Beware BPay View and Origin

[GetRidOfGreed]

Below is an abridged email sent to Origin in March 2010 from when I moved house.

I received an Origin Bill with a ‘Final Request before Legal Action’ in the mail, demanding final payment with the threat of “instigation of legal action” and “lodged automatically with an external credit reporting agency as a “default””. The document first states “We have not yet received payment for your final account issued on 19 Feb 2010”.

I paid it immediately of course, but this was the first I had heard of the bill. So I asked Origin to try and answer these questions:
1. Please tell me how I was notified on 19 Feb 2010.
2. Explain why my BPAY View – the way I previously received notification of Origin electricity bills was “DEACTIVATED” – this action was NOT taken by me.
3. I do have a change of address registered with Australia Post at my previous address and have received all mail items without issue
4. You were notified in a timely manner of my new address
5. Is a current, new account registered with Origin for electricity supply.
If 5 above is correct, what method is noted with Origin for me to be notified of payment at my new address. I await your response in a timely manner.

Here’s most of what I got back (minus minor and personal details:
“I refer to your email dated the 16 March 2010 regarding your Origin Electricity account. I apologise for the delay in this response. I can confirm that your B-pay view account was deactivated. The de-registration process is automated for Electricity customers for both final billed accounts and customer initiated de-registrations and no user interaction is required. Electricity customers who are moving properties will need to de-register and register again at their internet banking site to receive their bills electronically for the new premises.”

It’s a pity Origin does not make customers aware of this before or when they deregister them for BPAY View – another poor customer service choice from Origin.

My advice: ONLY deal in writing with tem. When I get a call I terminate immediately and DEMAND a written response. I was going to invest in this company - NOT any more!