IT APPEARS there will be no end to the dual billing problems which have left Origin Energy customers angry and distressed.
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After a highly publicised bungled bill of $4815 was sent to a customer in February this year, several frustrated consumers have contacted the
The two bills - one for electricity and another consolidated electricity and gas bill - have both been issued with separate tax invoice numbers, which unwary customers have considered as two separate bills.
When the Advertiser contacted Origin Energy, several explanations were given as to why two bills were being sent out and when the readings for the gas and electricity would be rolled in to one.
A spokeswoman for Origin Energy concluded the problem lies with household meters not working concurrently with their billing system.
"Gas and electricity bills are sent out separately when there is a delay with receiving meter data from network businesses," she said.
"Gas and electricity meters are read separately (and sometimes) data is held back for verification purposes."
She said that Origin Energy would not be changing its billing system.
Some customers had received two bills in the past and depending on when the reading from the metres come through, some customers will continue to receive two bills.
However, the spokeswoman directed customers to itemised pages of their bills to ensure they understood what charges needed to be paid.
"Our bills feature an account summary on the front page," she said.
"If a customer receives their gas and electricity bills separately, the account summary will provide clarification regarding what the amounts are for (what costs relate to the gas and what costs relate to electricity)."
NSW Energy and Water Ombudsman Clare Petre said if customers' bills were in dispute, to only pay the charges they deem correct until a resolution is found.
"Billing investigations may take time to resolve, so try to pay the part of the bill not in dispute," she said.
"Consumers should read their next bills closely to check that any problems haven't occurred again and that the account balance reflects all payments they have made since their previous bill."
If any customers have further questions they can contact Origin Energy on 13 32 56.
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