More than 70,000 Victorian households have applied for the Allan Labor Government’s new $100 Power Saving Bonus within just two weeks of its launch, with payments starting to arrive in bank accounts this week. The initiative, aimed at easing cost-of-living pressures during winter, has already delivered more than $7 million in support to some of the state’s most vulnerable residents.
Minister for Energy and Resources Lily D’Ambrosio visited the North and West Melbourne Neighbourhood Centre to highlight the early impact of the program and its strong community take-up. “We’re helping vulnerable Victorians with an extra $100 payment to manage paying their winter energy bills and keep their families warm,” she said.
The Neighbourhood Centre is one of more than 250 sites around the state offering in-person assistance to people needing help with their application, especially those without internet access. So far, over 10 per cent of all applications have come through this community outreach stream, which is supported by Neighbourhood Houses and a dedicated phone helpline.
The bonus is open to concession card holders, including those with a health care card, pensioner concession, veterans’ affairs pensioner concession or gold card. To apply, households must provide a recent residential electricity bill and submit their details through the Victorian Energy Compare website.
On top of the $100 state bonus, all households are also receiving $150 from the Commonwealth Government’s Energy Bill Relief Fund. For those still struggling to keep up with their bills, the Energy Assistance Program offers free support over the phone through partnerships with Anglicare Victoria and cohealth.
Although most applicants will see their payment within 10 business days, the Department has advised that some cases requiring extra review or phone assistance may experience slight delays.
Victorians are also being encouraged to visit the free Energy Compare website to make sure they’re on the best deal available. According to government data, those who switched providers last year through the site saved an average of $240 on their energy bills.
Since it was first introduced in 2018, the Power Saving Bonus program has distributed over $1 billion in relief across four rounds. More than 4.5 million payments have been made, reflecting widespread demand and growing awareness of household energy costs.
Member for Northern Metropolitan Region Sheena Watt praised the role of local community centres in helping the program reach people who might otherwise miss out. “Our local neighbourhood houses are making it easier for Victorians to get their $100 Power Saving Bonus,” she said.
Victorians can apply online at compare.energy.vic.gov.au or call 1800 000 832. To access the Energy Assistance Program, the number is 1800 161 215.
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