Macedon MP Mary-Anne Thomas is urging locals to get onto the Victorian government’s $250 power bonus to help drive down the cost of living.
The government is investing $250 million in a new Power Saving Bonus as part of the Victorian 2022-23 budget.
“I encourage the community to go onto Victoria’s Energy Compare website to not only get a better deal but to receive the Andrews Labor government $250 Power Saving Bonus,” Ms Thomas said.
From July 1, the $250 payment will be open to households across Victoria, including those in Sunbury and the Macedon Ranges, who use the Victorian Energy Compare (VEC) website to compare their energy deal to seek out the best price.
According to the government, the VEC website is the only free and independent online energy price comparison service available to Victorians.
“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,” a government statement said.
“Combined with the Power Saving Bonus, that means Victorian households could save up to $580 a year.”
The most efficient way to apply for the bonus is through the website, but those without a computer or the internet can call the Victorian Energy Compare Helpline, or receive support from community outreach partners.
The new bonus will run until June 30, 2023, and follows from the success of the $50 power saving bonus announced in the 2018-19 budget.
“It also builds on the $250 bonus for concession recipients delivered in the Victorian Budget 2020-21, which remained open to eligible concession card holders until June 30, 2022 – and has provided more than $110 million to more than 850,000 Victorian households in total,” the government said.
Those receiving payments through the Pension Concession, JobSeeker, Austudy, Abstudy or Youth Allowance programs, or who hold a Department of Veterans’ Affairs Gold Card are eligible.
Previous recipients of the $50 or $250 power saving bonus will be eligible for the new one-off payment when the program opens.
