Energy Australia Refusing to Refund Government Energy Rebate

urzu on 16/07/2024 - 17:04

Hello all,

I'm here seeking advice from other members.

I'm in QLD and left origin towards the end of June 2024 to Energy Australia. A few days later an enticing Origin retention offer came my way and I reverted back to origin on 1/7.

My EA account only shows usage charges for June 2024 and nothing for July but unfortunately the cost of living rebate came into this account rather than origin to the tone of $1075.

I've requested a credit refund but EA have refused with the following email:

Thank you for requesting a credit refund through ‘My Account’.

We received your refund request for $ 1075.00 on your account and noticed that the credit came from Queensland Government Cost of Living Rebate. As the sole purpose of this rebate is to be used on your electricity bills, we’re unable to process the refund as this is non-refundable and can only be applied to your future bills.

Should you have any questions, kindly call us at 133 466 (Monday-Friday, 8am-6.30pm AEST) or email us [email protected]

Im certain the cost of living isn't meant to be bonus change for energy retailers either, and I've emailed back asking for the credit to be sent to my Origin account and am awaiting their response.

Has anyone encountered something similar and have any ideas on how to claim this money or apply it to my current retailer. I cant imagine the government wouldn't have thought people may move to different retailers with part of this credit owing…

Thanks for any advice or response in advance.

Home & Garden Electricity

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Comments

  • Pikaloo on 16/07/2024 - 17:20
    +5

    Customers still have the flexibility to switch retailers for a better deal, even if the rebate has left their account in credit. When switching retailers, any leftover credit will be refunded to the customer as part of the transfer process.

    https://www.queenslandsavers.qld.gov.au/tips-to-save/$1000-off-your-energy-bills

    Just link them this. They probably can't see they you left/disconnected from Energy Australia.

    • BOGOF on 16/07/2024 - 17:25
      +1

      Correct

      Customers still have the flexibility to switch retailers for a better deal, even if the rebate has left their account in credit. When switching retailers, any leftover credit will be refunded to the customer as part of the transfer process.

    • urzu on 16/07/2024 - 17:29

      Thanks for the insight, that's what I was hoping for. I'll have a chat with them through WhatsApp and see if I get a different outcome once I mention I've already ported out.

  • Drakesy on 16/07/2024 - 17:32
    +1

    Throw them under the bus

  • Garry044 on 16/07/2024 - 19:04
    +3

    That'd be the ombusman then

  • leiiv on 16/07/2024 - 20:05

    I think you have to wait until your EA account has been closed.

  • Iwantthebestprice on 16/07/2024 - 21:01

    Once your EA account is closed and the transfer completed to Origin then you can request any credit on the account, you can’t prior to closure as any outstanding fees will be debited from the remaining credit. If your account is closed just reply with the link above should be straight forward, hopefully!

  • Mad Max on 16/07/2024 - 23:00

    As others have said, they will have to refund once your EA account closure is finalised and credit remains.
    Just curious what the enticing Origin retention offer is if you don't mind me asking.

    • Eeples on 17/07/2024 - 03:25

      It could be to the tone of heaps.

    • urzu on 17/07/2024 - 07:10
      +1

      The origin offer is just the 12c uncapped Feed In Tariff deal that only gets offered once you leave origin after being on one of their solar plans. See this post: https://www.ozbargain.com.au/node/689133

  • sandman20104159 on 17/07/2024 - 09:02
    -3

    why would you want to take the cash out when you gotta end up paying it back to them in the end anywyas… i dont understand why people want the money instead of having "free power"?

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