The Communications, Electrical and Plumbing Union (CEPU) has slammed Tasnetworks latest announcement that customers with 2 rate solar meters installed on their premises have been overcharged by electricity retailer Aurora Energy.
CEPU State Organiser, Todd Lambert described today’s announcement as yet another example of constant mistakes by the state owned electricity provider that are costing Tasmanian electricity customers millions of dollars to repair.
“This follows on from the Sicame fuse replacement debacle wherein some customers homes were damaged by fire and an expensive recall program had to be initiated” Mr Lambert said.
“Following that was the expensive rectification work that needed to be added to the new Aurora billing system that allegedly cost over $30 million dollars to repair”.
Today the CEPU understands that at least 10 000 customers have been overcharged because the manufacturer (acting under direction from Aurora energy at the time) installed the wrong program in selected 2 rate solar meters referred to as Mark 7A’s.
“Our members have informed us that when they are installing them in the field the guys select this pre-determined program.” Mr Lambert said.
As a band aid solution, we are advised that effected customers will receive a $30 check in the mail, whilst Aurora retail and Tasnetworks work out how much will have to be paid back to customers in the form of compensation.
To rub salt into the wound, Tasnetworks employees have been informed that the replacement work will be contracted out, despite Tasnetworks employees claiming that they feel this could easily be added to their current workload “in house”.
“ The CEO that was in charge of the Aurora ship at the time recently walked out with a well-publicised 2 million dollar plus payout, where is the accountability for this stuff at a higher level?” Mr Lambert said. “What is even more astonishing is that in addition to his payout he is also rewarded with being appointed to a role by the Federal Government with oversight of the electricity network nationally”.
“Soon we are will be heading into negotiations with this company and I expect the company will be portraying their front line employees’ wages as the reason Tasmanian electricity bills are so high, when in truth, this isn’t the case at all”.
State Organiser Todd Lambert, CEPU Tasmania
