Tasmanian families welcome energy bill relief to be paid before end of financial year

‘Every dollar counts’ when is comes to household bill relief, says Tasmanian homeowner Nic Collar. When you can expect to see the state’s energy credit on your power bill >>

Energy and Renewables Minister Nick Duigan is joined by Liberal member Mark Shelton and homeowner Nic Collar at Carrick, as the Renewable Energy Dividend hits the energy accounts of every Tasmanian household and small business by the end of June. Picture: Stephanie Dalton

Tasmanian households and businesses have welcomed a one-off energy bill dividend as part of a slew of cost-of-living relief included in this year’s state budget.

As part of the scheme, all Tasmanian households will automatically receive a $250 cost-of-living dividend, while around 35,000 small businesses will get a higher $300 dividend.

Energy and Renewables Minister Nick Duigan said while the state currently had the lowest regulated electricity prices in the country, he knew “Tasmanians were feeling the pinch”.

“We know rising interest rates and inflation are hitting household budgets hard,” Mr Duigan said.

“So this initiative will support around 254,000 Tasmanian households and up to 35,000 small businesses.

“This payment will be credited to your first bill, across all retailers, in the new financial year. This will include small businesses who pay through their landlord.”

Energy and Renewables Minister Nick Duigan is joined by homeowner Nic Collar, as the Renewable Energy Dividend hits the energy accounts of every Tasmanian household and small business. Picture: Stephanie Dalton

Mr Duigan said the dividend would be automatically credited to electricity bills starting from July 1.

“So this winter, Tasmanians can heat more and pay less,” he said.

“People don’t need to do anything; you’ll see a credit in your energy account automatically, and we can help Tasmanians who are facing steep increases in their cost of living get relief when they need it most.”

Carrick homeowner Nic Collar said a one-off $250 energy credit to his family’s power bill would be a big help.

“In this day and age, every dollar counts,” he said.

“It’s a little extra help, especially coming up to the kids’ birthdays, so that we can put our money towards them instead.”

All Hydro dividends — up to $90m per year — are returned to the government, which invests them in essential services, including health and education.

Mr Duigan said the average Tasmanian concession-holder could expect to see around $1429 shaved off their power bill this coming financial year through combined state and federal government programs.

“The $250 one-off payment for households follows the government’s existing renewable energy dividend that delivers a share back into the pockets of Tasmanians when Hydro returns in excess of $90m,” he said.