Victorians who need help with their electricity bills receive $100 under the Power Saving Bonus scheme. Photo: Victorian Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action.
Victoria’s Power Saving Bonus scheme has attracted more than 70,000 applications, with the State Government saying it will help alleviate the cost-of-living crisis.
Eligible Victorian households can apply for the $100 Power Saving Bonus through the Victorian Energy Compare website. Under the scheme, more than $7 million will go towards helping Victorians with the cost of living.
The $100 Power Saving Bonus for concession cardholders is in addition to the $150 Energy Bill Relief Fund, which all households receive from the Federal Government.
Minister for Energy and Resources Lily D’Ambrosio announced that applicants would start to see energy cost relief as soon as this week.
“We’re helping vulnerable Victorians with an extra $100 payment to manage paying their winter energy bills and keep their families warm,” she said.
“Everyone should visit the free Victorian Energy Compare website to see if they can slash their energy bills by switching providers.”
More than 10 per cent of applicants have received funds by applying through the community outreach program, which was spearheaded by Neighbourhood Houses, while many applied by phone through the government’s helpline.
Applicants must provide a recent residential electricity bill and must hold a healthcare, Veterans’ Affairs pensioner concession, pensioner concession or Veterans’ Affairs Gold Card.
Most households will receive their payment within 10 business days of applying.
Victorians can check the free Energy Compare website to see whether their energy deal is best for them. The State Government said that last year, users saved, on average, $250 on their annual energy bills by switching.
Since the launch of the Power Saving Bonus in 2018, more than 4.5 million applications have been paid across four separate rounds. This sum amounts to $1 billion in energy bill relief for Victorian households who need cost-of-living help most.
To apply, check the Victorian Government’s website or phone 1800 000 832. For information on the Energy Assistance Program, call 1800 161 215.
