there are teething problems that still exist, they will be improved.
(1) Can the minister confirm that the billing system has been changed and explain how and why this has occurred? (2) Can the minister advise the house of the total cost associated with these changes? (3) Can the minister confirm that as a result of these changes, thousands of customers are now receiving bills for a period of 120 days’ usage rather than the standard 90-day account? (4) Can the minister inform the house whether Synergy warned customers of the delays in billing? (5) Can the minister provide details of what provisions are being made to allow customers to pay these inflated bills in instalments if needed? Hon PETER COLLIER replied: I thank the honourable member for the question. (1)-(5) I say with all due respect that I have no problems answering questions, but most of these questions without notice — Hon Kate Doust : The minister should know this. Hon PETER COLLIER : No, it is not my responsibility. What I can say at the outset is that I am very — Hon Ken Travers : You’re responsible as minister! Hon PETER COLLIER : Just let me finish. I am very conscious of the change in the formation of the billing processes of Synergy. The aim of the changes made to the billing processes of Synergy was to make it a much more efficient system and to that degree, as I understand it, that system is more efficient. I am not sure where this 120-day usage figure has come from. I am not sure where the member got that figure from. Hon Kate Doust : From customer accounts, and Synergy itself admitted that thousands of people are affected. Hon PETER COLLIER : Where did that come from? Hon Kate Doust : Synergy. Hon PETER COLLIER : Synergy told the member that it did it? Hon Kate Doust : Synergy did not tell me; it told a constituent who has contacted me. Hon PETER COLLIER : Synergy told a constituent, so a constituent told the member that bills are 120 days’ late. With all due respect — Hon Simon O’Brien : Members opposite never answered this many questions when they were in government! Hon PETER COLLIER : Again, I do not have any problems whatsoever if the member has some specific issues about bills that are 120 days’ late or 90 days’ late. I have no problems dealing with them; that is my role as energy minister. When Synergy came to me at the beginning of the year and forecast a change to the billing system, I was very comfortable with that—I really was. As I understand it, in the changeover from the former billing system to the current billing system there were some teething problems. I am not aware of excessive delays with the billing. If there are specific issues with one constituent — Hon Kate Doust : I have had a number. This is the one I am using as an example. Hon PETER COLLIER : If there are specific issues with billing and delays with billing, I have no problem dealing with them, and I always will deal with them expeditiously. As I said, if the member has specific issues and she wants specific answers, I will deal with them if she gives me just a couple of hours’ notice. Suffice it to say, the billing system, as I understand it, is much more efficient than was previously the case. I would be very surprised if she finds issues in the next few months. If there are teething problems that still exist, they will be improved.
(2) Can the minister advise the house of the total cost associated with these changes? (3) Can the minister confirm that as a result of these changes, thousands of customers are now receiving bills for a period of 120 days’ usage rather than the standard 90-day account? (4) Can the minister inform the house whether Synergy warned customers of the delays in billing? (5) Can the minister provide details of what provisions are being made to allow customers to pay these inflated bills in instalments if needed? Hon PETER COLLIER replied: I thank the honourable member for the question. (1)-(5) I say with all due respect that I have no problems answering questions, but most of these questions without notice — Hon Kate Doust : The minister should know this. Hon PETER COLLIER : No, it is not my responsibility. What I can say at the outset is that I am very — Hon Ken Travers : You’re responsible as minister! Hon PETER COLLIER : Just let me finish. I am very conscious of the change in the formation of the billing processes of Synergy. The aim of the changes made to the billing processes of Synergy was to make it a much more efficient system and to that degree, as I understand it, that system is more efficient. I am not sure where this 120-day usage figure has come from. I am not sure where the member got that figure from. Hon Kate Doust : From customer accounts, and Synergy itself admitted that thousands of people are affected. Hon PETER COLLIER : Where did that come from? Hon Kate Doust : Synergy. Hon PETER COLLIER : Synergy told the member that it did it? Hon Kate Doust : Synergy did not tell me; it told a constituent who has contacted me. Hon PETER COLLIER : Synergy told a constituent, so a constituent told the member that bills are 120 days’ late. With all due respect — Hon Simon O’Brien : Members opposite never answered this many questions when they were in government! Hon PETER COLLIER : Again, I do not have any problems whatsoever if the member has some specific issues about bills that are 120 days’ late or 90 days’ late. I have no problems dealing with them; that is my role as energy minister. When Synergy came to me at the beginning of the year and forecast a change to the billing system, I was very comfortable with that—I really was. As I understand it, in the changeover from the former billing system to the current billing system there were some teething problems. I am not aware of excessive delays with the billing. If there are specific issues with one constituent — Hon Kate Doust : I have had a number. This is the one I am using as an example. Hon PETER COLLIER : If there are specific issues with billing and delays with billing, I have no problem dealing with them, and I always will deal with them expeditiously. As I said, if the member has specific issues and she wants specific answers, I will deal with them if she gives me just a couple of hours’ notice. Suffice it to say, the billing system, as I understand it, is much more efficient than was previously the case. I would be very surprised if she finds issues in the next few months. If there are teething problems that still exist, they will be improved.
(3) Can the minister confirm that as a result of these changes, thousands of customers are now receiving bills for a period of 120 days’ usage rather than the standard 90-day account? (4) Can the minister inform the house whether Synergy warned customers of the delays in billing? (5) Can the minister provide details of what provisions are being made to allow customers to pay these inflated bills in instalments if needed? Hon PETER COLLIER replied: I thank the honourable member for the question. (1)-(5) I say with all due respect that I have no problems answering questions, but most of these questions without notice — Hon Kate Doust : The minister should know this. Hon PETER COLLIER : No, it is not my responsibility. What I can say at the outset is that I am very — Hon Ken Travers : You’re responsible as minister! Hon PETER COLLIER : Just let me finish. I am very conscious of the change in the formation of the billing processes of Synergy. The aim of the changes made to the billing processes of Synergy was to make it a much more efficient system and to that degree, as I understand it, that system is more efficient. I am not sure where this 120-day usage figure has come from. I am not sure where the member got that figure from. Hon Kate Doust : From customer accounts, and Synergy itself admitted that thousands of people are affected. Hon PETER COLLIER : Where did that come from? Hon Kate Doust : Synergy. Hon PETER COLLIER : Synergy told the member that it did it? Hon Kate Doust : Synergy did not tell me; it told a constituent who has contacted me. Hon PETER COLLIER : Synergy told a constituent, so a constituent told the member that bills are 120 days’ late. With all due respect — Hon Simon O’Brien : Members opposite never answered this many questions when they were in government! Hon PETER COLLIER : Again, I do not have any problems whatsoever if the member has some specific issues about bills that are 120 days’ late or 90 days’ late. I have no problems dealing with them; that is my role as energy minister. When Synergy came to me at the beginning of the year and forecast a change to the billing system, I was very comfortable with that—I really was. As I understand it, in the changeover from the former billing system to the current billing system there were some teething problems. I am not aware of excessive delays with the billing. If there are specific issues with one constituent — Hon Kate Doust : I have had a number. This is the one I am using as an example. Hon PETER COLLIER : If there are specific issues with billing and delays with billing, I have no problem dealing with them, and I always will deal with them expeditiously. As I said, if the member has specific issues and she wants specific answers, I will deal with them if she gives me just a couple of hours’ notice. Suffice it to say, the billing system, as I understand it, is much more efficient than was previously the case. I would be very surprised if she finds issues in the next few months. If there are teething problems that still exist, they will be improved.
(4) Can the minister inform the house whether Synergy warned customers of the delays in billing? (5) Can the minister provide details of what provisions are being made to allow customers to pay these inflated bills in instalments if needed? Hon PETER COLLIER replied: I thank the honourable member for the question. (1)-(5) I say with all due respect that I have no problems answering questions, but most of these questions without notice — Hon Kate Doust : The minister should know this. Hon PETER COLLIER : No, it is not my responsibility. What I can say at the outset is that I am very — Hon Ken Travers : You’re responsible as minister! Hon PETER COLLIER : Just let me finish. I am very conscious of the change in the formation of the billing processes of Synergy. The aim of the changes made to the billing processes of Synergy was to make it a much more efficient system and to that degree, as I understand it, that system is more efficient. I am not sure where this 120-day usage figure has come from. I am not sure where the member got that figure from. Hon Kate Doust : From customer accounts, and Synergy itself admitted that thousands of people are affected. Hon PETER COLLIER : Where did that come from? Hon Kate Doust : Synergy. Hon PETER COLLIER : Synergy told the member that it did it? Hon Kate Doust : Synergy did not tell me; it told a constituent who has contacted me. Hon PETER COLLIER : Synergy told a constituent, so a constituent told the member that bills are 120 days’ late. With all due respect — Hon Simon O’Brien : Members opposite never answered this many questions when they were in government! Hon PETER COLLIER : Again, I do not have any problems whatsoever if the member has some specific issues about bills that are 120 days’ late or 90 days’ late. I have no problems dealing with them; that is my role as energy minister. When Synergy came to me at the beginning of the year and forecast a change to the billing system, I was very comfortable with that—I really was. As I understand it, in the changeover from the former billing system to the current billing system there were some teething problems. I am not aware of excessive delays with the billing. If there are specific issues with one constituent — Hon Kate Doust : I have had a number. This is the one I am using as an example. Hon PETER COLLIER : If there are specific issues with billing and delays with billing, I have no problem dealing with them, and I always will deal with them expeditiously. As I said, if the member has specific issues and she wants specific answers, I will deal with them if she gives me just a couple of hours’ notice. Suffice it to say, the billing system, as I understand it, is much more efficient than was previously the case. I would be very surprised if she finds issues in the next few months. If there are teething problems that still exist, they will be improved.
(5) Can the minister provide details of what provisions are being made to allow customers to pay these inflated bills in instalments if needed? Hon PETER COLLIER replied: I thank the honourable member for the question. (1)-(5) I say with all due respect that I have no problems answering questions, but most of these questions without notice — Hon Kate Doust : The minister should know this. Hon PETER COLLIER : No, it is not my responsibility. What I can say at the outset is that I am very — Hon Ken Travers : You’re responsible as minister! Hon PETER COLLIER : Just let me finish. I am very conscious of the change in the formation of the billing processes of Synergy. The aim of the changes made to the billing processes of Synergy was to make it a much more efficient system and to that degree, as I understand it, that system is more efficient. I am not sure where this 120-day usage figure has come from. I am not sure where the member got that figure from. Hon Kate Doust : From customer accounts, and Synergy itself admitted that thousands of people are affected. Hon PETER COLLIER : Where did that come from? Hon Kate Doust : Synergy. Hon PETER COLLIER : Synergy told the member that it did it? Hon Kate Doust : Synergy did not tell me; it told a constituent who has contacted me. Hon PETER COLLIER : Synergy told a constituent, so a constituent told the member that bills are 120 days’ late. With all due respect — Hon Simon O’Brien : Members opposite never answered this many questions when they were in government! Hon PETER COLLIER : Again, I do not have any problems whatsoever if the member has some specific issues about bills that are 120 days’ late or 90 days’ late. I have no problems dealing with them; that is my role as energy minister. When Synergy came to me at the beginning of the year and forecast a change to the billing system, I was very comfortable with that—I really was. As I understand it, in the changeover from the former billing system to the current billing system there were some teething problems. I am not aware of excessive delays with the billing. If there are specific issues with one constituent — Hon Kate Doust : I have had a number. This is the one I am using as an example. Hon PETER COLLIER : If there are specific issues with billing and delays with billing, I have no problem dealing with them, and I always will deal with them expeditiously. As I said, if the member has specific issues and she wants specific answers, I will deal with them if she gives me just a couple of hours’ notice. Suffice it to say, the billing system, as I understand it, is much more efficient than was previously the case. I would be very surprised if she finds issues in the next few months. If there are teething problems that still exist, they will be improved.
Hon PETER COLLIER replied: I thank the honourable member for the question. (1)-(5) I say with all due respect that I have no problems answering questions, but most of these questions without notice — Hon Kate Doust : The minister should know this. Hon PETER COLLIER : No, it is not my responsibility. What I can say at the outset is that I am very — Hon Ken Travers : You’re responsible as minister! Hon PETER COLLIER : Just let me finish. I am very conscious of the change in the formation of the billing processes of Synergy. The aim of the changes made to the billing processes of Synergy was to make it a much more efficient system and to that degree, as I understand it, that system is more efficient. I am not sure where this 120-day usage figure has come from. I am not sure where the member got that figure from. Hon Kate Doust : From customer accounts, and Synergy itself admitted that thousands of people are affected. Hon PETER COLLIER : Where did that come from? Hon Kate Doust : Synergy. Hon PETER COLLIER : Synergy told the member that it did it? Hon Kate Doust : Synergy did not tell me; it told a constituent who has contacted me. Hon PETER COLLIER : Synergy told a constituent, so a constituent told the member that bills are 120 days’ late. With all due respect — Hon Simon O’Brien : Members opposite never answered this many questions when they were in government! Hon PETER COLLIER : Again, I do not have any problems whatsoever if the member has some specific issues about bills that are 120 days’ late or 90 days’ late. I have no problems dealing with them; that is my role as energy minister. When Synergy came to me at the beginning of the year and forecast a change to the billing system, I was very comfortable with that—I really was. As I understand it, in the changeover from the former billing system to the current billing system there were some teething problems. I am not aware of excessive delays with the billing. If there are specific issues with one constituent — Hon Kate Doust : I have had a number. This is the one I am using as an example. Hon PETER COLLIER : If there are specific issues with billing and delays with billing, I have no problem dealing with them, and I always will deal with them expeditiously. As I said, if the member has specific issues and she wants specific answers, I will deal with them if she gives me just a couple of hours’ notice. Suffice it to say, the billing system, as I understand it, is much more efficient than was previously the case. I would be very surprised if she finds issues in the next few months. If there are teething problems that still exist, they will be improved.
I thank the honourable member for the question. (1)-(5) I say with all due respect that I have no problems answering questions, but most of these questions without notice — Hon Kate Doust : The minister should know this. Hon PETER COLLIER : No, it is not my responsibility. What I can say at the outset is that I am very — Hon Ken Travers : You’re responsible as minister! Hon PETER COLLIER : Just let me finish. I am very conscious of the change in the formation of the billing processes of Synergy. The aim of the changes made to the billing processes of Synergy was to make it a much more efficient system and to that degree, as I understand it, that system is more efficient. I am not sure where this 120-day usage figure has come from. I am not sure where the member got that figure from. Hon Kate Doust : From customer accounts, and Synergy itself admitted that thousands of people are affected. Hon PETER COLLIER : Where did that come from? Hon Kate Doust : Synergy. Hon PETER COLLIER : Synergy told the member that it did it? Hon Kate Doust : Synergy did not tell me; it told a constituent who has contacted me. Hon PETER COLLIER : Synergy told a constituent, so a constituent told the member that bills are 120 days’ late. With all due respect — Hon Simon O’Brien : Members opposite never answered this many questions when they were in government! Hon PETER COLLIER : Again, I do not have any problems whatsoever if the member has some specific issues about bills that are 120 days’ late or 90 days’ late. I have no problems dealing with them; that is my role as energy minister. When Synergy came to me at the beginning of the year and forecast a change to the billing system, I was very comfortable with that—I really was. As I understand it, in the changeover from the former billing system to the current billing system there were some teething problems. I am not aware of excessive delays with the billing. If there are specific issues with one constituent — Hon Kate Doust : I have had a number. This is the one I am using as an example. Hon PETER COLLIER : If there are specific issues with billing and delays with billing, I have no problem dealing with them, and I always will deal with them expeditiously. As I said, if the member has specific issues and she wants specific answers, I will deal with them if she gives me just a couple of hours’ notice. Suffice it to say, the billing system, as I understand it, is much more efficient than was previously the case. I would be very surprised if she finds issues in the next few months. If there are teething problems that still exist, they will be improved.
(1)-(5) I say with all due respect that I have no problems answering questions, but most of these questions without notice — Hon Kate Doust : The minister should know this. Hon PETER COLLIER : No, it is not my responsibility. What I can say at the outset is that I am very — Hon Ken Travers : You’re responsible as minister! Hon PETER COLLIER : Just let me finish. I am very conscious of the change in the formation of the billing processes of Synergy. The aim of the changes made to the billing processes of Synergy was to make it a much more efficient system and to that degree, as I understand it, that system is more efficient. I am not sure where this 120-day usage figure has come from. I am not sure where the member got that figure from. Hon Kate Doust : From customer accounts, and Synergy itself admitted that thousands of people are affected. Hon PETER COLLIER : Where did that come from? Hon Kate Doust : Synergy. Hon PETER COLLIER : Synergy told the member that it did it? Hon Kate Doust : Synergy did not tell me; it told a constituent who has contacted me. Hon PETER COLLIER : Synergy told a constituent, so a constituent told the member that bills are 120 days’ late. With all due respect — Hon Simon O’Brien : Members opposite never answered this many questions when they were in government! Hon PETER COLLIER : Again, I do not have any problems whatsoever if the member has some specific issues about bills that are 120 days’ late or 90 days’ late. I have no problems dealing with them; that is my role as energy minister. When Synergy came to me at the beginning of the year and forecast a change to the billing system, I was very comfortable with that—I really was. As I understand it, in the changeover from the former billing system to the current billing system there were some teething problems. I am not aware of excessive delays with the billing. If there are specific issues with one constituent — Hon Kate Doust : I have had a number. This is the one I am using as an example. Hon PETER COLLIER : If there are specific issues with billing and delays with billing, I have no problem dealing with them, and I always will deal with them expeditiously. As I said, if the member has specific issues and she wants specific answers, I will deal with them if she gives me just a couple of hours’ notice. Suffice it to say, the billing system, as I understand it, is much more efficient than was previously the case. I would be very surprised if she finds issues in the next few months. If there are teething problems that still exist, they will be improved.
Hon Kate Doust : The minister should know this. Hon PETER COLLIER : No, it is not my responsibility. What I can say at the outset is that I am very — Hon Ken Travers : You’re responsible as minister! Hon PETER COLLIER : Just let me finish. I am very conscious of the change in the formation of the billing processes of Synergy. The aim of the changes made to the billing processes of Synergy was to make it a much more efficient system and to that degree, as I understand it, that system is more efficient. I am not sure where this 120-day usage figure has come from. I am not sure where the member got that figure from. Hon Kate Doust : From customer accounts, and Synergy itself admitted that thousands of people are affected. Hon PETER COLLIER : Where did that come from? Hon Kate Doust : Synergy. Hon PETER COLLIER : Synergy told the member that it did it? Hon Kate Doust : Synergy did not tell me; it told a constituent who has contacted me. Hon PETER COLLIER : Synergy told a constituent, so a constituent told the member that bills are 120 days’ late. With all due respect — Hon Simon O’Brien : Members opposite never answered this many questions when they were in government! Hon PETER COLLIER : Again, I do not have any problems whatsoever if the member has some specific issues about bills that are 120 days’ late or 90 days’ late. I have no problems dealing with them; that is my role as energy minister. When Synergy came to me at the beginning of the year and forecast a change to the billing system, I was very comfortable with that—I really was. As I understand it, in the changeover from the former billing system to the current billing system there were some teething problems. I am not aware of excessive delays with the billing. If there are specific issues with one constituent — Hon Kate Doust : I have had a number. This is the one I am using as an example. Hon PETER COLLIER : If there are specific issues with billing and delays with billing, I have no problem dealing with them, and I always will deal with them expeditiously. As I said, if the member has specific issues and she wants specific answers, I will deal with them if she gives me just a couple of hours’ notice. Suffice it to say, the billing system, as I understand it, is much more efficient than was previously the case. I would be very surprised if she finds issues in the next few months. If there are teething problems that still exist, they will be improved.
Hon PETER COLLIER : No, it is not my responsibility. What I can say at the outset is that I am very — Hon Ken Travers : You’re responsible as minister! Hon PETER COLLIER : Just let me finish. I am very conscious of the change in the formation of the billing processes of Synergy. The aim of the changes made to the billing processes of Synergy was to make it a much more efficient system and to that degree, as I understand it, that system is more efficient. I am not sure where this 120-day usage figure has come from. I am not sure where the member got that figure from. Hon Kate Doust : From customer accounts, and Synergy itself admitted that thousands of people are affected. Hon PETER COLLIER : Where did that come from? Hon Kate Doust : Synergy. Hon PETER COLLIER : Synergy told the member that it did it? Hon Kate Doust : Synergy did not tell me; it told a constituent who has contacted me. Hon PETER COLLIER : Synergy told a constituent, so a constituent told the member that bills are 120 days’ late. With all due respect — Hon Simon O’Brien : Members opposite never answered this many questions when they were in government! Hon PETER COLLIER : Again, I do not have any problems whatsoever if the member has some specific issues about bills that are 120 days’ late or 90 days’ late. I have no problems dealing with them; that is my role as energy minister. When Synergy came to me at the beginning of the year and forecast a change to the billing system, I was very comfortable with that—I really was. As I understand it, in the changeover from the former billing system to the current billing system there were some teething problems. I am not aware of excessive delays with the billing. If there are specific issues with one constituent — Hon Kate Doust : I have had a number. This is the one I am using as an example. Hon PETER COLLIER : If there are specific issues with billing and delays with billing, I have no problem dealing with them, and I always will deal with them expeditiously. As I said, if the member has specific issues and she wants specific answers, I will deal with them if she gives me just a couple of hours’ notice. Suffice it to say, the billing system, as I understand it, is much more efficient than was previously the case. I would be very surprised if she finds issues in the next few months. If there are teething problems that still exist, they will be improved.
Hon Ken Travers : You’re responsible as minister! Hon PETER COLLIER : Just let me finish. I am very conscious of the change in the formation of the billing processes of Synergy. The aim of the changes made to the billing processes of Synergy was to make it a much more efficient system and to that degree, as I understand it, that system is more efficient. I am not sure where this 120-day usage figure has come from. I am not sure where the member got that figure from. Hon Kate Doust : From customer accounts, and Synergy itself admitted that thousands of people are affected. Hon PETER COLLIER : Where did that come from? Hon Kate Doust : Synergy. Hon PETER COLLIER : Synergy told the member that it did it? Hon Kate Doust : Synergy did not tell me; it told a constituent who has contacted me. Hon PETER COLLIER : Synergy told a constituent, so a constituent told the member that bills are 120 days’ late. With all due respect — Hon Simon O’Brien : Members opposite never answered this many questions when they were in government! Hon PETER COLLIER : Again, I do not have any problems whatsoever if the member has some specific issues about bills that are 120 days’ late or 90 days’ late. I have no problems dealing with them; that is my role as energy minister. When Synergy came to me at the beginning of the year and forecast a change to the billing system, I was very comfortable with that—I really was. As I understand it, in the changeover from the former billing system to the current billing system there were some teething problems. I am not aware of excessive delays with the billing. If there are specific issues with one constituent — Hon Kate Doust : I have had a number. This is the one I am using as an example. Hon PETER COLLIER : If there are specific issues with billing and delays with billing, I have no problem dealing with them, and I always will deal with them expeditiously. As I said, if the member has specific issues and she wants specific answers, I will deal with them if she gives me just a couple of hours’ notice. Suffice it to say, the billing system, as I understand it, is much more efficient than was previously the case. I would be very surprised if she finds issues in the next few months. If there are teething problems that still exist, they will be improved.
Hon PETER COLLIER : Just let me finish. I am very conscious of the change in the formation of the billing processes of Synergy. The aim of the changes made to the billing processes of Synergy was to make it a much more efficient system and to that degree, as I understand it, that system is more efficient. I am not sure where this 120-day usage figure has come from. I am not sure where the member got that figure from. Hon Kate Doust : From customer accounts, and Synergy itself admitted that thousands of people are affected. Hon PETER COLLIER : Where did that come from? Hon Kate Doust : Synergy. Hon PETER COLLIER : Synergy told the member that it did it? Hon Kate Doust : Synergy did not tell me; it told a constituent who has contacted me. Hon PETER COLLIER : Synergy told a constituent, so a constituent told the member that bills are 120 days’ late. With all due respect — Hon Simon O’Brien : Members opposite never answered this many questions when they were in government! Hon PETER COLLIER : Again, I do not have any problems whatsoever if the member has some specific issues about bills that are 120 days’ late or 90 days’ late. I have no problems dealing with them; that is my role as energy minister. When Synergy came to me at the beginning of the year and forecast a change to the billing system, I was very comfortable with that—I really was. As I understand it, in the changeover from the former billing system to the current billing system there were some teething problems. I am not aware of excessive delays with the billing. If there are specific issues with one constituent — Hon Kate Doust : I have had a number. This is the one I am using as an example. Hon PETER COLLIER : If there are specific issues with billing and delays with billing, I have no problem dealing with them, and I always will deal with them expeditiously. As I said, if the member has specific issues and she wants specific answers, I will deal with them if she gives me just a couple of hours’ notice. Suffice it to say, the billing system, as I understand it, is much more efficient than was previously the case. I would be very surprised if she finds issues in the next few months. If there are teething problems that still exist, they will be improved.
Hon Kate Doust : From customer accounts, and Synergy itself admitted that thousands of people are affected. Hon PETER COLLIER : Where did that come from? Hon Kate Doust : Synergy. Hon PETER COLLIER : Synergy told the member that it did it? Hon Kate Doust : Synergy did not tell me; it told a constituent who has contacted me. Hon PETER COLLIER : Synergy told a constituent, so a constituent told the member that bills are 120 days’ late. With all due respect — Hon Simon O’Brien : Members opposite never answered this many questions when they were in government! Hon PETER COLLIER : Again, I do not have any problems whatsoever if the member has some specific issues about bills that are 120 days’ late or 90 days’ late. I have no problems dealing with them; that is my role as energy minister. When Synergy came to me at the beginning of the year and forecast a change to the billing system, I was very comfortable with that—I really was. As I understand it, in the changeover from the former billing system to the current billing system there were some teething problems. I am not aware of excessive delays with the billing. If there are specific issues with one constituent — Hon Kate Doust : I have had a number. This is the one I am using as an example. Hon PETER COLLIER : If there are specific issues with billing and delays with billing, I have no problem dealing with them, and I always will deal with them expeditiously. As I said, if the member has specific issues and she wants specific answers, I will deal with them if she gives me just a couple of hours’ notice. Suffice it to say, the billing system, as I understand it, is much more efficient than was previously the case. I would be very surprised if she finds issues in the next few months. If there are teething problems that still exist, they will be improved.
Hon PETER COLLIER : Where did that come from? Hon Kate Doust : Synergy. Hon PETER COLLIER : Synergy told the member that it did it? Hon Kate Doust : Synergy did not tell me; it told a constituent who has contacted me. Hon PETER COLLIER : Synergy told a constituent, so a constituent told the member that bills are 120 days’ late. With all due respect — Hon Simon O’Brien : Members opposite never answered this many questions when they were in government! Hon PETER COLLIER : Again, I do not have any problems whatsoever if the member has some specific issues about bills that are 120 days’ late or 90 days’ late. I have no problems dealing with them; that is my role as energy minister. When Synergy came to me at the beginning of the year and forecast a change to the billing system, I was very comfortable with that—I really was. As I understand it, in the changeover from the former billing system to the current billing system there were some teething problems. I am not aware of excessive delays with the billing. If there are specific issues with one constituent — Hon Kate Doust : I have had a number. This is the one I am using as an example. Hon PETER COLLIER : If there are specific issues with billing and delays with billing, I have no problem dealing with them, and I always will deal with them expeditiously. As I said, if the member has specific issues and she wants specific answers, I will deal with them if she gives me just a couple of hours’ notice. Suffice it to say, the billing system, as I understand it, is much more efficient than was previously the case. I would be very surprised if she finds issues in the next few months. If there are teething problems that still exist, they will be improved.
Hon Kate Doust : Synergy. Hon PETER COLLIER : Synergy told the member that it did it? Hon Kate Doust : Synergy did not tell me; it told a constituent who has contacted me. Hon PETER COLLIER : Synergy told a constituent, so a constituent told the member that bills are 120 days’ late. With all due respect — Hon Simon O’Brien : Members opposite never answered this many questions when they were in government! Hon PETER COLLIER : Again, I do not have any problems whatsoever if the member has some specific issues about bills that are 120 days’ late or 90 days’ late. I have no problems dealing with them; that is my role as energy minister. When Synergy came to me at the beginning of the year and forecast a change to the billing system, I was very comfortable with that—I really was. As I understand it, in the changeover from the former billing system to the current billing system there were some teething problems. I am not aware of excessive delays with the billing. If there are specific issues with one constituent — Hon Kate Doust : I have had a number. This is the one I am using as an example. Hon PETER COLLIER : If there are specific issues with billing and delays with billing, I have no problem dealing with them, and I always will deal with them expeditiously. As I said, if the member has specific issues and she wants specific answers, I will deal with them if she gives me just a couple of hours’ notice. Suffice it to say, the billing system, as I understand it, is much more efficient than was previously the case. I would be very surprised if she finds issues in the next few months. If there are teething problems that still exist, they will be improved.
Hon PETER COLLIER : Synergy told the member that it did it? Hon Kate Doust : Synergy did not tell me; it told a constituent who has contacted me. Hon PETER COLLIER : Synergy told a constituent, so a constituent told the member that bills are 120 days’ late. With all due respect — Hon Simon O’Brien : Members opposite never answered this many questions when they were in government! Hon PETER COLLIER : Again, I do not have any problems whatsoever if the member has some specific issues about bills that are 120 days’ late or 90 days’ late. I have no problems dealing with them; that is my role as energy minister. When Synergy came to me at the beginning of the year and forecast a change to the billing system, I was very comfortable with that—I really was. As I understand it, in the changeover from the former billing system to the current billing system there were some teething problems. I am not aware of excessive delays with the billing. If there are specific issues with one constituent — Hon Kate Doust : I have had a number. This is the one I am using as an example. Hon PETER COLLIER : If there are specific issues with billing and delays with billing, I have no problem dealing with them, and I always will deal with them expeditiously. As I said, if the member has specific issues and she wants specific answers, I will deal with them if she gives me just a couple of hours’ notice. Suffice it to say, the billing system, as I understand it, is much more efficient than was previously the case. I would be very surprised if she finds issues in the next few months. If there are teething problems that still exist, they will be improved.
Hon Kate Doust : Synergy did not tell me; it told a constituent who has contacted me. Hon PETER COLLIER : Synergy told a constituent, so a constituent told the member that bills are 120 days’ late. With all due respect — Hon Simon O’Brien : Members opposite never answered this many questions when they were in government! Hon PETER COLLIER : Again, I do not have any problems whatsoever if the member has some specific issues about bills that are 120 days’ late or 90 days’ late. I have no problems dealing with them; that is my role as energy minister. When Synergy came to me at the beginning of the year and forecast a change to the billing system, I was very comfortable with that—I really was. As I understand it, in the changeover from the former billing system to the current billing system there were some teething problems. I am not aware of excessive delays with the billing. If there are specific issues with one constituent — Hon Kate Doust : I have had a number. This is the one I am using as an example. Hon PETER COLLIER : If there are specific issues with billing and delays with billing, I have no problem dealing with them, and I always will deal with them expeditiously. As I said, if the member has specific issues and she wants specific answers, I will deal with them if she gives me just a couple of hours’ notice. Suffice it to say, the billing system, as I understand it, is much more efficient than was previously the case. I would be very surprised if she finds issues in the next few months. If there are teething problems that still exist, they will be improved.
Hon PETER COLLIER : Synergy told a constituent, so a constituent told the member that bills are 120 days’ late. With all due respect — Hon Simon O’Brien : Members opposite never answered this many questions when they were in government! Hon PETER COLLIER : Again, I do not have any problems whatsoever if the member has some specific issues about bills that are 120 days’ late or 90 days’ late. I have no problems dealing with them; that is my role as energy minister. When Synergy came to me at the beginning of the year and forecast a change to the billing system, I was very comfortable with that—I really was. As I understand it, in the changeover from the former billing system to the current billing system there were some teething problems. I am not aware of excessive delays with the billing. If there are specific issues with one constituent — Hon Kate Doust : I have had a number. This is the one I am using as an example. Hon PETER COLLIER : If there are specific issues with billing and delays with billing, I have no problem dealing with them, and I always will deal with them expeditiously. As I said, if the member has specific issues and she wants specific answers, I will deal with them if she gives me just a couple of hours’ notice. Suffice it to say, the billing system, as I understand it, is much more efficient than was previously the case. I would be very surprised if she finds issues in the next few months. If there are teething problems that still exist, they will be improved.
Hon Simon O’Brien : Members opposite never answered this many questions when they were in government! Hon PETER COLLIER : Again, I do not have any problems whatsoever if the member has some specific issues about bills that are 120 days’ late or 90 days’ late. I have no problems dealing with them; that is my role as energy minister. When Synergy came to me at the beginning of the year and forecast a change to the billing system, I was very comfortable with that—I really was. As I understand it, in the changeover from the former billing system to the current billing system there were some teething problems. I am not aware of excessive delays with the billing. If there are specific issues with one constituent — Hon Kate Doust : I have had a number. This is the one I am using as an example. Hon PETER COLLIER : If there are specific issues with billing and delays with billing, I have no problem dealing with them, and I always will deal with them expeditiously. As I said, if the member has specific issues and she wants specific answers, I will deal with them if she gives me just a couple of hours’ notice. Suffice it to say, the billing system, as I understand it, is much more efficient than was previously the case. I would be very surprised if she finds issues in the next few months. If there are teething problems that still exist, they will be improved.
Hon PETER COLLIER : Again, I do not have any problems whatsoever if the member has some specific issues about bills that are 120 days’ late or 90 days’ late. I have no problems dealing with them; that is my role as energy minister. When Synergy came to me at the beginning of the year and forecast a change to the billing system, I was very comfortable with that—I really was. As I understand it, in the changeover from the former billing system to the current billing system there were some teething problems. I am not aware of excessive delays with the billing. If there are specific issues with one constituent — Hon Kate Doust : I have had a number. This is the one I am using as an example. Hon PETER COLLIER : If there are specific issues with billing and delays with billing, I have no problem dealing with them, and I always will deal with them expeditiously. As I said, if the member has specific issues and she wants specific answers, I will deal with them if she gives me just a couple of hours’ notice. Suffice it to say, the billing system, as I understand it, is much more efficient than was previously the case. I would be very surprised if she finds issues in the next few months. If there are teething problems that still exist, they will be improved.
Hon Kate Doust : I have had a number. This is the one I am using as an example. Hon PETER COLLIER : If there are specific issues with billing and delays with billing, I have no problem dealing with them, and I always will deal with them expeditiously. As I said, if the member has specific issues and she wants specific answers, I will deal with them if she gives me just a couple of hours’ notice. Suffice it to say, the billing system, as I understand it, is much more efficient than was previously the case. I would be very surprised if she finds issues in the next few months. If there are teething problems that still exist, they will be improved.
Hon PETER COLLIER : If there are specific issues with billing and delays with billing, I have no problem dealing with them, and I always will deal with them expeditiously. As I said, if the member has specific issues and she wants specific answers, I will deal with them if she gives me just a couple of hours’ notice. Suffice it to say, the billing system, as I understand it, is much more efficient than was previously the case. I would be very surprised if she finds issues in the next few months. If there are teething problems that still exist, they will be improved.
(1) Can the minister confirm that the billing system has been changed and explain how and why this has occurred? (2) Can the minister advise the house of the total cost associated with these changes? (3) Can the minister confirm that as a result of these changes, thousands of customers are now receiving bills for a period of 120 days’ usage rather than the standard 90-day account? (4) Can the minister inform the house whether Synergy warned customers of the delays in billing? (5) Can the minister provide details of what provisions are being made to allow customers to pay these inflated bills in instalments if needed? Hon PETER COLLIER replied: I thank the honourable member for the question. (1)-(5) I say with all due respect that I have no problems answering questions, but most of these questions without notice — Hon Kate Doust : The minister should know this. Hon PETER COLLIER : No, it is not my responsibility. What I can say at the outset is that I am very — Hon Ken Travers : You’re responsible as minister! Hon PETER COLLIER : Just let me finish. I am very conscious of the change in the formation of the billing processes of Synergy. The aim of the changes made to the billing processes of Synergy was to make it a much more efficient system and to that degree, as I understand it, that system is more efficient. I am not sure where this 120-day usage figure has come from. I am not sure where the member got that figure from. Hon Kate Doust : From customer accounts, and Synergy itself admitted that thousands of people are affected. Hon PETER COLLIER : Where did that come from? Hon Kate Doust : Synergy. Hon PETER COLLIER : Synergy told the member that it did it? Hon Kate Doust : Synergy did not tell me; it told a constituent who has contacted me. Hon PETER COLLIER : Synergy told a constituent, so a constituent told the member that bills are 120 days’ late. With all due respect — Hon Simon O’Brien : Members opposite never answered this many questions when they were in government! Hon PETER COLLIER : Again, I do not have any problems whatsoever if the member has some specific issues about bills that are 120 days’ late or 90 days’ late. I have no problems dealing with them; that is my role as energy minister. When Synergy came to me at the beginning of the year and forecast a change to the billing system, I was very comfortable with that—I really was. As I understand it, in the changeover from the former billing system to the current billing system there were some teething problems. I am not aware of excessive delays with the billing. If there are specific issues with one constituent — Hon Kate Doust : I have had a number. This is the one I am using as an example. Hon PETER COLLIER : If there are specific issues with billing and delays with billing, I have no problem dealing with them, and I always will deal with them expeditiously. As I said, if the member has specific issues and she wants specific answers, I will deal with them if she gives me just a couple of hours’ notice. Suffice it to say, the billing system, as I understand it, is much more efficient than was previously the case. I would be very surprised if she finds issues in the next few months. If there are teething problems that still exist, they will be improved.
(2) Can the minister advise the house of the total cost associated with these changes? (3) Can the minister confirm that as a result of these changes, thousands of customers are now receiving bills for a period of 120 days’ usage rather than the standard 90-day account? (4) Can the minister inform the house whether Synergy warned customers of the delays in billing? (5) Can the minister provide details of what provisions are being made to allow customers to pay these inflated bills in instalments if needed? Hon PETER COLLIER replied: I thank the honourable member for the question. (1)-(5) I say with all due respect that I have no problems answering questions, but most of these questions without notice — Hon Kate Doust : The minister should know this. Hon PETER COLLIER : No, it is not my responsibility. What I can say at the outset is that I am very — Hon Ken Travers : You’re responsible as minister! Hon PETER COLLIER : Just let me finish. I am very conscious of the change in the formation of the billing processes of Synergy. The aim of the changes made to the billing processes of Synergy was to make it a much more efficient system and to that degree, as I understand it, that system is more efficient. I am not sure where this 120-day usage figure has come from. I am not sure where the member got that figure from. Hon Kate Doust : From customer accounts, and Synergy itself admitted that thousands of people are affected. Hon PETER COLLIER : Where did that come from? Hon Kate Doust : Synergy. Hon PETER COLLIER : Synergy told the member that it did it? Hon Kate Doust : Synergy did not tell me; it told a constituent who has contacted me. Hon PETER COLLIER : Synergy told a constituent, so a constituent told the member that bills are 120 days’ late. With all due respect — Hon Simon O’Brien : Members opposite never answered this many questions when they were in government! Hon PETER COLLIER : Again, I do not have any problems whatsoever if the member has some specific issues about bills that are 120 days’ late or 90 days’ late. I have no problems dealing with them; that is my role as energy minister. When Synergy came to me at the beginning of the year and forecast a change to the billing system, I was very comfortable with that—I really was. As I understand it, in the changeover from the former billing system to the current billing system there were some teething problems. I am not aware of excessive delays with the billing. If there are specific issues with one constituent — Hon Kate Doust : I have had a number. This is the one I am using as an example. Hon PETER COLLIER : If there are specific issues with billing and delays with billing, I have no problem dealing with them, and I always will deal with them expeditiously. As I said, if the member has specific issues and she wants specific answers, I will deal with them if she gives me just a couple of hours’ notice. Suffice it to say, the billing system, as I understand it, is much more efficient than was previously the case. I would be very surprised if she finds issues in the next few months. If there are teething problems that still exist, they will be improved.
(3) Can the minister confirm that as a result of these changes, thousands of customers are now receiving bills for a period of 120 days’ usage rather than the standard 90-day account? (4) Can the minister inform the house whether Synergy warned customers of the delays in billing? (5) Can the minister provide details of what provisions are being made to allow customers to pay these inflated bills in instalments if needed? Hon PETER COLLIER replied: I thank the honourable member for the question. (1)-(5) I say with all due respect that I have no problems answering questions, but most of these questions without notice — Hon Kate Doust : The minister should know this. Hon PETER COLLIER : No, it is not my responsibility. What I can say at the outset is that I am very — Hon Ken Travers : You’re responsible as minister! Hon PETER COLLIER : Just let me finish. I am very conscious of the change in the formation of the billing processes of Synergy. The aim of the changes made to the billing processes of Synergy was to make it a much more efficient system and to that degree, as I understand it, that system is more efficient. I am not sure where this 120-day usage figure has come from. I am not sure where the member got that figure from. Hon Kate Doust : From customer accounts, and Synergy itself admitted that thousands of people are affected. Hon PETER COLLIER : Where did that come from? Hon Kate Doust : Synergy. Hon PETER COLLIER : Synergy told the member that it did it? Hon Kate Doust : Synergy did not tell me; it told a constituent who has contacted me. Hon PETER COLLIER : Synergy told a constituent, so a constituent told the member that bills are 120 days’ late. With all due respect — Hon Simon O’Brien : Members opposite never answered this many questions when they were in government! Hon PETER COLLIER : Again, I do not have any problems whatsoever if the member has some specific issues about bills that are 120 days’ late or 90 days’ late. I have no problems dealing with them; that is my role as energy minister. When Synergy came to me at the beginning of the year and forecast a change to the billing system, I was very comfortable with that—I really was. As I understand it, in the changeover from the former billing system to the current billing system there were some teething problems. I am not aware of excessive delays with the billing. If there are specific issues with one constituent — Hon Kate Doust : I have had a number. This is the one I am using as an example. Hon PETER COLLIER : If there are specific issues with billing and delays with billing, I have no problem dealing with them, and I always will deal with them expeditiously. As I said, if the member has specific issues and she wants specific answers, I will deal with them if she gives me just a couple of hours’ notice. Suffice it to say, the billing system, as I understand it, is much more efficient than was previously the case. I would be very surprised if she finds issues in the next few months. If there are teething problems that still exist, they will be improved.
(4) Can the minister inform the house whether Synergy warned customers of the delays in billing? (5) Can the minister provide details of what provisions are being made to allow customers to pay these inflated bills in instalments if needed? Hon PETER COLLIER replied: I thank the honourable member for the question. (1)-(5) I say with all due respect that I have no problems answering questions, but most of these questions without notice — Hon Kate Doust : The minister should know this. Hon PETER COLLIER : No, it is not my responsibility. What I can say at the outset is that I am very — Hon Ken Travers : You’re responsible as minister! Hon PETER COLLIER : Just let me finish. I am very conscious of the change in the formation of the billing processes of Synergy. The aim of the changes made to the billing processes of Synergy was to make it a much more efficient system and to that degree, as I understand it, that system is more efficient. I am not sure where this 120-day usage figure has come from. I am not sure where the member got that figure from. Hon Kate Doust : From customer accounts, and Synergy itself admitted that thousands of people are affected. Hon PETER COLLIER : Where did that come from? Hon Kate Doust : Synergy. Hon PETER COLLIER : Synergy told the member that it did it? Hon Kate Doust : Synergy did not tell me; it told a constituent who has contacted me. Hon PETER COLLIER : Synergy told a constituent, so a constituent told the member that bills are 120 days’ late. With all due respect — Hon Simon O’Brien : Members opposite never answered this many questions when they were in government! Hon PETER COLLIER : Again, I do not have any problems whatsoever if the member has some specific issues about bills that are 120 days’ late or 90 days’ late. I have no problems dealing with them; that is my role as energy minister. When Synergy came to me at the beginning of the year and forecast a change to the billing system, I was very comfortable with that—I really was. As I understand it, in the changeover from the former billing system to the current billing system there were some teething problems. I am not aware of excessive delays with the billing. If there are specific issues with one constituent — Hon Kate Doust : I have had a number. This is the one I am using as an example. Hon PETER COLLIER : If there are specific issues with billing and delays with billing, I have no problem dealing with them, and I always will deal with them expeditiously. As I said, if the member has specific issues and she wants specific answers, I will deal with them if she gives me just a couple of hours’ notice. Suffice it to say, the billing system, as I understand it, is much more efficient than was previously the case. I would be very surprised if she finds issues in the next few months. If there are teething problems that still exist, they will be improved.
(5) Can the minister provide details of what provisions are being made to allow customers to pay these inflated bills in instalments if needed? Hon PETER COLLIER replied: I thank the honourable member for the question. (1)-(5) I say with all due respect that I have no problems answering questions, but most of these questions without notice — Hon Kate Doust : The minister should know this. Hon PETER COLLIER : No, it is not my responsibility. What I can say at the outset is that I am very — Hon Ken Travers : You’re responsible as minister! Hon PETER COLLIER : Just let me finish. I am very conscious of the change in the formation of the billing processes of Synergy. The aim of the changes made to the billing processes of Synergy was to make it a much more efficient system and to that degree, as I understand it, that system is more efficient. I am not sure where this 120-day usage figure has come from. I am not sure where the member got that figure from. Hon Kate Doust : From customer accounts, and Synergy itself admitted that thousands of people are affected. Hon PETER COLLIER : Where did that come from? Hon Kate Doust : Synergy. Hon PETER COLLIER : Synergy told the member that it did it? Hon Kate Doust : Synergy did not tell me; it told a constituent who has contacted me. Hon PETER COLLIER : Synergy told a constituent, so a constituent told the member that bills are 120 days’ late. With all due respect — Hon Simon O’Brien : Members opposite never answered this many questions when they were in government! Hon PETER COLLIER : Again, I do not have any problems whatsoever if the member has some specific issues about bills that are 120 days’ late or 90 days’ late. I have no problems dealing with them; that is my role as energy minister. When Synergy came to me at the beginning of the year and forecast a change to the billing system, I was very comfortable with that—I really was. As I understand it, in the changeover from the former billing system to the current billing system there were some teething problems. I am not aware of excessive delays with the billing. If there are specific issues with one constituent — Hon Kate Doust : I have had a number. This is the one I am using as an example. Hon PETER COLLIER : If there are specific issues with billing and delays with billing, I have no problem dealing with them, and I always will deal with them expeditiously. As I said, if the member has specific issues and she wants specific answers, I will deal with them if she gives me just a couple of hours’ notice. Suffice it to say, the billing system, as I understand it, is much more efficient than was previously the case. I would be very surprised if she finds issues in the next few months. If there are teething problems that still exist, they will be improved.
Hon PETER COLLIER replied: I thank the honourable member for the question. (1)-(5) I say with all due respect that I have no problems answering questions, but most of these questions without notice — Hon Kate Doust : The minister should know this. Hon PETER COLLIER : No, it is not my responsibility. What I can say at the outset is that I am very — Hon Ken Travers : You’re responsible as minister! Hon PETER COLLIER : Just let me finish. I am very conscious of the change in the formation of the billing processes of Synergy. The aim of the changes made to the billing processes of Synergy was to make it a much more efficient system and to that degree, as I understand it, that system is more efficient. I am not sure where this 120-day usage figure has come from. I am not sure where the member got that figure from. Hon Kate Doust : From customer accounts, and Synergy itself admitted that thousands of people are affected. Hon PETER COLLIER : Where did that come from? Hon Kate Doust : Synergy. Hon PETER COLLIER : Synergy told the member that it did it? Hon Kate Doust : Synergy did not tell me; it told a constituent who has contacted me. Hon PETER COLLIER : Synergy told a constituent, so a constituent told the member that bills are 120 days’ late. With all due respect — Hon Simon O’Brien : Members opposite never answered this many questions when they were in government! Hon PETER COLLIER : Again, I do not have any problems whatsoever if the member has some specific issues about bills that are 120 days’ late or 90 days’ late. I have no problems dealing with them; that is my role as energy minister. When Synergy came to me at the beginning of the year and forecast a change to the billing system, I was very comfortable with that—I really was. As I understand it, in the changeover from the former billing system to the current billing system there were some teething problems. I am not aware of excessive delays with the billing. If there are specific issues with one constituent — Hon Kate Doust : I have had a number. This is the one I am using as an example. Hon PETER COLLIER : If there are specific issues with billing and delays with billing, I have no problem dealing with them, and I always will deal with them expeditiously. As I said, if the member has specific issues and she wants specific answers, I will deal with them if she gives me just a couple of hours’ notice. Suffice it to say, the billing system, as I understand it, is much more efficient than was previously the case. I would be very surprised if she finds issues in the next few months. If there are teething problems that still exist, they will be improved.
I thank the honourable member for the question. (1)-(5) I say with all due respect that I have no problems answering questions, but most of these questions without notice — Hon Kate Doust : The minister should know this. Hon PETER COLLIER : No, it is not my responsibility. What I can say at the outset is that I am very — Hon Ken Travers : You’re responsible as minister! Hon PETER COLLIER : Just let me finish. I am very conscious of the change in the formation of the billing processes of Synergy. The aim of the changes made to the billing processes of Synergy was to make it a much more efficient system and to that degree, as I understand it, that system is more efficient. I am not sure where this 120-day usage figure has come from. I am not sure where the member got that figure from. Hon Kate Doust : From customer accounts, and Synergy itself admitted that thousands of people are affected. Hon PETER COLLIER : Where did that come from? Hon Kate Doust : Synergy. Hon PETER COLLIER : Synergy told the member that it did it? Hon Kate Doust : Synergy did not tell me; it told a constituent who has contacted me. Hon PETER COLLIER : Synergy told a constituent, so a constituent told the member that bills are 120 days’ late. With all due respect — Hon Simon O’Brien : Members opposite never answered this many questions when they were in government! Hon PETER COLLIER : Again, I do not have any problems whatsoever if the member has some specific issues about bills that are 120 days’ late or 90 days’ late. I have no problems dealing with them; that is my role as energy minister. When Synergy came to me at the beginning of the year and forecast a change to the billing system, I was very comfortable with that—I really was. As I understand it, in the changeover from the former billing system to the current billing system there were some teething problems. I am not aware of excessive delays with the billing. If there are specific issues with one constituent — Hon Kate Doust : I have had a number. This is the one I am using as an example. Hon PETER COLLIER : If there are specific issues with billing and delays with billing, I have no problem dealing with them, and I always will deal with them expeditiously. As I said, if the member has specific issues and she wants specific answers, I will deal with them if she gives me just a couple of hours’ notice. Suffice it to say, the billing system, as I understand it, is much more efficient than was previously the case. I would be very surprised if she finds issues in the next few months. If there are teething problems that still exist, they will be improved.
(1)-(5) I say with all due respect that I have no problems answering questions, but most of these questions without notice — Hon Kate Doust : The minister should know this. Hon PETER COLLIER : No, it is not my responsibility. What I can say at the outset is that I am very — Hon Ken Travers : You’re responsible as minister! Hon PETER COLLIER : Just let me finish. I am very conscious of the change in the formation of the billing processes of Synergy. The aim of the changes made to the billing processes of Synergy was to make it a much more efficient system and to that degree, as I understand it, that system is more efficient. I am not sure where this 120-day usage figure has come from. I am not sure where the member got that figure from. Hon Kate Doust : From customer accounts, and Synergy itself admitted that thousands of people are affected. Hon PETER COLLIER : Where did that come from? Hon Kate Doust : Synergy. Hon PETER COLLIER : Synergy told the member that it did it? Hon Kate Doust : Synergy did not tell me; it told a constituent who has contacted me. Hon PETER COLLIER : Synergy told a constituent, so a constituent told the member that bills are 120 days’ late. With all due respect — Hon Simon O’Brien : Members opposite never answered this many questions when they were in government! Hon PETER COLLIER : Again, I do not have any problems whatsoever if the member has some specific issues about bills that are 120 days’ late or 90 days’ late. I have no problems dealing with them; that is my role as energy minister. When Synergy came to me at the beginning of the year and forecast a change to the billing system, I was very comfortable with that—I really was. As I understand it, in the changeover from the former billing system to the current billing system there were some teething problems. I am not aware of excessive delays with the billing. If there are specific issues with one constituent — Hon Kate Doust : I have had a number. This is the one I am using as an example. Hon PETER COLLIER : If there are specific issues with billing and delays with billing, I have no problem dealing with them, and I always will deal with them expeditiously. As I said, if the member has specific issues and she wants specific answers, I will deal with them if she gives me just a couple of hours’ notice. Suffice it to say, the billing system, as I understand it, is much more efficient than was previously the case. I would be very surprised if she finds issues in the next few months. If there are teething problems that still exist, they will be improved.
Hon Kate Doust : The minister should know this. Hon PETER COLLIER : No, it is not my responsibility. What I can say at the outset is that I am very — Hon Ken Travers : You’re responsible as minister! Hon PETER COLLIER : Just let me finish. I am very conscious of the change in the formation of the billing processes of Synergy. The aim of the changes made to the billing processes of Synergy was to make it a much more efficient system and to that degree, as I understand it, that system is more efficient. I am not sure where this 120-day usage figure has come from. I am not sure where the member got that figure from. Hon Kate Doust : From customer accounts, and Synergy itself admitted that thousands of people are affected. Hon PETER COLLIER : Where did that come from? Hon Kate Doust : Synergy. Hon PETER COLLIER : Synergy told the member that it did it? Hon Kate Doust : Synergy did not tell me; it told a constituent who has contacted me. Hon PETER COLLIER : Synergy told a constituent, so a constituent told the member that bills are 120 days’ late. With all due respect — Hon Simon O’Brien : Members opposite never answered this many questions when they were in government! Hon PETER COLLIER : Again, I do not have any problems whatsoever if the member has some specific issues about bills that are 120 days’ late or 90 days’ late. I have no problems dealing with them; that is my role as energy minister. When Synergy came to me at the beginning of the year and forecast a change to the billing system, I was very comfortable with that—I really was. As I understand it, in the changeover from the former billing system to the current billing system there were some teething problems. I am not aware of excessive delays with the billing. If there are specific issues with one constituent — Hon Kate Doust : I have had a number. This is the one I am using as an example. Hon PETER COLLIER : If there are specific issues with billing and delays with billing, I have no problem dealing with them, and I always will deal with them expeditiously. As I said, if the member has specific issues and she wants specific answers, I will deal with them if she gives me just a couple of hours’ notice. Suffice it to say, the billing system, as I understand it, is much more efficient than was previously the case. I would be very surprised if she finds issues in the next few months. If there are teething problems that still exist, they will be improved.
Hon PETER COLLIER : No, it is not my responsibility. What I can say at the outset is that I am very — Hon Ken Travers : You’re responsible as minister! Hon PETER COLLIER : Just let me finish. I am very conscious of the change in the formation of the billing processes of Synergy. The aim of the changes made to the billing processes of Synergy was to make it a much more efficient system and to that degree, as I understand it, that system is more efficient. I am not sure where this 120-day usage figure has come from. I am not sure where the member got that figure from. Hon Kate Doust : From customer accounts, and Synergy itself admitted that thousands of people are affected. Hon PETER COLLIER : Where did that come from? Hon Kate Doust : Synergy. Hon PETER COLLIER : Synergy told the member that it did it? Hon Kate Doust : Synergy did not tell me; it told a constituent who has contacted me. Hon PETER COLLIER : Synergy told a constituent, so a constituent told the member that bills are 120 days’ late. With all due respect — Hon Simon O’Brien : Members opposite never answered this many questions when they were in government! Hon PETER COLLIER : Again, I do not have any problems whatsoever if the member has some specific issues about bills that are 120 days’ late or 90 days’ late. I have no problems dealing with them; that is my role as energy minister. When Synergy came to me at the beginning of the year and forecast a change to the billing system, I was very comfortable with that—I really was. As I understand it, in the changeover from the former billing system to the current billing system there were some teething problems. I am not aware of excessive delays with the billing. If there are specific issues with one constituent — Hon Kate Doust : I have had a number. This is the one I am using as an example. Hon PETER COLLIER : If there are specific issues with billing and delays with billing, I have no problem dealing with them, and I always will deal with them expeditiously. As I said, if the member has specific issues and she wants specific answers, I will deal with them if she gives me just a couple of hours’ notice. Suffice it to say, the billing system, as I understand it, is much more efficient than was previously the case. I would be very surprised if she finds issues in the next few months. If there are teething problems that still exist, they will be improved.
Hon Ken Travers : You’re responsible as minister! Hon PETER COLLIER : Just let me finish. I am very conscious of the change in the formation of the billing processes of Synergy. The aim of the changes made to the billing processes of Synergy was to make it a much more efficient system and to that degree, as I understand it, that system is more efficient. I am not sure where this 120-day usage figure has come from. I am not sure where the member got that figure from. Hon Kate Doust : From customer accounts, and Synergy itself admitted that thousands of people are affected. Hon PETER COLLIER : Where did that come from? Hon Kate Doust : Synergy. Hon PETER COLLIER : Synergy told the member that it did it? Hon Kate Doust : Synergy did not tell me; it told a constituent who has contacted me. Hon PETER COLLIER : Synergy told a constituent, so a constituent told the member that bills are 120 days’ late. With all due respect — Hon Simon O’Brien : Members opposite never answered this many questions when they were in government! Hon PETER COLLIER : Again, I do not have any problems whatsoever if the member has some specific issues about bills that are 120 days’ late or 90 days’ late. I have no problems dealing with them; that is my role as energy minister. When Synergy came to me at the beginning of the year and forecast a change to the billing system, I was very comfortable with that—I really was. As I understand it, in the changeover from the former billing system to the current billing system there were some teething problems. I am not aware of excessive delays with the billing. If there are specific issues with one constituent — Hon Kate Doust : I have had a number. This is the one I am using as an example. Hon PETER COLLIER : If there are specific issues with billing and delays with billing, I have no problem dealing with them, and I always will deal with them expeditiously. As I said, if the member has specific issues and she wants specific answers, I will deal with them if she gives me just a couple of hours’ notice. Suffice it to say, the billing system, as I understand it, is much more efficient than was previously the case. I would be very surprised if she finds issues in the next few months. If there are teething problems that still exist, they will be improved.
Hon PETER COLLIER : Just let me finish. I am very conscious of the change in the formation of the billing processes of Synergy. The aim of the changes made to the billing processes of Synergy was to make it a much more efficient system and to that degree, as I understand it, that system is more efficient. I am not sure where this 120-day usage figure has come from. I am not sure where the member got that figure from. Hon Kate Doust : From customer accounts, and Synergy itself admitted that thousands of people are affected. Hon PETER COLLIER : Where did that come from? Hon Kate Doust : Synergy. Hon PETER COLLIER : Synergy told the member that it did it? Hon Kate Doust : Synergy did not tell me; it told a constituent who has contacted me. Hon PETER COLLIER : Synergy told a constituent, so a constituent told the member that bills are 120 days’ late. With all due respect — Hon Simon O’Brien : Members opposite never answered this many questions when they were in government! Hon PETER COLLIER : Again, I do not have any problems whatsoever if the member has some specific issues about bills that are 120 days’ late or 90 days’ late. I have no problems dealing with them; that is my role as energy minister. When Synergy came to me at the beginning of the year and forecast a change to the billing system, I was very comfortable with that—I really was. As I understand it, in the changeover from the former billing system to the current billing system there were some teething problems. I am not aware of excessive delays with the billing. If there are specific issues with one constituent — Hon Kate Doust : I have had a number. This is the one I am using as an example. Hon PETER COLLIER : If there are specific issues with billing and delays with billing, I have no problem dealing with them, and I always will deal with them expeditiously. As I said, if the member has specific issues and she wants specific answers, I will deal with them if she gives me just a couple of hours’ notice. Suffice it to say, the billing system, as I understand it, is much more efficient than was previously the case. I would be very surprised if she finds issues in the next few months. If there are teething problems that still exist, they will be improved.
Hon Kate Doust : From customer accounts, and Synergy itself admitted that thousands of people are affected. Hon PETER COLLIER : Where did that come from? Hon Kate Doust : Synergy. Hon PETER COLLIER : Synergy told the member that it did it? Hon Kate Doust : Synergy did not tell me; it told a constituent who has contacted me. Hon PETER COLLIER : Synergy told a constituent, so a constituent told the member that bills are 120 days’ late. With all due respect — Hon Simon O’Brien : Members opposite never answered this many questions when they were in government! Hon PETER COLLIER : Again, I do not have any problems whatsoever if the member has some specific issues about bills that are 120 days’ late or 90 days’ late. I have no problems dealing with them; that is my role as energy minister. When Synergy came to me at the beginning of the year and forecast a change to the billing system, I was very comfortable with that—I really was. As I understand it, in the changeover from the former billing system to the current billing system there were some teething problems. I am not aware of excessive delays with the billing. If there are specific issues with one constituent — Hon Kate Doust : I have had a number. This is the one I am using as an example. Hon PETER COLLIER : If there are specific issues with billing and delays with billing, I have no problem dealing with them, and I always will deal with them expeditiously. As I said, if the member has specific issues and she wants specific answers, I will deal with them if she gives me just a couple of hours’ notice. Suffice it to say, the billing system, as I understand it, is much more efficient than was previously the case. I would be very surprised if she finds issues in the next few months. If there are teething problems that still exist, they will be improved.
Hon PETER COLLIER : Where did that come from? Hon Kate Doust : Synergy. Hon PETER COLLIER : Synergy told the member that it did it? Hon Kate Doust : Synergy did not tell me; it told a constituent who has contacted me. Hon PETER COLLIER : Synergy told a constituent, so a constituent told the member that bills are 120 days’ late. With all due respect — Hon Simon O’Brien : Members opposite never answered this many questions when they were in government! Hon PETER COLLIER : Again, I do not have any problems whatsoever if the member has some specific issues about bills that are 120 days’ late or 90 days’ late. I have no problems dealing with them; that is my role as energy minister. When Synergy came to me at the beginning of the year and forecast a change to the billing system, I was very comfortable with that—I really was. As I understand it, in the changeover from the former billing system to the current billing system there were some teething problems. I am not aware of excessive delays with the billing. If there are specific issues with one constituent — Hon Kate Doust : I have had a number. This is the one I am using as an example. Hon PETER COLLIER : If there are specific issues with billing and delays with billing, I have no problem dealing with them, and I always will deal with them expeditiously. As I said, if the member has specific issues and she wants specific answers, I will deal with them if she gives me just a couple of hours’ notice. Suffice it to say, the billing system, as I understand it, is much more efficient than was previously the case. I would be very surprised if she finds issues in the next few months. If there are teething problems that still exist, they will be improved.
Hon Kate Doust : Synergy. Hon PETER COLLIER : Synergy told the member that it did it? Hon Kate Doust : Synergy did not tell me; it told a constituent who has contacted me. Hon PETER COLLIER : Synergy told a constituent, so a constituent told the member that bills are 120 days’ late. With all due respect — Hon Simon O’Brien : Members opposite never answered this many questions when they were in government! Hon PETER COLLIER : Again, I do not have any problems whatsoever if the member has some specific issues about bills that are 120 days’ late or 90 days’ late. I have no problems dealing with them; that is my role as energy minister. When Synergy came to me at the beginning of the year and forecast a change to the billing system, I was very comfortable with that—I really was. As I understand it, in the changeover from the former billing system to the current billing system there were some teething problems. I am not aware of excessive delays with the billing. If there are specific issues with one constituent — Hon Kate Doust : I have had a number. This is the one I am using as an example. Hon PETER COLLIER : If there are specific issues with billing and delays with billing, I have no problem dealing with them, and I always will deal with them expeditiously. As I said, if the member has specific issues and she wants specific answers, I will deal with them if she gives me just a couple of hours’ notice. Suffice it to say, the billing system, as I understand it, is much more efficient than was previously the case. I would be very surprised if she finds issues in the next few months. If there are teething problems that still exist, they will be improved.
Hon PETER COLLIER : Synergy told the member that it did it? Hon Kate Doust : Synergy did not tell me; it told a constituent who has contacted me. Hon PETER COLLIER : Synergy told a constituent, so a constituent told the member that bills are 120 days’ late. With all due respect — Hon Simon O’Brien : Members opposite never answered this many questions when they were in government! Hon PETER COLLIER : Again, I do not have any problems whatsoever if the member has some specific issues about bills that are 120 days’ late or 90 days’ late. I have no problems dealing with them; that is my role as energy minister. When Synergy came to me at the beginning of the year and forecast a change to the billing system, I was very comfortable with that—I really was. As I understand it, in the changeover from the former billing system to the current billing system there were some teething problems. I am not aware of excessive delays with the billing. If there are specific issues with one constituent — Hon Kate Doust : I have had a number. This is the one I am using as an example. Hon PETER COLLIER : If there are specific issues with billing and delays with billing, I have no problem dealing with them, and I always will deal with them expeditiously. As I said, if the member has specific issues and she wants specific answers, I will deal with them if she gives me just a couple of hours’ notice. Suffice it to say, the billing system, as I understand it, is much more efficient than was previously the case. I would be very surprised if she finds issues in the next few months. If there are teething problems that still exist, they will be improved.
Hon Kate Doust : Synergy did not tell me; it told a constituent who has contacted me. Hon PETER COLLIER : Synergy told a constituent, so a constituent told the member that bills are 120 days’ late. With all due respect — Hon Simon O’Brien : Members opposite never answered this many questions when they were in government! Hon PETER COLLIER : Again, I do not have any problems whatsoever if the member has some specific issues about bills that are 120 days’ late or 90 days’ late. I have no problems dealing with them; that is my role as energy minister. When Synergy came to me at the beginning of the year and forecast a change to the billing system, I was very comfortable with that—I really was. As I understand it, in the changeover from the former billing system to the current billing system there were some teething problems. I am not aware of excessive delays with the billing. If there are specific issues with one constituent — Hon Kate Doust : I have had a number. This is the one I am using as an example. Hon PETER COLLIER : If there are specific issues with billing and delays with billing, I have no problem dealing with them, and I always will deal with them expeditiously. As I said, if the member has specific issues and she wants specific answers, I will deal with them if she gives me just a couple of hours’ notice. Suffice it to say, the billing system, as I understand it, is much more efficient than was previously the case. I would be very surprised if she finds issues in the next few months. If there are teething problems that still exist, they will be improved.
Hon PETER COLLIER : Synergy told a constituent, so a constituent told the member that bills are 120 days’ late. With all due respect — Hon Simon O’Brien : Members opposite never answered this many questions when they were in government! Hon PETER COLLIER : Again, I do not have any problems whatsoever if the member has some specific issues about bills that are 120 days’ late or 90 days’ late. I have no problems dealing with them; that is my role as energy minister. When Synergy came to me at the beginning of the year and forecast a change to the billing system, I was very comfortable with that—I really was. As I understand it, in the changeover from the former billing system to the current billing system there were some teething problems. I am not aware of excessive delays with the billing. If there are specific issues with one constituent — Hon Kate Doust : I have had a number. This is the one I am using as an example. Hon PETER COLLIER : If there are specific issues with billing and delays with billing, I have no problem dealing with them, and I always will deal with them expeditiously. As I said, if the member has specific issues and she wants specific answers, I will deal with them if she gives me just a couple of hours’ notice. Suffice it to say, the billing system, as I understand it, is much more efficient than was previously the case. I would be very surprised if she finds issues in the next few months. If there are teething problems that still exist, they will be improved.
Hon Simon O’Brien : Members opposite never answered this many questions when they were in government! Hon PETER COLLIER : Again, I do not have any problems whatsoever if the member has some specific issues about bills that are 120 days’ late or 90 days’ late. I have no problems dealing with them; that is my role as energy minister. When Synergy came to me at the beginning of the year and forecast a change to the billing system, I was very comfortable with that—I really was. As I understand it, in the changeover from the former billing system to the current billing system there were some teething problems. I am not aware of excessive delays with the billing. If there are specific issues with one constituent — Hon Kate Doust : I have had a number. This is the one I am using as an example. Hon PETER COLLIER : If there are specific issues with billing and delays with billing, I have no problem dealing with them, and I always will deal with them expeditiously. As I said, if the member has specific issues and she wants specific answers, I will deal with them if she gives me just a couple of hours’ notice. Suffice it to say, the billing system, as I understand it, is much more efficient than was previously the case. I would be very surprised if she finds issues in the next few months. If there are teething problems that still exist, they will be improved.
Hon PETER COLLIER : Again, I do not have any problems whatsoever if the member has some specific issues about bills that are 120 days’ late or 90 days’ late. I have no problems dealing with them; that is my role as energy minister. When Synergy came to me at the beginning of the year and forecast a change to the billing system, I was very comfortable with that—I really was. As I understand it, in the changeover from the former billing system to the current billing system there were some teething problems. I am not aware of excessive delays with the billing. If there are specific issues with one constituent — Hon Kate Doust : I have had a number. This is the one I am using as an example. Hon PETER COLLIER : If there are specific issues with billing and delays with billing, I have no problem dealing with them, and I always will deal with them expeditiously. As I said, if the member has specific issues and she wants specific answers, I will deal with them if she gives me just a couple of hours’ notice. Suffice it to say, the billing system, as I understand it, is much more efficient than was previously the case. I would be very surprised if she finds issues in the next few months. If there are teething problems that still exist, they will be improved.
Hon Kate Doust : I have had a number. This is the one I am using as an example. Hon PETER COLLIER : If there are specific issues with billing and delays with billing, I have no problem dealing with them, and I always will deal with them expeditiously. As I said, if the member has specific issues and she wants specific answers, I will deal with them if she gives me just a couple of hours’ notice. Suffice it to say, the billing system, as I understand it, is much more efficient than was previously the case. I would be very surprised if she finds issues in the next few months. If there are teething problems that still exist, they will be improved.
Hon PETER COLLIER : If there are specific issues with billing and delays with billing, I have no problem dealing with them, and I always will deal with them expeditiously. As I said, if the member has specific issues and she wants specific answers, I will deal with them if she gives me just a couple of hours’ notice. Suffice it to say, the billing system, as I understand it, is much more efficient than was previously the case. I would be very surprised if she finds issues in the next few months. If there are teething problems that still exist, they will be improved.
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