Hi Folks,
I have deliberately waited until I got a response from Origin Energy regarding a complaint I put into the Energy 'Ombudsman' -
Well, as usual, the response to my complaint from Origin Energy was a convoluted reply to only half of the issues, with the main issue being about their collections behaviour PRIOR TO A REVISED DUE DATE.
Originally when I wrote to Origin Energy concerning a large bill I received, that was revised down without explanation, I clearly stated that I was in financial distress. According to their own hardship policy, that should have triggered a referral to their hardship team - which did not happen. Clearly ORIGIN ENERGY IS INTERESTED IN SQUEEZING MONEY OUT OF IT'S CUSTOMERS REGARDLESS OF THE LAW AND THEIR OWN POLICY! Cheap words that make it look good on paper and in the media, but something they never follow through with.
An element of my complaint concerned access to my information. Well, low and behold they actually sent me a call recording, BUT NEGLECTED TO PROVIDE ACCESS TO ALL THE OTHER INFORMAITION I HAVE REQUESTED. Mmmmmm talk about doing things in secrecy and avoiding any accountability hey?
The other thing they 'added in' to make it look good for themselves, is a THANKYOU for my agreeing to provide them additional time to investigate my complaint.
WELL, THIS IS A BIG FAT LIE designed to make themselves look good to the Energy 'Ombudsman'. I never agreed to any extension of time, and in fact deliberately wrote to them not agreeing to it!
If I were dealing with a person exhibiting these characteristics and behaviours, I would be thinking I'm dealing with a sociopath!
It appears that in a similar way to Banks, Energy Companies have become experts at gas lighting, and manipulating responses to make themselves look good when in fact the customer has a legitimate complaint.
Next stage is to follow through with my complaint with the Office of the Australian Informaiton Commissioner, I do not expect any joy from the so-called Energy 'Ombudsman' which is NOT an Ombudsman but rather an INSDUSTRY FUNDED DISPUTE RESOLUTION SERVICE.
In the mean time, can I ask a huge favour of you all. I know I keep asking, but this issue IS important, especially with an upcoming State election. Can you copy the link to the petition and paste it to your social media links, send it to your friends and family, and associates, so we can get this petition up to a level where politicians will take some notice.
Take care all, and I sincerely hope your electricity bills will not be too high this winter...