The Victorian Government is encouraging households doing it tough with energy bills to apply for the one-off $250 Power Saving Bonus payment.
The 12-month program recently marked more than 320,000 payments to Victorians totalling $80 million.
State Member for Northern Victoria Jaclyn Symes called on all eligible households to take advantage of the one-off $250 payment before the program ends on January 31.
“There are still many Victorian households who have not yet applied for what could be crucial relief for their energy bills amid the second, devastating year of COVID-19,” Ms Symes said.
“Year two of the pandemic has meant spending more time at home and in turn higher power bills.
“This $250 payment helps reduce household bill pressure, and I call on all pension concession, JobSeeker, Austudy, Abstudy or Youth Allowance recipients — or if you know someone who is — to apply.”
With electricity bills a top cost of living issue and about 20 per cent of Victorian households requesting financial assistance with bills in 2020, the program aims to reduce cost of living pressure with a $250 payment transferred electronically into bank accounts or provided via cheque on request, typically taking about two weeks to arrive.
Community members can check their eligibility and apply for the payment by phoning 1800 000 832 or visiting compare.energy.vic.gov.au
To assist eligible households who may not have access to a computer or require assistance with their application, the government is providing support through the Power Saving Bonus Community Outreach Program.
Outreach Program partners include the Brotherhood of St Laurence, Consumer Policy Research Centre, Good Shepherd and Neighbourhood House, Ethnic Communities Council of Victoria, Consumer Action Law Centre, and State Trustees Limited.
The Power Saving Bonus, part of a $797 million household energy affordability package, is delivered through the government’s Victorian Energy Compare website, which sees more than one million visitors each year.
The website helps consumers find the best energy deal available, with data showing seven out of every 10 users save money by switching energy offers and a typical annual saving of $330.