Electricity Bill usage doesn't seem right? Help!

Hey all,

*Please relocate post if posted in wrong topic*

I recently settled on a an IP on 4th March 2017. I happened to visit the property over the easter long weekend to clean around the house before the new tenant moves in.
Anyway, after checking the mailbox, there was a bill from the energy provider which was not directed to myself, but must've been the previous occupiers of the property. The total due was in excess of $8000 which blew my mind.
The usage graph on the first page of the bill shows that from March 2016 - November 2016, there was no/little usage at all (Must've been vacant). However from Dec 2016 til present (also vacant), there is a massive jump in daily usage (approx 150kWh used daily). The only electrical appliances in the property at the moment is the oven, AC (which are both off) & HWS (which is on offpeak).
I'm very curious as to why there was no usage at all from March 2016 - Nov 2016 but suddenly a massive increase onwards. I understand the property did go through a minor renovation before becoming on the market but i can't see how a few tradies using tools could increase the power consumption that much over a short period of time.

I have no idea on how to resolve this bill as i only settled in March 2017. Any help/advice would be much appreciated!

Thanks in advanced!
Matt

 

Is it an estimated meter reading or actual? It should specify on the bill.

See if the numbers on the bill match the numbers on the meter.

 

Put the letter back in the envelope and write 'Not at this address return to sender' and then post it.

It's not your problem. (Best not to open letters not addressed to you.)

 

Hi @D.T.
It's actual.

Also forgot to mention, the meter was last read on 15 March 2017 and i've noticed during the 'peak next' period (the cheapest rate of the peak periods), there was an increase in energy usage 10,000kWh compared to 1000kWh during 'peak' period.

 

That kind of bill would certainly give someone a shock.

Is it a current bill?

My first reaction to a bill like that would be...watt?

How could they charge me so much?

I'd jump in my Volts wagon (I got rid of the commodore) drive ohm and tell everyone.

 

Request that the meter be tested. Sounds faulty in my book unless your neighbour is pinching your electricity for their hydro setup.

 

Anyway if you activated a new account you arent responsible for the former users use. They do a one-off reading in such cases. Just watch that the start meter reading isnt stuffed up for you too.

 

Hi friendly neighbour have you seen anyone using my power??

 

Have you reconnected the power in your name? (A meter reading after you settled should be in your name and the bill addressed to you.)

That will give an initial reading. Anything prior is not your problem.

If you are using the power connected previous to settlement, I.e., in the name of the previous owner, better sort out your own connection today, otherwise things can get murky.

And, as said, you should not open mail addressed to someone else. If you don't have a forwarding address, simply mark that on the envelope and pop it in the mailing box.
Marg

 

Yes thanks for all your replies!

I called the provider today and they said they had a request from my new tenants who are moving in tomorrow (19/04) so the meter will be read tomorrow and will be billed to the new tenants.

All usage prior will be chased up with the previous owner, quoted from the representative over the phone "it's there problem for not calling us to disconnect the service when they moved out"