More than 70,000 applications have been submitted for the Allan Labor Government's $100 Power Saving Bonus in the first two weeks, unlocking more than $7 million to help Victorians who need it most cut the cost of living.
Minister for Energy and Resources Lily D'Ambrosio today attended the North and West Melbourne Neighbourhood Centre to announce applicants would start seeing the payments hit their accounts this week.
More than 10 per cent of applications have been received through the community outreach program which is being spearheaded by Neighbourhood Houses and over the phone through the helpline.
North and West Melbourne Neighbourhood Centre is one of more than 250 participating Neighbourhood Houses offering in-person support to apply for those who need extra support or have no access to internet.
Eligible Victorian households can apply for the Power Saving Bonus through the Victorian Energy Compare (VEC) website. When applying households need a recent residential electricity bill and must hold a health care, pensioner concession, veterans' affairs pensioner concession or veterans' affairs gold card.
The $100 Power Saving Bonus for concession card households is in addition to the $150 Energy Bill Relief Fund all households receive from the Commonwealth Government.
Any Victorian who is struggling with their energy bills can also access the Energy Assistance Program - a free over-the-phone support service delivered in partnership with Anglicare Victoria and cohealth for Victorians who are having trouble paying their energy bills.
While most households will receive their payment within 10 business days of submission, applications that require additional review or phone and email support may experience some delays.
All Victorians should visit the free and independent Energy Compare website to check they're on the best energy deal possible - last year, users typically saved $240 per year on their energy bills by switching.
Since the first round of the Power Saving Bonus was launched in 2018, more than 4.5 million applications have been paid across four rounds of the program, totalling over $1 billion in energy bill relief to Victorian households.
To apply visit, compare.energy.vic.gov.au or call 1800 000 832. For the Energy Assistance Program call 1800 161 215.
As stated by Minister for Energy and Resources Lily D'Ambrosio
"We're helping vulnerable Victorians with an extra $100 payment to manage paying their winter energy bills and keep their families warm."
"Everyone should visit the free Victorian Energy Compare website to see if they can slash their energy bills by switching providers."
As stated by Member for Northern Metropolitan Region Sheena Watt
"Our local neighbourhood houses are making it easier for Victorians to get their $100 Power Saving Bonus."
