People power to tackle rising energy bills
Victorian communities are banding together to beat the big energy retailers as power bills skyrocket.
With winter on the way, the rising cost of power is sending shivers down the spines of many Victorians.
But communities are standing up to the big power companies and winning.
Around 610 households in Barwon Heads and Ocean Grove approached major energy retailers as a single group recently and secured an electricity rate 18 per cent cheaper than what was advertised - saving hundreds of dollars in the process.
The 'bulk-buying' method is becoming more popular as Victorians look for ways to cut rapidly rising bills.
Over the last three years, power bills have jumped by as much as 60 per cent, with homeowners facing increases of between $25 and $180 this winter.
The Consumer Action Law Centre warns residents to be wary of door-to-door salespeople offering cheap contracts where the price may initially be lower, but there's often a sting in the tail.
Victorians can now sign up on the Do Not Knock website and an email will be sent to stop energy companies harassing you at home.
For more details on how to purchase your power as a group visit the following websites:
