Victorians from low-income households can now access a one-off $250 payment to help with their energy bills, thanks to the Victorian Government’s new Power Saving Bonus.

Member for Werribee Tim Pallas today announced the new $250 Power Saving Bonus will be available to eligible concession cardholders in the Werribee District between 1 February 2021 and 31 January 2022, providing immediate energy bill relief to those who need it most.

The bonus is available to all pensioner concession cardholders and some health care cardholders who visit the Victorian Energy Compare website.

This website is designed to help consumers take charge of their energy costs by finding the best energy deal available. Seven out of ten people save money by using the website, with typical annual household savings of $330 on energy bills in the first year alone.

Electricity bills are the top cost of living issue for consumers and about 20 per cent of Victorian households requested financial assistance with their energy bills last year due to the impacts of coronavirus (COVID-19).

The bonus is available to anyone with a gas or electricity account who holds a pensioner concession card or receives JobSeeker, Austudy, Abstudy or Youth Allowance.

To ensure the bonus is accessible to those who need it most, including those from marginalised communities and families from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, the Victorian Government has enlisted the support of the Brotherhood of St. Laurence and the Consumer Policy Research Centre.

The Power Saving Bonus is part of an unprecedented $797 million household energy affordability package that was announced in the recent State Budget.

Eligible cardholders can access the Power Saving Bonus at compare.energy.vic.gov.au or, if assistance is required, by calling 1800 000 832.

Quotes attributable to Minister for Energy, Environment and Climate Change Lily D’Ambrosio

“For those on low-incomes, energy bills are often the biggest drain on household budgets, so we are providing immediate support with the Power Saving Bonus. It is part of our commitment to make energy fairer for Victorians”

Quotes attributable to Member for Werribee Tim Pallas

“The Power Saving Bonus is the Government’s latest initiative to provide energy bill relief for households who need it most.”

“Victorian Energy Compare is saving households hundreds of dollars on energy bills every year. I encourage everyone in Werribee to visit the site and find a better deal on their gas and electricity”