Government pushes for energy bill relief

THE State Government has asked energy companies to defer bills and waive fees for about 84,000 households and businesses affected by Ex-Tropical Cyclone Alfred.

NSW Minister for Energy Penny Sharpe has written to 22 companies requesting they support customers in disaster-declared areas by waiving daily supply charges during outages, deferring bills for 14 days, and pausing disconnections and repayments.

She also asked companies to provide clear information about payment plans and government financial support.

Minister for the North Coast Janelle Saffin said every bit of support mattered for those doing it tough.

“Thank you for your consideration of this request during this difficult time for the residents and businesses of the Northern Rivers and North Coast,” Saffin said.

Customers affected by the storm can apply for Energy Accounts Payment Assistance (EAPA), which helps people facing short-term financial hardship stay connected to electricity or gas.

Essential Energy will waive daily access charges for the period customers were without power.

More information is available at essentialenergy.com.au .