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The Guardian - AU
The Guardian - AU
National
Adeshola Ore

Energy bills: average Victorian seeking help over debts to utility companies owes $2,459, report finds

Victoria Consumer Action Law Centre
A report by the Consumer Action Law Centre found people calling in Victoria about energy debt were more likely to be women, single parents, rent their home and speak a language other than English at home.
A report by the Consumer Action Law Centre found people calling in Victoria about energy debt were more likely to be women, single parents, rent their home and speak a language other than English at home. Photograph: Brendan Esposito/AAP

Victorians seeking help with their struggle to pay for electricity have seen their average energy bill debts blow out to almost $2,500 – an increase of nearly $750 since 2021, a new report has found.

The Consumer Action Law Centre report, published on Thursday, found issues with energy companies not informing households of financial hardship entitlements and pressuring them into committing to unaffordable payment plans.

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