Independent Member for Alfred Cove Dr Janet Woollard is advising the community to be wary of variations in their electricity charges due to estimated meter readings by Synergy.

“Many constituents have been caught with higher electricity bills probably because their accounts had previously been estimated,” said Dr Woollard.

“Under the Code of Conduct for the Supply of Electricity to Small Use Customers, electricity retailers such as Synergy are allowed to estimate meter readings. Then when the meter is actually read, they make an adjustment to take into account any differences from when the bills were estimated.”

Dr Woollard said the adjustment could lead to what appears to be higher bills because previous estimates were lower than actual electricity usage.

Dr Woollard added that higher bills could also be due to increases in electricity retail tariffs last year. Home electricity tariffs increased by 10 per cent in April and 15 per cent in July.

“Constituents should still be aware of the provision allowing the estimation of electricity bills, particularly during summer when electricity usage is higher. They could face larger electricity bills later,” said Dr Woollard.

“If constituents are concerned their bills do not reflect their electricity usage, they should contact Synergy on 13 13 53 and have their bills reviewed.

“A meter test can also be requested, at a cost, to check that the meter is measuring electricity usage accurately. The meter test fee would be returned if a fault is found with the meter, which would then be replaced by Synergy.”

Dr Woollard added Synergy can also provide information on how consumers can check their account and energy usage at anytime online. Further information on how customers could reduce their electricity bill is available on www.synergy.net.au/at_home/reduce_bill.xhtml.

“People unable to access the internet can contact my office on 9316 1377 to have energy saving information forwarded to them,” said Dr Woollard.