27 February 2023

Every household in Essendon will be able to access a new round of the $250 Power Saving Bonus within weeks as the Andrews Labor Government drives down the cost of living across the state.

The $250 Power Saving Bonus will be re-opened to all eligible Victorian households from 24 March, including those that received payments under previous rounds, when they visit the Labor Government’s bill-busting Victorian Energy Compare website.

Since the current round of the $250 Power Saving Bonus launched on 1 July 2022, more than 1.7 million households have received the nation-leading cost of living support.

Applications for the payment can be made through the Victorian Energy Compare website, where customers can quickly and easily find the best energy offers in their areas – potentially saving hundreds of dollars.

Victoria has cut its emissions by more than any other state, tripled the amount of renewable energy and created thousands of clean energy jobs – but there is more to do, and that is why we have set a renewable energy target of 95 per cent by 2035.

To help meet this target, the Government is reviving the State Electricity Commission and bringing back government owned renewable energy – to drive down energy costs and help create 59,000 jobs.

The Labor Government is also reducing cost of living stress through the new Energy Assistance Program, a free service providing energy consumers experiencing hardship with one-on-one assistance.

The Energy Assistance Program is a $3.75 million initiative that will help Victorians struggling with power bills to navigate the energy market, apply for eligible grants and concessions, find and switch to better offers and address billing errors.

The program is being delivered in partnership with community partners Anglicare Victoria and Community Information & Support Victoria.

We are also helping Victorians save on their household energy bills through the $1.3 billion Solar Homes Program by installing solar PV systems, batteries, solar hot water and heat pumps.

To access the $250 Power Saving Bonus, visit compare.energy.vic.gov.au or call 1800 000 832. To speak to an Energy Assistance Program advocate, call 1800 161 215.

Quotes attributable to Premier Daniel Andrews

“We know Victorians are doing it tough with the rising cost of energy – that’s why we’ll have a new round of the $250 Power Saving Bonus, putting money in families’ pockets and making sure they’re on the best deal.”

“We’re driving down bills and putting power back in Victorians’ hands by bringing back the SEC and delivering cheap, clean, sustainable energy.”

Quotes attributable to Minister for Energy and Resources Lily D’Ambrosio

“Big power companies rely on people not having the time, information or knowledge to save money. But we know better deals are out there – and we’re helping Victorian families find them.”

Quotes attributable to Member for Essendon Danny Pearson MP

“We’re helping households in Essendon with immediate bill relief through the Power Saving Bonus and driving down the cost of living through our rebates for solar, hot water and Victorian Energy Upgrades program.”