Victorians to get $250 power saving bonus to bust bills

The new $250 payment is available from today (1 July) and builds on the existing Power Saving Bonus program, previously available to eligible concession card holders – which has helped almost 400,000 Victorians look for a better energy deal and put money in their pockets.

Anyone who has previously claimed the Power Saving Bonus will be able to claim the new payment again from today (1 July).

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.

The website is the only free and independent online energy price comparison service available to Victorian energy consumers.

User data showed 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, that means Victorian households could save up to $580 a year.

While the quickest way to submit an application will be through the website, 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 one-off payment.

Other programs helping households and businesses to slash energy bills include Victorian Energy Upgrades, which provides 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