Energy bonus offers $100 relief for eligible households

APPLICATIONS have opened for the latest round of Victoria’s Power Saving Bonus and concession card holders are invited to apply to have $100 slash from their energy bill.

The one-off payment aims to ease cost of living pressures by making everyday expenses more manageable.

“So many families are doing it tough and we’re on their side by delivering real help, right now,” Premier Jacinta Allan said.

Eligible Victorian households can apply for the Power Saving Bonus through the Victorian Energy Compare (VEC) website and are encouraged to use the website to compare energy offers and save money by switching to a cheaper energy plan.

A recent home electricity bill is needed to complete the application, and only one $100 Power Saving Bonus is available per household.

Norlane Community Centre and Anakie Community House are among the more than 230 Neighbourhood Houses across the state offering in-person support to people without access to the internet or who require extra help to apply for the bonus.

Lara MP Ella George and her team will be assisting in the northern suburbs, with a series of community sessions scheduled this month.

On Tuesday, September 2, Ms George’s team will be at the Vines Road Community Centre in Hamlyn Heights between 11.30am and 1.30pm, and the Anakie Community House in Ballan Road between 2pm and 3pm.

On Thursday, September 4, her team will be at the Norlane Community Centre in Rose Avenue between 9.30am and 11.30am, and the Cloverdale Community Centre in Corio between 12.30pm and 2pm.

Sessions at Rosewall Community Centre in Corio between 9.30am and 11am, and at the Norlane RSL between 5pm and 6.30pm will follow on Friday, September 5.

Ms George and her team will then be at the Hellenic Orthodox Community of Geelong in Bell Park between 1pm and 2.30pm on Monday, September 15, and the Macedonian Community of Geelong in Batesford between 9.30am and 11am on Thursday, September 18.

Residents will need to bring their concession card, most recent energy bill and driver’s licence.

Minister for Energy and Resources Lily D’Ambrosio said the $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.”

The $100 Power Saving Bonus is in addition to the $150 Energy Bill Relief Fund all households will automatically receive from the federal government.

For more information, or to apply for the Power Saving Bonus, visit compare.energy.vic.gov.au or call 1800 000 832.