Labor’s cash splash to help reduce your power bills

PREMIER Daniel Andrews will unveil a $50 million election year cash splash, giving every Victorian household $50 if they register at a government energy comparison site.

EVERY Victorian household will be paid $50 for visiting a state government website that helps them find better electricity and gas deals.

Premier Daniel Andrews will on Sunday unveil a $50 million election year cash splash that will put $50 into the bank account of every ­Victorian power customer who registers at energy comparison site victorianenergysaver.vic.gov.au

The Sunday Herald Sun can ­reveal that money for the unprecedented payment has been set aside in the forthcoming state Budget, and is aimed at giving ­Victorians an incentive to use the site.

The website shows households the best tariff for them, based on their ­individual circumstances and electricity use.

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Mr Andrews said the website had successfully reduced power bills for many families, with a typical household saving an average $330 in the first year alone.

“We know there are better deals out there for Victorian families — this is about getting them on the website to find them,” he said.

“Big power companies rely on people not having the time, information or knowledge to get a better deal. That changes now,” Mr Andrews said.

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Premier Daniel Andrews said the website had successfully reduced power bills for many families. Picture: Nicole Garmston

More than 700,000 people have used the website in the past three years, and the government says seven out of 10 Victorians can save money by switching retail offers.

There is no requirement for people to change their supplier in order to get the $50 bonus.

A household representative will simply have to log on ­between July 1 and December 31 and provide identification and bank account details for the money to be delivered.

There will only be one bill bonus per household.

The election year generosity is likely to be questioned by some groups, but the government will argue it is designed as a real incentive to get people to engage in the energy market. Energy Minister Lily D’Ambrosio said: “We know Victorians are paying too much for their energy bills. That’s why we’re stepping in to help families get the best deal.”

She said other changes to the retail market to simplify bills and make the sector more transparent would also help in “creating a more modern, ­reliable energy system and saving Victorians money”.

Those struggling to pay their bills after dealing with unexpected hardship will also be supported.

Families struggling to pay their bills because of unexpected hardship, such as loss of a job, will also receive a $22 million boost in support.

The Utility Relief Grant cap will be increased from $500 to $650 to help them pay their utility bills.

Cost of living is likely to play a key role ahead of the November state election, with household bills rising rapidly this year after the closure of the Hazelwood power station in the Latrobe Valley.

An analysis by the St Vincent de Paul Society showed average energy bills rose about $300 last year — but that this could be reduced substantially by shopping around.

A separate Australian ­National University study showed household electricity bills soared by more than 119 per cent in Victoria over the past decade.

The announcement today follows a long campaign by the Sunday Herald Sun against rising power bills which has already had the effect of forcing companies to give rebates worth up to $720 if families are on expensive default tariffs.

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