A campaign push to increase awareness of the Liberal Government's Energy Concession Discount Offer has resulted in a surge of South Australians taking up the discount energy deal in recent weeks.
A letter was distributed to approximately 120,000 energy concession customers in late July, prompting them to compare their current energy deal with the offer, which is delivered by Origin Energy.
Minister for Human Services Michelle Lensink said the campaign had sparked a surge in the uptake of the offer, seeing hundreds of households transfer to the deal each day.
"Prior to the letter going out, the last three months saw the offer attracting an average of 255 new customers per month," she said.
"I'm so pleased that after we distributed the letter to eligible households on 22 July, more than 1200 new customers have signed up to take advantage of these discounted rates on their electricity and gas.
"As at 5 August, almost 54,000 South Australian households were taking advantage of the offer, which could see them save several hundreds of dollars from their annual energy bills.
"The new deal means high energy usage households could save up to $585 off their annual energy bill and the offer also applies to both electricity usage and supply charge." Minister Lensink said the offer was increased from 18 to 20 per cent discount off electricity usage and supply charges in April this year.
"Thousands of South Australians struggle to pay cost of living experiences and as many of us start to receive our winter heating bills, this deal negotiated by the Liberal Government could result in substantial savings," said Minister Lensink.
"I encourage eligible households to take a look at their energy options and consider if this offer is right for them."
The offer discounts both usage and supply charges on electricity and gas (11 per cent discount) and provides other benefits such as no late payment penalties and flexible payment options.
To take advantage of the offer, customers must be receiving the State Government energy concession. New customers should contact Origin Energy on 1300 791 465 to discuss.
For more information on the SA Concessions Energy Discount Offer and other South Australian concessions, visit www.sa.gov.au/concessions
