The state government is offering Victorians a $250 payment if they use their independent energy price comparison site to search for a better energy price deal.
From tomorrow, Victorians will be able to claim a $250 bonus payment if they look for a better energy deal on Victoria’s Energy Compare website – a move that the government is saying could save households up to $580 each. The government say their website is the only free and independent online energy price comparison service available to Victorian energy consumers.
They’re calling it the Power Saving Bonus, and the payments will open to all Victorian households from 1 July. It comes as energy prices hit record levels due to the ongoing war in Ukraine’s effect on global supply shortages, mixed with unusually cold weather.
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The new $250 payment is an expansion of the government’s previous Power Saving Bonus program, which was available to eligible concession card holders.Anyone who has previously claimed the Power Saving Bonus will be able to claim the new payment again from tomorrow.
Households can claim the $250 payment by heading to the Victorian Energy Compare website and comparing their current energy bills to see if they can get a better deal. User data shows that seven out of every 10 users can save money by switching energy offers, with typical annual savings of $330 on energy bills in the first year of switching alone. Combined with the Power Saving Bonus, the government is spruiking that households could save up to $580 a year.
“We know Victorians are paying too much for their energy bills – that’s why we’re stepping in to help them with the cost of living and help them get the best deal,” premier Daniel Andrews said.
“This is about helping Victorian families now, while we keep building on our investment in renewable energy – creating thousands of jobs and giving every single Victorian a fairer power bill,” energy minister Lily D’Ambrosio added.
Victorians who do not have access to a computer or the internet can call the Victorian Energy Compare helpline on 1800 000 832 or receive support from a community outreach partner. The Power Saving Bonus is available for the next 12 months and there are no limits or caps on the number of households that can receive the once-off payment.
Other programs include the Victorian Energy Upgrades, which provide upfront incentives for low-cost-to-free energy efficient products such as door and window sealing, efficient hot water and heating systems, and in-home displays for real-time energy usage data.
Separately, Solar Victoria offers households and businesses discounted solar panels, batteries and efficient heating and cooling.
To apply and for more information go to: compare.energy.vic.gov.au.
