Coronavirus: Energy, gas bills to lower to relieve struggling Australians

Australians impacted by the ongoing coronavirus crisis will be thrown a lifeline thanks to an electricity and gas network relief package.

Relief is on the way for Australians experiencing COVID-19-related hardship following the announcement of an electricity and gas network relief package.

The package was unveiled by Energy Networks Australia CEO Andrew Dillon, who said it was targeted at small business and residential customers.

So far, a range of energy networks across NSW, Victoria and South Australia have signed up.

“Networks understand these are extraordinarily tough times for small business and energy bill relief will really help,” Mr Dillon said.

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“For small businesses that are mothballed, electricity and gas network charges will not be applied from the start of April to the end of June 2020, if their consumption is less than a quarter what it was in 2019.

“Networks know it is in everyone’s interest to support small businesses through what is an extremely challenging period.”

The package also includes measures to support households by helping energy retailers provide further assistance to those who fall into hardship as a result of COVID-19.

“Networks will be deferring or rebating electricity and gas network charges for impacted customers,” Mr Dillon said.

The package will help those struggling as a result of COVID-19. Picture: David Mariuz/AAP

“This assists impacted customers and helps energy retailers who administer energy hardship programs.

“Networks and retailers realise it’s important the industry pulls together to support the many small businesses and households who will face growing challenges over the months ahead.

“Networks will work with energy retailers to ensure the benefits of this package flow through to customers smoothly.”

Governments have also already announced various energy support measures for affected customers.

Mr Dillon said energy network crews across the country were continuing to do critical works during this crisis to keep the power on, the gas flowing and the energy system safe and reliable.

The number of planned outages for these critical works would be minimised and they would be as brief as possible.

Participating networks include Citipower, Powercor Australia, United Energy, Australian Gas Networks, TransGrid, Endeavour Energy, Ausgrid, Essential Energy, Jemena, SA Power Networks, Multinet Gas Networks, ElectraNet and AusNet Services.