Australians were ‘forced to pay' for solar farms through ‘hidden' electricity charges
IPA Research Fellow Mia Schlicht has confirmed Australian consumers were being slugged with hundreds of millions of dollars to prop up foreign-owned solar farms through hidden charges on their power bills.
'Australians were being forced to pay over a billion dollars on hidden charges on their electricity bills to prop up unreliable wind farms,' Ms Schlicht told Sky News host Peta Credlin.
'In 2024 alone, Australian electricity consumers were forced to pay $659 million to solar farms through hidden charges on their electricity bills.
'72 per cent of those are foreign-owned.'
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Canberra Times
20 minutes ago
- Canberra Times
What the Federal Government's solar rebates mean and how to cut your power bills
WATCH: Where Aussie Airbnb hosts earn THE MOST | | 7NEWS The Federal Government's new solar battery rebate, announced as part of the 2025 Budget, is an important piece of the puzzle that is Australia's energy transition and quest for Net Zero by 2050. While one in three Australian homes currently have solar panels, shockingly, only one in forty is equipped with a battery. That's about to change. Slimline batteries are unobtrusive and blend into your home. Pic Solar Battery Group From 01 July, the new scheme gives eligible households across Australia a 30 per cent upfront discount on solar batteries, unlocking long-term power bill savings, helping to reduce grid pressure, and supporting the country's carbon-neutral mission. But, what does the rebate really mean for Australian homeowners and how does the scheme fit into the bigger picture? To find out, View reporter Jessica Agoston Cleary did a deep dive into the research and talked to the chief executive officer (CEO) of Solar Battery Group, James Hetherington. As the man in charge of the largest solar battery provider in Australia, Hetherington is not only an expert on the topic, he's also firmly committed to making energy sustainable and affordable. Here's what you need to know. How much could you save? The new scheme "is a win for family budgets and for the country's energy transition," Mr Hetherington says. "The savings are significant. A family with a 5kW solar system and a 10kWh battery can trim grid usage by about 60 to 80 per cent. At today's tariffs, that's roughly $2,300 a year." What's equally as impressive is that the benefit appears from the very first quarterly bill - provided usage habits remain consistent. These savings go beyond reductions in your power bill. Having lower energy costs translates into an increase in disposable income, which is always a good thing in today's economy. According to an LBL report, even a $100 drop in annual energy costs leads to a 2.3 per cent drop in mortgage default odds. How does the rebate work? Unlike state-based schemes, the Federal Government's rebate applies at the point of sale. . "From 1 July 2025 the accredited installer applies the 30 per cent Federal discount; you see the price reduction on your invoice and the installer later redeems the value," Mr Hetherington says. This makes it simpler and more immediate than many state incentives, which typically provide fixed rebates or interest-free loans after installation. The Federal solar scheme is national, uncapped, and percentage-based, with a one batter per household limit. Can I combine it with state incentives? The short answer that we all want to hear is yes! "The Commonwealth has designed the new rebate to be 'stackable'," Mr Hetherington confirms. "In Victoria, New South Wales or Western Australia, for example, you may add the 30 per cent discount to your state rebate or loan, provided the combined support does not exceed the installed cost." It's important to note that while the battery rebate scheme is 'stackable', the other available incentives and schemes vary from state to state. To find out more about how to maximise your savings visit your state government website. Against natural timber cladding the batteries may stand out more but theyre part of sustainable design choices. Pic Solar Battery Group Who's eligible - and what are the common traps? Eligibility for the scheme is broad, with owner-occupiers, landlords and small businesses connected to the grid able to access the rebate, as long as they install an approved battery between 5kWh and 100kWh with a Clean Energy Council-accredited installer. As with any new government scheme, there are a few misconceptions floating around. "Retrospective claims on existing batteries are not allowed," Mr Hetherington cautions. He also points out that "taking the Federal rebate does not cancel your state incentive." What are people asking - and what should they be asking? Since the announcement, Solar Battery Group has seen inquiries triple. Most callers want to know how cheap a battery can be. But Hetherington says the better questions to ask are: "What is my evening usage profile? What is the warranty of batteries? Can the system join a virtual power plant?" For those new to the solar conversation, a virtual power plant (VPP) probably sounds more like science fiction than reality. However, there are numerous VPP's around the country. In Victoria, for example, more than 700,000 households use solar energy. Essentially, a VPP creates a microgrid. By connecting individual household batteries in an energy-sharing network, small amounts of surplus energy are fed back into the network for use by others in the community. This not only helps balance out supply and demand on the electricity grid, it also reduces individual power bills as you can even be paid for your contribution. WATCH: What is a Virtual Power Plant (VPP)? | Solar Victoria Asking the questions Mr etherington suggested, together with finding out if your community has a VPP, will help to determine the real-world performance and revenue potential of your solar energy system. What kind of system does a typical home need? The right size depends on your night-time energy usage and the capacity of your solar panels. The most important factor is that your battery is able to store every kilowatt of precious energy your solar panels generate so that none of it gets lost. "Most families would require a 10kWh unit, which after the rebate, allows us to bring our prices down to $5,000," Mr Hetherington says. Solar Battery Group's batteries feature integrated smart technology to monitor usage, and their team of dedicated agents are available to help homeowners understand and optimise their systems. There are also a number of great resources and tips for optimising your solar energy system at Smaller batterys can be easily mounted to any external wall. Pic Solar Battery Group When will I break even? As with anything to do with property, return on investment (ROI) is always top of mind, and thanks to the rebate, payback periods have shortened dramatically. "Most households can expect a return on investment in three to four years," Mr Hetherington says. "Well within the 10-year product warranty and well before the battery's 15-year expected lifespan." How can I check I'm not being misled? "Make sure you do your research," Mr Hetherington says. "Start by understanding your power consumption and current solar generation. Then check the Clean Energy Council approved suppliers and products list and speak to a certified installer." Once again, has some excellent guides and resources about making the switch to solar. From installation, maintenance, figuring out what size system you need, to estimating your cost savings. Beyond bills: what else can a battery do for me? The benefits of having a solar battery storage system go well beyond cutting costs. "Black-out resilience, the ability to join virtual power plants and earn credits, readiness for EV charging, higher property value, and a lower carbon footprint," Mr Hetherington says. "It also eases peak-demand pressure on the grid." As already noted, energy-efficient homes command a premium sale price, which is music to any property owner's ears. But, there are far greater benefits to owning and living in an energy efficient, sustainable home. As noted on prefab modular home website Ecolive, "A sustainable energy efficient home provides lifestyle benefits, such as cross-ventilation, north-facing orientation, heat recovery ventilation, and solar panels." Track usage and monitor savings digitally. Pic Solar Battery Group Is now the right time to act? There are two ways to look at answering this question. On a larger, macro level, as part of the Paris Agreement, Australia has set itself the goal of being Net Zero by 2050. As stated by the Australian Government Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water, "A strong Australian contribution to emissions reduction helps in the global effort to reduce major environmental, health and economic risks from the dangerous effects of climate change. This global effort is essential to protecting Australia from the worst climate impacts." You might be thinking 'I'm all for playing my part, but what impact will transitioning to solar really have in the grand scheme of things?" You'd be surprised. On a micro level, the impact of individual household choices has a significant part to play. "Residential buildings are responsible for around 24 per cent of overall electricity use and more than 10 per cent of total carbon emissions in Australia." The time to act is now, and there is no time like the present - especially when it comes to climate change and taking full advantage of government incentives. "Early adopters capture the full 30 per cent discount; the percentage tapers down each year to 2030," Mr Hetherington says. With 2050 just 25 years away, winter bills looming and installer demand set to spike, getting your ducks in a row - such as working out your energy needs and doing your due diligence on installers - will put you in the perfect position to maximise savings and realise the multifaceted ROI benefits as soon as July first arrives.
The Advertiser
38 minutes ago
- The Advertiser
2026 JAC T9 PHEV Australian Edition dual-cab ute unveiled
What may be the Australian-spec 2026 JAC T9 PHEV dual-cab ute has made its public debut at the 2025 Greater Bay Area motor show in Shenzen, China as one of six new JAC vehicles planned for local showrooms. The JAC Hunter PHEV shown in these images from Car News China will be badged T9 in Australia, joining the current diesel-powered ute on sale here since January 2025. It will give JAC a direct competitor to the BYD Shark 6, GWM Cannon Alpha and Ford Ranger PHEV dual-cab utes when it launches here in early 2026. Hundreds of new car deals are available through CarExpert right now. Get the experts on your side and score a great deal. Browse now. The T9/Hunter PHEV was already revealed earlier this year, though the vehicle showed off at the Melbourne motor show had quite a different look with all-terrain tyres, black wheels and a black sports bar. This Australian Edition revealed in China, in contrast, features 18-inch 'aerodynamic' alloy wheels running all-season tyres, like the battery-electric version of the T9. There's also blue badging, while the front tow hooks appear to have been removed and the sports bar appears to have a chrome finish. It's unclear whether local-spec T9 PHEVs will look more like the Chinese show car or the Melbourne show car, or if we'll get the option of both looks. The T9 PHEV is powered by a 160kW 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol engine with a 130kW front axle and 150kW rear axle motor providing all-wheel drive. Combined output is a 385kW and a hefty 1000Nm with a 715kg payload – against the diesel T9's 1045kg – and braked towing rating of 3500kg to outmuscle the diesel versions' 3200kg rating. The 31.2kWh lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery provides a claimed 100km of electric driving – more than the Ford Ranger PHEV's 49km and identical to the BYD Shark 6's range. The ute also has vehicle-to-load (V2L) charging capability so it can power electrical appliances. The interior sees a new four-spoke steering wheel design in place of the two-spoke wheel seen diesel versions in local showrooms, with a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster and 10.4-inch centre screen. A long-wheelbase version sold overseas increases the standard 5330mm length by 290mm but won't be offered here. Pricing and full specs have yet to be announced for the T9 PHEV, with this information likely to be announced closer to its early 2026 launch. The T9 EV also shown in Melbourne in April has not yet been locked in for an Australian on-sale. The T9 PHEV will be joined in Australian showrooms, however, by a raft of new JAC models, including a ladder-frame SUV due by the end of 2026 to take on the Ranger-based Ford Everest as well as the Toyota Prado. Content originally sourced from: What may be the Australian-spec 2026 JAC T9 PHEV dual-cab ute has made its public debut at the 2025 Greater Bay Area motor show in Shenzen, China as one of six new JAC vehicles planned for local showrooms. The JAC Hunter PHEV shown in these images from Car News China will be badged T9 in Australia, joining the current diesel-powered ute on sale here since January 2025. It will give JAC a direct competitor to the BYD Shark 6, GWM Cannon Alpha and Ford Ranger PHEV dual-cab utes when it launches here in early 2026. Hundreds of new car deals are available through CarExpert right now. Get the experts on your side and score a great deal. Browse now. The T9/Hunter PHEV was already revealed earlier this year, though the vehicle showed off at the Melbourne motor show had quite a different look with all-terrain tyres, black wheels and a black sports bar. This Australian Edition revealed in China, in contrast, features 18-inch 'aerodynamic' alloy wheels running all-season tyres, like the battery-electric version of the T9. There's also blue badging, while the front tow hooks appear to have been removed and the sports bar appears to have a chrome finish. It's unclear whether local-spec T9 PHEVs will look more like the Chinese show car or the Melbourne show car, or if we'll get the option of both looks. The T9 PHEV is powered by a 160kW 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol engine with a 130kW front axle and 150kW rear axle motor providing all-wheel drive. Combined output is a 385kW and a hefty 1000Nm with a 715kg payload – against the diesel T9's 1045kg – and braked towing rating of 3500kg to outmuscle the diesel versions' 3200kg rating. The 31.2kWh lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery provides a claimed 100km of electric driving – more than the Ford Ranger PHEV's 49km and identical to the BYD Shark 6's range. The ute also has vehicle-to-load (V2L) charging capability so it can power electrical appliances. The interior sees a new four-spoke steering wheel design in place of the two-spoke wheel seen diesel versions in local showrooms, with a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster and 10.4-inch centre screen. A long-wheelbase version sold overseas increases the standard 5330mm length by 290mm but won't be offered here. Pricing and full specs have yet to be announced for the T9 PHEV, with this information likely to be announced closer to its early 2026 launch. The T9 EV also shown in Melbourne in April has not yet been locked in for an Australian on-sale. The T9 PHEV will be joined in Australian showrooms, however, by a raft of new JAC models, including a ladder-frame SUV due by the end of 2026 to take on the Ranger-based Ford Everest as well as the Toyota Prado. Content originally sourced from: What may be the Australian-spec 2026 JAC T9 PHEV dual-cab ute has made its public debut at the 2025 Greater Bay Area motor show in Shenzen, China as one of six new JAC vehicles planned for local showrooms. The JAC Hunter PHEV shown in these images from Car News China will be badged T9 in Australia, joining the current diesel-powered ute on sale here since January 2025. It will give JAC a direct competitor to the BYD Shark 6, GWM Cannon Alpha and Ford Ranger PHEV dual-cab utes when it launches here in early 2026. Hundreds of new car deals are available through CarExpert right now. Get the experts on your side and score a great deal. Browse now. The T9/Hunter PHEV was already revealed earlier this year, though the vehicle showed off at the Melbourne motor show had quite a different look with all-terrain tyres, black wheels and a black sports bar. This Australian Edition revealed in China, in contrast, features 18-inch 'aerodynamic' alloy wheels running all-season tyres, like the battery-electric version of the T9. There's also blue badging, while the front tow hooks appear to have been removed and the sports bar appears to have a chrome finish. It's unclear whether local-spec T9 PHEVs will look more like the Chinese show car or the Melbourne show car, or if we'll get the option of both looks. The T9 PHEV is powered by a 160kW 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol engine with a 130kW front axle and 150kW rear axle motor providing all-wheel drive. Combined output is a 385kW and a hefty 1000Nm with a 715kg payload – against the diesel T9's 1045kg – and braked towing rating of 3500kg to outmuscle the diesel versions' 3200kg rating. The 31.2kWh lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery provides a claimed 100km of electric driving – more than the Ford Ranger PHEV's 49km and identical to the BYD Shark 6's range. The ute also has vehicle-to-load (V2L) charging capability so it can power electrical appliances. The interior sees a new four-spoke steering wheel design in place of the two-spoke wheel seen diesel versions in local showrooms, with a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster and 10.4-inch centre screen. A long-wheelbase version sold overseas increases the standard 5330mm length by 290mm but won't be offered here. Pricing and full specs have yet to be announced for the T9 PHEV, with this information likely to be announced closer to its early 2026 launch. The T9 EV also shown in Melbourne in April has not yet been locked in for an Australian on-sale. The T9 PHEV will be joined in Australian showrooms, however, by a raft of new JAC models, including a ladder-frame SUV due by the end of 2026 to take on the Ranger-based Ford Everest as well as the Toyota Prado. Content originally sourced from: What may be the Australian-spec 2026 JAC T9 PHEV dual-cab ute has made its public debut at the 2025 Greater Bay Area motor show in Shenzen, China as one of six new JAC vehicles planned for local showrooms. The JAC Hunter PHEV shown in these images from Car News China will be badged T9 in Australia, joining the current diesel-powered ute on sale here since January 2025. It will give JAC a direct competitor to the BYD Shark 6, GWM Cannon Alpha and Ford Ranger PHEV dual-cab utes when it launches here in early 2026. Hundreds of new car deals are available through CarExpert right now. Get the experts on your side and score a great deal. Browse now. The T9/Hunter PHEV was already revealed earlier this year, though the vehicle showed off at the Melbourne motor show had quite a different look with all-terrain tyres, black wheels and a black sports bar. This Australian Edition revealed in China, in contrast, features 18-inch 'aerodynamic' alloy wheels running all-season tyres, like the battery-electric version of the T9. There's also blue badging, while the front tow hooks appear to have been removed and the sports bar appears to have a chrome finish. It's unclear whether local-spec T9 PHEVs will look more like the Chinese show car or the Melbourne show car, or if we'll get the option of both looks. The T9 PHEV is powered by a 160kW 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol engine with a 130kW front axle and 150kW rear axle motor providing all-wheel drive. Combined output is a 385kW and a hefty 1000Nm with a 715kg payload – against the diesel T9's 1045kg – and braked towing rating of 3500kg to outmuscle the diesel versions' 3200kg rating. The 31.2kWh lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery provides a claimed 100km of electric driving – more than the Ford Ranger PHEV's 49km and identical to the BYD Shark 6's range. The ute also has vehicle-to-load (V2L) charging capability so it can power electrical appliances. The interior sees a new four-spoke steering wheel design in place of the two-spoke wheel seen diesel versions in local showrooms, with a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster and 10.4-inch centre screen. A long-wheelbase version sold overseas increases the standard 5330mm length by 290mm but won't be offered here. Pricing and full specs have yet to be announced for the T9 PHEV, with this information likely to be announced closer to its early 2026 launch. The T9 EV also shown in Melbourne in April has not yet been locked in for an Australian on-sale. The T9 PHEV will be joined in Australian showrooms, however, by a raft of new JAC models, including a ladder-frame SUV due by the end of 2026 to take on the Ranger-based Ford Everest as well as the Toyota Prado. Content originally sourced from:
The Advertiser
38 minutes ago
- The Advertiser
Dating site accused of catfishing users with 'free' use
A popular dating website is accused of catfishing users with misleading claims about costs to use its service and cancellation options. The Australian Consumer and Competition Commission alleges US-based eHarmony breached consumer law by misleading customers about pricing, renewal, and the duration of memberships since at least 2019. People who sign up for free subscriptions can complete an 80-question compatibility quiz, but can only see blurred profile photos of other members and cannot engage in ongoing communication, the ACCC claims. The only options free members have are liking other profiles, receiving and sending a single reply to a premium member, using the "icebreaker feature", and sending a virtual smiley. This is despite the company advertising itself as a "free dating" platform across five of its webpages, ACCC barrister Oren Bigos told the Federal Court. He referred to headings on eHarmony's website which read, "Free dating site for Australian singles", "free dating site in Australia, eHarmony is your best choice", "Go beyond simple swipes with our free dating experience", and an orange button which read "join free today". "What was available free of charge on the basic membership is a very limited service and ability to interact with other members," Dr Bigos said on Monday. eHarmony's barrister Michael Hodge said of those six pages relied by the ACCC, four were different versions of the same page. When customers signed up for premium memberships, they are given a false impression that the paid period is for six, 12 or 24 months, the watchdog alleges. Unsuspecting users were caught off guard when their subscriptions automatically renewed at the end of their period with no reminders and often at hefty costs since sign-up discounts were not carried over. "Once auto-renewal happens, users are stuck with that amount. They can't apply for refund," Dr Bigos said. He claims the site's subscription page did not mention auto-renewal and that it only appears in small grey text towards the end. But Mr Hodge referred to evidence showing four out of every five subscribers turn off auto-renewal, inferring users read and understood the terms before they signed up. The ACCC alleges eHarmony failed to display accurate minimum and total prices during the purchase process by failing to inform consumers of a mandatory additional fee if they wanted to pay monthly. Users were allegedly charged an extra $3 on top of the advertised price when they opted to pay on a monthly basis. "It is not possible to purchase a 12-month plan and pay only the advertised (price) each month because an additional mandatory fee is charged if a consumer chooses to pay monthly," Dr Bigos said. The ACCC also said the dating site failed to display a single total price users could expect to pay should they sign up, rather they only specified a monthly charge. eHarmony is also accused of misleading customers about their ability to sign up for and cancel premium subscriptions within one month, through headlines reading, "try before you buy" and "you might want to start off with a one month subscription to give us a try". Dr Bigos said the service only offered six, 12 and 24-month options and it was not possible for consumers cancel after one month. Mr Hodge contends information on the site's other pages makes clear what the possible subscription options are and that cancellation refers to any account with eHarmony. The ACCC is seeking penalties, costs and consumer redress. A popular dating website is accused of catfishing users with misleading claims about costs to use its service and cancellation options. The Australian Consumer and Competition Commission alleges US-based eHarmony breached consumer law by misleading customers about pricing, renewal, and the duration of memberships since at least 2019. People who sign up for free subscriptions can complete an 80-question compatibility quiz, but can only see blurred profile photos of other members and cannot engage in ongoing communication, the ACCC claims. The only options free members have are liking other profiles, receiving and sending a single reply to a premium member, using the "icebreaker feature", and sending a virtual smiley. This is despite the company advertising itself as a "free dating" platform across five of its webpages, ACCC barrister Oren Bigos told the Federal Court. He referred to headings on eHarmony's website which read, "Free dating site for Australian singles", "free dating site in Australia, eHarmony is your best choice", "Go beyond simple swipes with our free dating experience", and an orange button which read "join free today". "What was available free of charge on the basic membership is a very limited service and ability to interact with other members," Dr Bigos said on Monday. eHarmony's barrister Michael Hodge said of those six pages relied by the ACCC, four were different versions of the same page. When customers signed up for premium memberships, they are given a false impression that the paid period is for six, 12 or 24 months, the watchdog alleges. Unsuspecting users were caught off guard when their subscriptions automatically renewed at the end of their period with no reminders and often at hefty costs since sign-up discounts were not carried over. "Once auto-renewal happens, users are stuck with that amount. They can't apply for refund," Dr Bigos said. He claims the site's subscription page did not mention auto-renewal and that it only appears in small grey text towards the end. But Mr Hodge referred to evidence showing four out of every five subscribers turn off auto-renewal, inferring users read and understood the terms before they signed up. The ACCC alleges eHarmony failed to display accurate minimum and total prices during the purchase process by failing to inform consumers of a mandatory additional fee if they wanted to pay monthly. Users were allegedly charged an extra $3 on top of the advertised price when they opted to pay on a monthly basis. "It is not possible to purchase a 12-month plan and pay only the advertised (price) each month because an additional mandatory fee is charged if a consumer chooses to pay monthly," Dr Bigos said. The ACCC also said the dating site failed to display a single total price users could expect to pay should they sign up, rather they only specified a monthly charge. eHarmony is also accused of misleading customers about their ability to sign up for and cancel premium subscriptions within one month, through headlines reading, "try before you buy" and "you might want to start off with a one month subscription to give us a try". Dr Bigos said the service only offered six, 12 and 24-month options and it was not possible for consumers cancel after one month. Mr Hodge contends information on the site's other pages makes clear what the possible subscription options are and that cancellation refers to any account with eHarmony. The ACCC is seeking penalties, costs and consumer redress. A popular dating website is accused of catfishing users with misleading claims about costs to use its service and cancellation options. The Australian Consumer and Competition Commission alleges US-based eHarmony breached consumer law by misleading customers about pricing, renewal, and the duration of memberships since at least 2019. People who sign up for free subscriptions can complete an 80-question compatibility quiz, but can only see blurred profile photos of other members and cannot engage in ongoing communication, the ACCC claims. The only options free members have are liking other profiles, receiving and sending a single reply to a premium member, using the "icebreaker feature", and sending a virtual smiley. This is despite the company advertising itself as a "free dating" platform across five of its webpages, ACCC barrister Oren Bigos told the Federal Court. He referred to headings on eHarmony's website which read, "Free dating site for Australian singles", "free dating site in Australia, eHarmony is your best choice", "Go beyond simple swipes with our free dating experience", and an orange button which read "join free today". "What was available free of charge on the basic membership is a very limited service and ability to interact with other members," Dr Bigos said on Monday. eHarmony's barrister Michael Hodge said of those six pages relied by the ACCC, four were different versions of the same page. When customers signed up for premium memberships, they are given a false impression that the paid period is for six, 12 or 24 months, the watchdog alleges. Unsuspecting users were caught off guard when their subscriptions automatically renewed at the end of their period with no reminders and often at hefty costs since sign-up discounts were not carried over. "Once auto-renewal happens, users are stuck with that amount. They can't apply for refund," Dr Bigos said. He claims the site's subscription page did not mention auto-renewal and that it only appears in small grey text towards the end. But Mr Hodge referred to evidence showing four out of every five subscribers turn off auto-renewal, inferring users read and understood the terms before they signed up. The ACCC alleges eHarmony failed to display accurate minimum and total prices during the purchase process by failing to inform consumers of a mandatory additional fee if they wanted to pay monthly. Users were allegedly charged an extra $3 on top of the advertised price when they opted to pay on a monthly basis. "It is not possible to purchase a 12-month plan and pay only the advertised (price) each month because an additional mandatory fee is charged if a consumer chooses to pay monthly," Dr Bigos said. The ACCC also said the dating site failed to display a single total price users could expect to pay should they sign up, rather they only specified a monthly charge. eHarmony is also accused of misleading customers about their ability to sign up for and cancel premium subscriptions within one month, through headlines reading, "try before you buy" and "you might want to start off with a one month subscription to give us a try". Dr Bigos said the service only offered six, 12 and 24-month options and it was not possible for consumers cancel after one month. Mr Hodge contends information on the site's other pages makes clear what the possible subscription options are and that cancellation refers to any account with eHarmony. The ACCC is seeking penalties, costs and consumer redress. A popular dating website is accused of catfishing users with misleading claims about costs to use its service and cancellation options. The Australian Consumer and Competition Commission alleges US-based eHarmony breached consumer law by misleading customers about pricing, renewal, and the duration of memberships since at least 2019. People who sign up for free subscriptions can complete an 80-question compatibility quiz, but can only see blurred profile photos of other members and cannot engage in ongoing communication, the ACCC claims. The only options free members have are liking other profiles, receiving and sending a single reply to a premium member, using the "icebreaker feature", and sending a virtual smiley. This is despite the company advertising itself as a "free dating" platform across five of its webpages, ACCC barrister Oren Bigos told the Federal Court. He referred to headings on eHarmony's website which read, "Free dating site for Australian singles", "free dating site in Australia, eHarmony is your best choice", "Go beyond simple swipes with our free dating experience", and an orange button which read "join free today". "What was available free of charge on the basic membership is a very limited service and ability to interact with other members," Dr Bigos said on Monday. eHarmony's barrister Michael Hodge said of those six pages relied by the ACCC, four were different versions of the same page. When customers signed up for premium memberships, they are given a false impression that the paid period is for six, 12 or 24 months, the watchdog alleges. Unsuspecting users were caught off guard when their subscriptions automatically renewed at the end of their period with no reminders and often at hefty costs since sign-up discounts were not carried over. "Once auto-renewal happens, users are stuck with that amount. They can't apply for refund," Dr Bigos said. He claims the site's subscription page did not mention auto-renewal and that it only appears in small grey text towards the end. But Mr Hodge referred to evidence showing four out of every five subscribers turn off auto-renewal, inferring users read and understood the terms before they signed up. The ACCC alleges eHarmony failed to display accurate minimum and total prices during the purchase process by failing to inform consumers of a mandatory additional fee if they wanted to pay monthly. Users were allegedly charged an extra $3 on top of the advertised price when they opted to pay on a monthly basis. "It is not possible to purchase a 12-month plan and pay only the advertised (price) each month because an additional mandatory fee is charged if a consumer chooses to pay monthly," Dr Bigos said. The ACCC also said the dating site failed to display a single total price users could expect to pay should they sign up, rather they only specified a monthly charge. eHarmony is also accused of misleading customers about their ability to sign up for and cancel premium subscriptions within one month, through headlines reading, "try before you buy" and "you might want to start off with a one month subscription to give us a try". Dr Bigos said the service only offered six, 12 and 24-month options and it was not possible for consumers cancel after one month. Mr Hodge contends information on the site's other pages makes clear what the possible subscription options are and that cancellation refers to any account with eHarmony. The ACCC is seeking penalties, costs and consumer redress.
