THE State Government has announced its new $100 Power Saving Bonus – but with the bonus cut by more than half on the last offering and limits place on eligibility, Lowan MP, Emma Kealy is less than satisfied with the announcement.
Premier Jacinta Allan and Minister for Energy and Resources Lily D’Ambrosio opened applications for the bonus for eligible concession card households, to “will ease cost-of-living pressures, make everyday expenses more manageable and support financial security for families and individuals across the state”
Eligible Victorian households can apply for the Power Saving Bonus through the Victorian Energy Compare (VEC) website.
When applying, eligible households need a recent residential electricity bill and must hold a health care, pensioner concession, veterans’ affairs pensioner concession or veterans’ affairs gold card.
The $100 Power Saving Bonus is in addition to the $150 Energy Bill Relief Fund all households will automatically receive from the Commonwealth Government.
Any Victorian who is struggling with their energy bills can also access the Energy Assistance Program – a free over-the-phone or in-person support service delivered in partnership.
All Victorians are encouraged to check they’re on the best deal possible by using the free and independent Energy Compare website to shop around for a lower price – last year, users typically saved $240 per year on their energy bills by switching providers.
Since the first round of the Power Saving Bonus was launched in 2018, more than 4.5 million applications have been paid across four rounds of the program, totalling over $1b in energy bill relief to Victorian households.
Quote attributable to Premier Jacinta Allan
“So many families are doing it tough and we’re on their side by delivering real help, right now.”
Quotes attributable to Minister for Energy and Resources Lily D’Ambrosio
“This $100 payment will help vulnerable Victorians manage their winter energy bills.”
“Any Victorian can visit the Victorian Energy Compare website to check if they can switch to a cheaper energy offer.”
Quote attributable to Member for Essendon Danny Pearson
“We’re making it easier for Victorians to access the Power Saving Bonus with over 230 locations like neighbourhood houses where you can drop in and get help to apply.”
Ms Kealy said while energy bills continue to skyrocket under Labor Governments, with the Australian Energy Regulator’s latest quarterly report showing Victoria’s wholesale electricity prices had increased 21% since this time last year, cuts to the bonus scheme were poorly timed.
She said the changes to the program would disadvantage many working families, pensioners without concession cards and low-income earners.
“The program previously provided a payment of $250 to any residential electricity account holder, with some residents eligible for multiple rounds of the program,” Ms Kealy said.
“The rising cost of electricity bills are already disproportionately impacting regional Victoria and now Labor is locking even more people out of this much-needed relief.
“Despite repeated claims that its renewable energy policies will deliver cheaper power, Victorians are only seeing their energy bills rise under Labor.
“Labor is also further disadvantaging people by making the application process online-only, which we know makes it particularly difficult for older residents in our community to access this program.”
For more information or to apply for the Power Saving Bonus, visit compare.energy.vic.gov.au or call 1800 000 832. The Energy Assistance Program is available on 1800 161 215.
Casterton Community Centre’s Lisa McDonald will also be assisting with applications to the bonus scheme – see Classifieds in this edition of Casterton News.
