Yarra Ranges residents can score a $250 payment if they use the Energy Compare Website to look for better energy deals from Friday 1 July.
The payment was announced back in May and was included in the 2022/2023 state budget, a part of a $250 million program. From 1 July, any Victorian household who uses the Victorian Energy Compare website will be able to receive the payment.
Premier Daniel Andrews said it was a great opportunity for Victorians to save money, ease the cost of living and cut their energy bills.
“Big power companies rely on people not having the time, information or knowledge to save money,” he said.
“But we know better deals are out there and we’re helping Victorian families find them.”
Victorians who don’t have access to the internet can call the Victorian energy compare helpline or receive support from community outreach partners.
Previous recipients of the $50 or $250 Power Saving Bonus will also still be eligible for the new one-off payment.
Mr Andrews said 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,” he said.
The Victorian Energy Compare website is the only free and independent online energy price comparison service available to Victorian energy consumers and 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, on top of the $250 payment.
“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,” Minister for Energy, Environment and Climate Action Lily D’Ambrosio said.
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.
To apply and for more information go to: compare.energy.vic.gov.au
