As of 1 July 2009, there are important changes to the way you receive discounts on your gas, water and electricity bills.
Until now utility bills have contained two amounts:
From 1 July 2009 only one amount will appear on each gas, water and electricity bill. This amount will include any concession you are eligible for.
To make sure the amount on your bill is correct, you need to register your details with your utility company. You do this by phoning the company and giving them the details of your concession card.
Some customers will already be registered but it is important that any eligible customers who are not currently registered do so directly by calling their gas, water and electricity retailers.
What exactly will change in the billing & payment process?
Instead of having your utility bill displaying both the full price and concession price, only one amount will appear on the bill from 1 July 2009. Once you have registered your concession card details with your provider the correct discounted concession total will appear on your bill.
How do I register?
Please contact your energy and water provider directly, to register your concession card details. You only need to do this if the concession amount is not already being deducted from your bill.
Where can I find details to contact my utility provider?
Please refer to your previous bill; the contact details are usually located at the top of the page.
Why have these changes been implemented?
The main purpose is to ensure that only people who have a valid and current concession card receive a concession discount. Once you have registered your concession details, the concession amount will be provided on the bill. This new process makes access to concessions easier for you.
Can I still pay my utility bill at Australia Post and other Payment Channels?
Yes. However, you will not be able to present your concession card to obtain the discount amount. This must be reflected on your bill. You will need to register with your utility provider to receive the concession amount off your next bill.
What if after 1 July 2009 I still have two amounts printed on my bill? Can I still pay at Australia Post if I present my concession card?
Yes. Bills with an issue date prior to 1 July 2009 will still have both amounts printed on them. These bills with both the full amount and the concession amount can be paid at Australia Post outlets up until 1 October 2009.
If a bill has an issue date of 1 July 2009 or onwards and still has both amounts displayed, your discount will still be processed. However from 1 October 2009 no concession discounts will be processed through Australia Post unless you have already registered your concession details with your utility provider.
What if I register my concession after July 1 2009 but my bill comes through with the full price? Am I still entitled to my concession?
Yes you are still entitled to the concession. If this occurs please contact the relevant utility provider.
Once I have registered my concession details with my utility provider how will I know I am receiving the concession amount if only one total is present on my bill?
If you are eligible, all bills will clearly state the concession discount as well as the total savings made.