There are a number of requests that always seem to come up when people are dealing with Electricity and Gas, to make things easier for you (and us) , we have created a list of these questions and answers.
Understanding Energy Jargon
Changing Your Energy Retailer
Your Dodo Power & Gas Bill
High Bills
Paying Your Bill
Concessions and Rebates
Faults and Emergencies
Feedback and Complaints
Understanding Energy Jargon
Your National Meter Identifier (NMI) is a unique number that is assigned to each premise and links your electricity meter with your premise. All energy retailers must include the NMI on their electricity bill.
Your energy charges are the charges for the actual gas or electricity that you consume.
Non-Energy Charges cover other costs relating to the supply of gas or electricity. We pay these charges on your behalf.
These costs include the physical "delivery" of gas or electricity to your premises - often referred to as the Network Tariff. All Non-Energy Charges are either imposed by, or are controlled and regulated by government, a regulator, or network distributor.
For electricity, the service to property charge may cover part of the provision and maintenance of the meters, poles, wires and billing and some retail operating costs. It is applicable to each electricity account.
For gas, customers are charged a supply charge which may cover part of the cost of maintaining and extending the gas distribution network e.g., transmission pipes, gas mains, and some retail operating costs.
A Pay on Time Discount, is a discount on Market contracts that is provided, where your bill is paid by the due date.
The amount of the Pay on Time Discount will be shown on Your Bill (if applicable), along with the Date that the bill must be paid by in order for the Discount to be applied.
Dodo Power & Gas's Pay on Time Discount is applied to the usage component of the Bill, after any applicable concessions have been deducted.
Electricity is lost in the course of transmission from the generator to your site. In simple terms, the further electricity has to travel from the generators, along transmission and distribution lines, to your site, the more electricity needs to be transmitted to compensate for this loss.
The calculation that determines how much customers pay for this are called loss factors. Loss factors for your geographical area remain the same regardless of which retailer you choose.
Energy is measured as follows:
Gas Energy Units:
Electricity Energy Units:
Changing Your Energy Retailer
Some States have introduced full retail competition (FRC). In states where FRC has been introduced between different energy suppliers, you can purchase your gas and electricity from the licensed energy retailer of your choice.
A distributor is responsible for maintaining and operating gas pipes or electricity poles and wiring within a specific geographical location. Because of this, you are unable to change your distributor unless you move to another area.
When you change retailers, your gas, and electricity continues to be supplied through your current distributor's gas pipes and electricity poles and wires. Because it is the distributor who is responsible for the quality of your supply, there won't be any change.
Market contract
A market contract is a contract negotiated between you and a retailer. Unlike a deemed or standing offer contracts, the Essential Services Commission does not oversee the terms and conditions, and the prices do not have to be published by the retailer. Market contracts may have a fixed term (generally between one and three years).
Standing Offer contract
This is a contract where the contract terms are approved by the Essential Services Commission and at prices that are periodically published by each retailer and are available on their websites. Standing Offer contracts must be offered to you by the retailer who is Financially Responsible for the energy supplied to the meter, where you do not want to have a Market contract with a retailer of your choice.
If you do not know who is responsible is for your meter, you can call your distributor, who is able to determine which retailer is responsible.
Deemed contract
This is the type of contract you will be on if move into a premises, start consuming energy, and do not enter into a specific contract with a retailer. A deemed contract will be between you and the retailer who is Financially Responsible for the meter at the premise
Deemed and Standing Contracts have Terms and Conditions that are approved by the Essential Services Commission and prices that are periodically published by each retailer and are available on their websites.
Dual fuel contract
Dual fuel contracts are a special type of market contract where you buy your gas and electricity from one retailer and your billing cycles for gas and electricity are synchronised. Dodo Power & Gas does not offer dual fuel contracts.
You reasons for choosing a particular supplier can be varied but there are some important factors to consider.
Rates/Tariffs/Prices.
Your gas or electricity bill is calculated using several different components. These include distribution charges, regulated market charges, supply charges and GST as well as the cost of the energy used. When you compare different rates it is important you take into account all aspects of your bill.
Payment options
Do the payment options the retailer offers suit your financial situation.
Service
With today's fast paced lifestyle you want to know you are going to receive good service no matter whom you are dealing with. You need to know you will get a fast, reliable response when you have a question, or want advice or information.
Other Considerations
Some of the other things to look for when comparing energy offers are any early termination or exit fees that may apply, and any other discounts, charges and services which will be included in the market contract
You can arrange your transfer by calling our Contact Centre 13 BIRD, our friendly sales staff will not only organise your gas or electricity connection they can also discuss your internet and telecommunication needs.
Please have the full address of your premise, identification, such as your driver's licence number, at least one contact phone number available and have your energy bills handy
You can also complete an online sign up form and our Customer Service team will promptly action your request
To use our online sign up page click here insert hyperlink
No. You will not have to install a new meter, even if you change retailer.
You can arrange connection by calling our Contact Centre 13 BIRD, our friendly sales staff will not only organise your gas or electricity connection they can also discuss your internet and telecommunication needs.
Please have the full address of your new premises, identification, such as your driver's licence number, and at least one contact phone number available. Make sure you give at least two business days notice to allow us time to organise your connection.
You are able to finalise your account by calling our Contact Centre on 13- BIRD (13- 24-73), please try to give at least three business days notice. When you call, have your current account number and full address of the premises you are moving to available.
If you change your mind after entering into a contract you can change your mind without penalty for a certain period after you have entered the contract (called "cooling off"). Generally, you have 10 days to cancel a market contract, without incurring any fees or charges.
If you cancel a market contract within this "cooling-off" period, you will continue to be charged for the energy you use under the terms of your existing energy contract.
Your Dodo Power & Gas Bill
Dodo Power & Gas will send you an email letting you know your bill is available to be viewed using our account management system.
If you wish to receive a printed bill in the mail, there is a charge of $1.10 per bill charged quarterly for electricity bills and $1.10 per bill charged bimonthly for gas bills.
Yes, your gas and electricity charges are subject to GST. However, if there are any debits or credits on your bill that do not include GST, we will highlight these items should they occur.
There are many reasons why your electricity bill could be higher than you expected. These can all impact on your electricity consumption or reading and add up to a higher bill than expected.
As a retailer, Dodo Power & Gas does not read your meter; we rely on the relevant network distributors for meter readings. Once your meter is read we will use the information to calculate your bill.
The meter reader will endeavour to read your meter on the scheduled date. However, in some cases a meter reading cannot be obtained so instead of an actual meter reading, we will receive an estimated reading. There are strict rules and guidelines that govern how and when your bills may be estimated.
Bills are normally estimated because the meter reader could not get to your meter. Possible reasons why your meter could not be read, resulting in an estimated bill includes:
The meter is inside and there was nobody available to give access when the meter reader tried to read your meter.
Locked gate
The meter is behind a locked gate and there was nobody home when the meter reader tried to access your meter.
Blocked access
There may have been an obstruction preventing the reader getting to the meter (e.g. garden waste).
Dog
The meter reader feels threatened by a dog, which prevents the reader getting to the meter. Keep in mind it is not that your dog may have a good or bad temperament, but whether the reader feels their personal safety may be at risk.
Legally, you are required to maintain clear access to the meters on your premises.
If you have received an estimated bill you can check your current meter reading (call us if you need help with this) and compare it with the estimated reading on your bill. You may find the estimated bill is in line with the current reading.
If you are unhappy with the estimated bill then a special meter reading can be requested at a charge. Based on this reading, any difference can be reconciled to ensure that you pay for no more than the energy you have actually consumed over the billing period. Or you can wait until your next bill where a meter reading will reconcile your consumption on the next bill, ensuring you only pay for the energy you have actually used.
If you want to arrange a special reading to correct an estimated bill or to check a current reading, then call our Contact Centre on 13- BIRD (13- 24-73). We would be happy to arrange an appointment for a special meter reading at your premises. This can take place anytime during business hours, Monday to Friday. Appointment dates and times are set by your distributor so we may not be able to accommodate all requested timeframes.
Please contact 13- BIRD (13- 24-73) (from 8am to 6pm AEST Monday to Friday) to arrange a convenient time to allow us access to your meter.
Please be advised there is a fee associated with this type of reading.
High Bills
There are many reasons why your gas or electricity bill could be higher than you expected. There are a few questions you can ask yourself, which help you investigate why your bill is higher than expected.
Increased consumption
Correct comparisons
Actual vs. Estimated Meter Reads
Options:
If you feel the meter has not been read accurately, we recommend the following options:
Paying Your Bill
Dodo Power & Gas understands that paying your accounts in one payment can at times be a drain on finances. With this in mind, Dodo Power & Gas will make monthly instalment deductions from your bank account or credit card to minimise the balance you need to pay each time a bill is issued.
When you agree to a market contract with Dodo Power & Gas, you also agree to pay monthly instalments by direct debit from your bank account or credit card. We will estimate your instalments based on your previous bills or based on some simple questions if you do not have a billing history at your property
Any defaulted payments will result in a dishonour fee being charged to your account, if you know there will be insufficient funds in your account, you may cancel the direct debit payment by calling us at least three business days before the due date.
If you don't agree with the amount of the settlement payment then let us know at least three business days before the payment is due to be processed and we will not debit the disputed amount to your account until it has been resolved. However, we may ask you to pay any undisputed amounts.
Yes, you can cancel your direct debit agreement by calling or writing to notify us at least three business days prior to your next payment date. If you cancel your direct debit agreement, you will need to organise a new way of paying your instalments in line with your market contract.
If at any time you wish to change your bank or personal details, please advise us as soon as possible before your next payment date.
Please call our Contact Centre on 13- BIRD (13- 24-73) before the due date of your next account or instalment to discuss our range of options to help you pay your account.
Concessions and Rebates
There are various state government concessions and rebates available to help low income earners manage their energy accounts. The concession or rebate which you can apply for, and the eligibility requirements, depends upon which state you live in.
Click here for more information about Victorian concessions
If you would like to confirm if you are eligible for a concession or rebate then call our Contact Centre on 13- BIRD (13- 24-73).
Faults and Emergencies
If your supply is disrupted or interrupted or you are experiencing any type of fault or failure, you should contact the faults number on your bill. If you cannot find that number then call us on 13- BIRD (13- 24-73) and we will transfer you to your distributor. If you call outside our business hours of 8am-6pm you will be transferred to the National Response Centre.
Click here to go to the Victorian Distributor information page.
Feedback and Complaints
If you have a complaint relating to our service, please contact us and we will respond quickly and work to satisfy your concerns. Click here contact us hyperlink to submit an online form.
Dodo Power & Gas aims to resolve all telephone enquiries and complaints at the initial contact stage. If we are unable to do so, we will notify you immediately and advise you when the matter is resolved. All written enquiries are answered within five business days.
If you feel the matter has not been satisfactorily resolved, please request to have your complaint referred to a higher level. If you still believe that your enquiry has not been satisfactorily resolved, you can contact the ombudsman in your state;