General News
5 May, 2023
Residents cash in on power bonus
THE latest Victorian Government figures show thousands of south west residents have cashed in on the state’s power saving bonus.
The figures reveal more than one million Victorian households have cashed in on the $250 payment under the fourth round of the Power Saving Bonus.
In Warrnambool alone, 5040 requests for the power saving bonus were made, along with 298 from Dennington and 284 from Koroit.
More than 166 requests were made from households in Allansford and several hundred from surrounding towns.
Residents have also taken the opportunity to seek the best deal on power charges, with the latest round of the program seeing 40 per cent of applicants across the state find a better energy deal through the Victorian Energy Compare website.
The Victorian Energy Compare website is an independent comparison website, making it easy for Victorians to find a cheaper offer and keeping big energy retailers in check. Victorian premier Daniel Andrews encouraged all households to apply. “The best way to lower energy bills is to look for a better offer,” he said.
“That’s why we’re encouraging Victorians to take advantage of another round of the Power Saving Bonus to make sure they are on the best deal ahead of winter.”
Applications for the payment can be made through the Victorian Energy Compare website, where customers can quickly and easily find the best energy offers in their areas.
The Energy Assistance Program – a free service providing energy consumers experiencing hardship with one-on-one assistance – has helped over 500 applicants to navigate the energy market, apply for eligible grants and concessions, find and switch to better offers and address billing errors.
For those without internet access, over-the-phone and in-person support is available through one of our Community Outreach Partners, including Brotherhood of St Laurence, Ethnic Community Council Victoria, Good Shepherd, State Trustees and hundreds of Neighbourhood Houses across Victoria.
Victorians can also save on their household energy bills through the $1.3 billion Solar Homes Program. Households which accessed both solar panel and hot water rebates saved up to $1500 on their annual energy bill.
The state government claims Victoria has cut its emissions by more than any other state, tripled the amount of renewable energy and created thousands of jobs as the state eyes the renewable energy target of 95 per cent by 2035. Labor is also reviving the State Electricity Commission to replace unreliable, privatised coal with clean, government-owned, renewable energy to drive down energy costs and help create 59,000 jobs.
To access the $250 Power Saving Bonus, visit compare.energy.vic.gov.au or call 1800 000 832. To speak to an Energy Assistance Program advocate, call 1800 161 215.
