Pensioner forces company to rethink gas refill charge

A West Auckland pensioner has forced one of New Zealand's largest power companies to review the way it charges customers for gas bottle refills.

Henderson sickness beneficiary Bart Lear this week told the Commerce Commission that he was shocked to be charged the full price of $26 to fill up his 9kg LPG bottles - despite the fact the bottles were not empty.

The 67-year-old, who relies on gas to heat his home, said he returned to Rockgas Henderson and complained.

"I said, 'That's wrong - that was one half-full and one quarter-full and they've charged us for the two bottles."

"[The staff member] said: 'We don't care how much you've got in it. We charge for the full bottle'."

Contact Energy spokesman Jonathan Hill said last night that the "flat rate" pricing system had been in place since before the company bought Rockgas a couple of years ago.

"A number of service stations also use this system - it's fairly common. This approach complies with all legal requirements. It also removes the scope for potential error and is quicker for the customer.

"The system of charging a flat rate of $26 for a 9kg cylinder fill represents good value if a cylinder is empty or close to empty.

"For example, if a 9kg cylinder is filled from empty, based on weight and charged on the cost of the product the cost could be around $33.

"This system of charging for 9kg bottles has been in place for many years, but there may be a better way of undertaking this task that addresses the customer's concerns."

Mr Hill said the company was reviewing the system.

However, Consumer adviser Paul Doocey said the pricing system could breach the Fair Trading Act.

A Commerce Commission spokeswoman said more information was needed from Mr Lear before a decision was made on whether the complaint warranted further investigation.