The Allan Labor Government is providing real help to address the cost of living and drive down energy bills for Victorians in need, with another round of the Power Saving Bonus opening for applications later this month.
Minister for Energy and Resources Lily D'Ambrosio today announced that the fifth round will open on Monday 25 August - providing a $100 payment to eligible concession card households across the state.
This support will provide real and immediate help for some of the state's most vulnerable families, backed with $50 million investment in this year's Budget.
Eligible Victorian households can apply for the Power Saving Bonus through the Victorian Energy Compare (VEC) website, whilst checking they're on the best energy offer.
When applying, eligible households need a recent residential electricity bill and must hold a health care, pensioner concession, veterans' affairs pensioner concession or veterans' affairs gold card.
For those without internet access or for anyone needing extra support accessing the bonus, 250 participating Neighbourhood Houses across Victoria are delivering in-person support to apply.
All Victorians are encouraged to visit the free and independent VEC website to shop around for a better deal on their energy - last year, users typically saved $240 per year on their energy bills by switching providers.
Since the first round of the Power Saving Bonus was launched in 2018, more than 4.5 million applications have been paid, totalling over $1 billion in energy bill relief to Victorian households.
In this year's Budget, we also invested $600,000 towards the Energy Assistance Program - helping to expand its services in response to increasing demand - offering free one-on-one help for vulnerable and hard-to-reach customers struggling with their energy bills.
For more information or to apply for the Power Saving Bonus, visit compare.energy.vic.gov.au. The Energy Assistance Program is available on 1800 161 215.
As stated by Minister for Energy and Resources Lily D'Ambrosio
"The latest round of our Power Saving Bonus will provide real cost of living help to Victorians who need it most, particularly after a cold winter when a heater is a necessity."
"While private energy companies keep raising their prices and put profits first, we're on the side of working families and Victorian households."
As stated by Member for Williamstown Melissa Horne
"By partnering with local neighbourhood houses, we are making it easier for eligible households in Melbourne's inner west to claim their $100 Power Saving Bonus, with assistance to navigate the application process."
As stated by Member for Footscray Katie Hall
"We are stepping up to support locals across Footscray who need it most, delivering extra support to pay their energy bills during this cold winter and cost of living crisis."
