Go paperless, save money
25 Sep 2018
Is it better to get your bills sent to you in the mailbox, or can you save money with electronic billing?
Bills: we all have to pay them. But how you choose to receive your bills can impact how much they will actually end up costing you.
Utilities providers, telecommunications companies, and financial institutions have increasingly encouraged customers to receive bills and statements electronically either via email or through an app.
To give people an extra incentive to make the switch to electronic bills and statements the organisations often provide them free of charge.
On the other hand, those customers who still prefer to receive a tangible paper bill in their letterbox can find themselves whacked with an additional fee for the privilege.
The fee is supposed to cover the cost of printing the bill and posting it to the customer.
Even where a direct charge for a paper bill is not applied, organisations sometimes reserve their best deals for those who elect to be billed electronically. So those who have not made the switch to electronic billing can lose out in another way.
In recent months the Federal Government and some state governments have been examining the issue of fees for paper bills.
In August last year the Federal Government released a consultation paper into the issue of fees for paper bills. It put forward four alternatives for reducing the impact of fees for paper bills on consumers.
The NSW government banned fees for paper bills from January 1, 2018, but in other states they can still be applied unless the customer is eligible for an exemption.
Consumer Affairs Victoria is now encouraging consumers who need paper bills to contact their service providers and ask whether a fee exemption is applicable in their circumstances.
It says many companies including some banks, energy providers, and telecommunications companies provide exemptions from paper bills for customers who fit certain criteria. These are:
- If they are older Victorians;
- If they are registered for a concession;
- If they receive income support; and
- If they have no access to the internet.
Simon Cohen, director, Consumer Affairs Victoria explains: “Many service providers offer fee exemptions to people who receive paper bills because they do not have an alternative.
“If you want or need a paper bill, contact your service provider and find out what their exemption process is.”
It says any Victorian who is eligible for an exemption, but is having trouble getting their exemption application processed can contact Consumer Affairs Victoria for help.
The fact that consumers have to actually ask organisations for such exemptions can act as a barrier, according to National Seniors.
In its submission responding to the Federal Government’s Fees for Paper Bills consultation paper, it stated: “Current exemption programs appear to be underutilised as it requires consumers to apply directly with businesses.”
If you are currently being charged for a paper bill that you don’t want or need, you can make a switch to electronic billing.
Consumer Affairs Victoria suggests you can contact the company that posts you a bill to ask if they can bill you via email or the company’s app.
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