ActewAGL don’t often send open letters from their CEO. So here it is:
An open letter from ActewAGL
Wednesday 13 June 2012
In Canberra, we have considerably lower electricity prices than those across the border. At ActewAGL, we are working to ensure this continues into the future and that our services to the community continue to improve.
We know that a rise in electricity prices is never good news for customers – especially 17.74%, or $5.25 per week – and that’s why I want to explain the latest changes in more detail and announce an important initiative we’re taking at ActewAGL to help our customers manage the cost of their energy.
The main reason for this price increase is the introduction of a price on carbon. It accounts for approximately $4.19 of the $5.25 per week increase. In most cases, this increase will be offset by the Government’s Household Assistance Package.
The other main contributor to the price increase is the ongoing need for investment in electricity infrastructure, including upgrading and expanding the electricity network as our city continues to grow.
We also recognise that any increase in living costs can cause concerns. For that reason, we are introducing a service called ActewAGL Assist.
This customer assistance service will operate online, in our storefronts and on the phone. It’s there to help you with any questions you have about energy but, in particular, to help you manage your energy bills. For example, you can find out about ways to even out your energy bills by paying monthly, or discover which energy-saving strategies can save you the most money. If you’re facing real financial difficulty in meeting your electricity costs, you can ask about our Staying Connected program.
While ActewAGL is not a big national company in the energy market I want to assure you that, as a local company with strong links to the community, ActewAGL will always have Canberra’s best interests at heart. Please come to us with all your questions. We’ll do our very best to have the right answers for you.
Michael Costello
Chief Executive Officer
