The Essential Services Commission has partnered with Women's Health in the North (WHIN) to deliver the Power Up Victoria project, to support migrant and refugee women who have faced barriers accessing and participating in the energy market.
Victoria is a culturally diverse state and the absence of in-language and culturally sensitive support and information can make it difficult for consumers from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds to navigate the energy market, access a fair electricity deal and confidently manage their energy usage. This means they are often left paying more on energy bills.
The commission is partnering with WHIN's multilingual educators to work within their communities to deliver workshops, share learning resources, and provide support to women in their engagements with energy businesses.
Partnering with community organisations means the commission can gain greater visibility, firsthand insights, and access to culturally diverse audiences through safe and trusted spaces.
The workshops will cover a number of topics to help participants take control of their energy costs, including:
- guidance on what to consider before signing a new contract, including information on using the Victorian Energy Compare website
- tools and resources to help participants interpret their energy usage and charges
- information about available assistance, including support for payment difficulties, government concessions, and interpreter services
- practical tips to reduce energy use and costs
- guidance on resolving energy-related disputes and avoiding scams.
The workshops will also include information on family violence in the context of energy and utilities.
WHIN is well placed to carry out this program due to its networks in multicultural communities and established peer-led community education model. A series of free workshops will be held across the northern metropolitan region of Melbourne, with multilingual support available in Urdu, Hindi, Marathi, Punjabi, Arabic, Dari and Greek.
