Applications have opened for the $100 Power Saving Bonus for eligible Victorian concession card households – providing real and immediate help for vulnerable families. The new $100 Power Saving Bonus will ease cost-of-living pressures, make everyday expenses more manageable and support financial security for families and individuals across the state. Eligible Victorian households can apply for the Power Saving Bonus through the Victorian Energy Compare (VEC) website. When applying, eligible households need a recent residential electricity bill and must hold a health care, pensioner concession, veterans’ affairs pensioner concession or veterans’ affairs gold card. The $100 Power Saving Bonus is in addition to the $150 Energy Bill Relief Fund all households will automatically receive from the Commonwealth government. Any Victorian who is struggling with their energy bills can also access the Energy Assistance Program – a free over-the-phone or in-person support service delivered in partnership with Anglicare Victoria and cohealth for Victorians who are having trouble paying their energy bills. All Victorians are encouraged to check they’re on the best deal possible by using the free and independent Energy Compare website to shop around for a lower price – last year, users typically saved $240 per year on their energy bills by switching providers. Since the first round of the Power Saving Bonus was launched in 2018, more than 4.5 million applications have been paid across four rounds of the program, totalling over $1 billion in energy bill relief to Victorian households. For more information or to apply for the Power Saving Bonus, visit compare.energy.vic.gov.au or call 1800 000 832. The Energy Assistance Program is available on 1800 161 215.
