❓ A parliamentary question regarding Synergy's billing system, specifically focusing on bill layout, review process, and the inclusion of comparative graphs for energy usage and cost. The Minister's response indicates ongoing review but declines to mandate graph inclusion.
AnsweredQoN 5083Legislative Council
QuestionView source ↗
I refer to Synergy’s new billing system, and ask -
(1) When was the last time Synergy’s bill layout was reviewed, and when will it be reviewed next?
(2) Is Synergy’s billing system able to display a graph indicating comparisons to previous bills in both dollar terms, and usage?
(3) If yes to (2), will the Minister ensure that Synergy changes its billing layout to include both graphs to enable consumers to monitor their energy usage as well as the impact it is having on their household budget over time?
(4) If no to (3), why not?
(1) When was the last time Synergy’s bill layout was reviewed, and when will it be reviewed next?
(2) Is Synergy’s billing system able to display a graph indicating comparisons to previous bills in both dollar terms, and usage?
(3) If yes to (2), will the Minister ensure that Synergy changes its billing layout to include both graphs to enable consumers to monitor their energy usage as well as the impact it is having on their household budget over time?
(4) If no to (3), why not?
AnswerView source ↗
Answered
28 March 2012
Responded by
Minister for Energy
Response time
119 days
(1) Synergy reviews its bill design on an ongoing basis, and collates suggestions and feedback from customers to be considered in any changes to the bill design and layout in the future.
(2) It is technically possible to display a comparison graph in both dollar and unit consumption terms.
(3) No
(4) It is appropriate for Synergy to determine the design of its bills. Synergy has advised the chosen format was determined after consultation with customers, through focus groups. The provision of usage information enables customers to understand if their behavioural changes are resulting in their average daily usage being reduced. Synergy has advised the existing bill format also enables customers to compare the amount of their current bill with their previous bill. Synergy has also advised that many utilities around Australia provide usage details only.
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(2) It is technically possible to display a comparison graph in both dollar and unit consumption terms.
(3) No
(4) It is appropriate for Synergy to determine the design of its bills. Synergy has advised the chosen format was determined after consultation with customers, through focus groups. The provision of usage information enables customers to understand if their behavioural changes are resulting in their average daily usage being reduced. Synergy has advised the existing bill format also enables customers to compare the amount of their current bill with their previous bill. Synergy has also advised that many utilities around Australia provide usage details only.
Notice: This document is created or edited using unregistered or evaluation copy of rtLib valid for testing or development purposes only. To use it for productive or any other purposes please register it. You may purchase the license on
http://www.rtlib.com
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