Scheme to help Victorians slice their winter power bills

Victorians feeling the pinch of power price blowouts are going without food and heating. But there’s a scheme to help those struggling drop their bills by up to $1400.

Energy stressed Victorians are turning off heaters or going without food to cope with winter bill blowouts.

Welfare agencies expect a big spike in financial help requests from this month as mammoth costs flow through.

Some struggling households have had their annual electricity and gas costs slashed by as much as $1400 under a scheme to switch them to cheaper deals.

The Brotherhood of St Laurence’s Your Energy Broker service has secured eligible participants in Melbourne and Shepparton average savings of $464 over a year.

Damian Sullivan, the Brotherhood’s head of energy, said this was from combined better electricity and gas deals, retailers’ sign-up incentives, and the Victorian government’s $50 power saving bonus.

Vinnies spokesman Gavin Dufty said the shock of heating bills left some on low incomes choosing between keeping warm and eating.

The Your Energy Broker service has saved some households up to $1400. Picture: ThinkStock

“Some go to shopping centres to try to keep warm, others go to bed early and wrap themselves in a doona, or cut back on food or don’t get prescription medicines filled so they can afford winter energy bills,” Mr Dufty said.

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“Others in extreme cases use open fireplaces to cut down on costs but this can pose a safety risk if their chimney flue has not been cleaned or is left unattended. Others don’t have the cash to service gas heaters which exposes them to carbon monoxide poisoning risks or means going without heating.”

Mr Dufty urged people to check whether they were getting concessions or a utility relief grant if they were entitled.

“Also, contact your energy retailer early if you are having trouble with bills, as there are new rules in place requiring retailers to help people in payment difficulty.”

The state government-funded Your Energy Broker service, which is open to concession card holders and those struggling to pay bills, has organised 670 switches since launching last October.

Staff comb the Victorian Energy Compare website to find best offers, speak with retailers on people’s behalf, and check whether concessions and discounts are being correctly applied.

People can register by calling 1800 830 029, emailing [e-mail], or signing up online at www.bsl.org.au/energybroker.

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@KarenCollierHS