Power saving bonus back on the table for struggling Victorian households

The fourth round of the state government’s $250 ‘energy bill-busting’ bonus launched today. Here’s how to access it.

Victorians doing it tough can access another one-off “energy bill-busting” payment as households brace for power price hikes.

The fourth round of the state government’s “energy bill-busting” $250 Power Saving Bonus launched on Friday.

Any Victorian household, including those that have accessed payments in the past, can apply to receive the $250 bonus by using the Victorian Energy Compare website to weigh up how their current energy deal compares to other providers.

The state government has partnered with community organisations, including Anglicare Victoria, the Brotherhood of St Laurence and the Ethnic Community Council, to help vulnerable Victorians access the power saving bonus and navigate the energy market.

Anglicare Victoria CEO Paul McDonald said for disadvantaged Victorians, all they need to do was ring them with their bill.

Anglicare Victoria chief executive Paul McDonald said the $250 bonus went a long way for many struggling families, with the number of people requiring emergency relief doubling in the last six months alone.

“To those disadvantaged Victorians – Victorians who may not have access to the internet, may have language issues, may have disability issues – all they need to do is ring us with their bill and we’ll assist them through the power saving bonus,” Mr McDonald said.

“80 per cent of our client group coming into emergency relief don’t have more than $100 in the bank, so this $250 is such a significant relief for them, given the rising costs that they’re all experiencing.”

Acting energy and resources Minister Ingrid Stitt refused to say if the government would commit to another round of power saving bonuses in the coming months, but said the current initiative would help support Victorian households heading into winter.

“We know that Victorian households are doing it pretty tough at the moment and we know that the cost of living is really vital in many, many Victorian families,” Ms Stitt said on Friday.

“We’re launching the fourth round of our power saving bonus – which is a $250 per household offering – to make sure that people are getting that assistance they need with their power bills as we move into the winter months.”

Minister Ingrid Stitt said she knew Victorian houses holders were doing it tough at the moment. Picture: Josie Hayden

Ms Stitt encouraged Victorians to use the energy compare website to find more affordable electricity and gas providers.

“We know that there are better deals out there and we’re encouraging all Victorian households to take advantage of this offer, to get on that energy compare website in order to, not only qualify for the $250 Power Saving Bonus, but also to take advantage of finding the best available energy package for their household.”

Since the program first launched in July last year, more than 1.8m households have received bonus payment by comparing energy bills.

Households requiring support to access the compare.energy.vic.gov.au website can call the Victorian Energy Compare helpline on 1800 000 832 or visit a community emergency relief centre.