Victorians struggling to pay gas and electricity bills will be entitled to more help to prevent debt and disconnection under new rules for energy retailers.
Flexible payment options, lower tariffs and a six-month debt payment “hold” for people who have missed paying their energy bills are part of changes announced by the Essential Services Commission on Tuesday.
Retailers who break the rules can be forced to pay $500 a day to wrongfully disconnected customers and face a $5000 fine.
“The new rules raise the bar for what energy retailers must do to help customers who are struggling to keep on top of their energy bills,” chair Ron Ben-David said.
Up to 13,500 Victorian households were disconnected for non-payment between Apri…
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