$100 power bill bonus still up for grabs

Households still have time to claim $100 off their energy bill before applications for the state’s Power Saving Bonus close on March 31.

More than 245,000 Victorian households have already claimed the one-off payment, with $24.5 million slashed from power bills since the latest round of bonuses opened in August last year.

The $100 payment aims to ease cost-of-living pressure by making everyday expenses more manageable and is available to concession card holders.

Only one payment is available per household, and applicants need a recent electricity bill to complete the application process.

Minister for Energy and Resources, Lily D’Ambrosio, said the bonus was delivering immediate relief to families facing rising household costs.

“Our Power Saving Bonus is putting much-needed money back into the pockets of Victorian families,” she said.

“We’re making it easy to claim, whether over-the-phone or in-person, helping residents across the state cut their energy bills.”

Households can apply through the Victorian Energy Compare website, with free phone and in-person support available for those who need extra help or don’t have access to the internet.

More than 10 per cent of applications so far have been lodged through neighbourhood houses or via the helpful, showing strong demand for hands-on assistance.

Ms D’Ambrosio urged eligible residents not to leave it too late.

“We know families are doing it tough — that’s why we’re urging eligible households to claim their $100 Power Saving Bonus now before it closes on March 31,” she said.

“It’s a simple way to lighten the load.”

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