Home Top Story Power Saving Bonus uptake grows ahead of March deadline

Power Saving Bonus uptake grows ahead of March deadline

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More than 245,000 Victorian households have already received $100 off their electricity bills under the latest round of the Power Saving Bonus, as the Allan Labor Government pushes to extend cost-of-living relief before applications close at the end of March.

Energy and Resources Minister Lily D’Ambrosio visited Duke St Community House in Sunshine to encourage eligible residents to apply before the scheme closes on 31 March 2026. Since opening in August last year, this round of the bonus has cut more than $24.5 million from household energy bills.

“Our Power Saving Bonus is putting much-needed money back into the pockets of Victorian families. We’re making it easy to claim, whether over-the-phone or in-person, helping residents across the state cut their energy bills,” D’Ambrosio said.

The $100 payment is available to households that hold a health care card, pensioner concession card, veterans’ affairs pensioner concession card or veterans’ affairs gold card. Applicants need a recent residential electricity bill to complete the process.

The bonus can be claimed online through the Victorian Energy Compare website, with additional support available through the Community Outreach Program, including in-person assistance and a telephone helpline. More than one in ten applications so far have been lodged through neighbourhood houses or by phone, reflecting the demand for alternatives to online services.

Member for Laverton Sarah Connolly with John Lister MP for Werribee at an Australia Day citizenship ceremony with new Australians. Speaking on 27 January, Connolly said: “We know every dollar counts for families everywhere, including Sunshine, which is why we’re reminding eligible households to claim their $100 Power Saving Bonus before applications close this round.”

“We know families are doing it tough, that’s why we’re urging eligible households to claim their $100 Power Saving Bonus now before it closes on 31 March – it’s a simple way to lighten the load,” D’Ambrosio said.

Member for Laverton Sarah Connolly said the reminder was particularly important for local families. “We know every dollar counts for families everywhere, including Sunshine, which is why we’re reminding eligible households to claim their $100 Power Saving Bonus before applications close this round,” she said.

Alongside the bonus, Victorians struggling to manage energy costs can access the Energy Assistance Program, a free phone service delivered with Anglicare Victoria and cohealth. The service provides tailored advice and practical help for households having trouble paying their bills.

Victorian Energy Compare also allows households to search for cheaper energy deals. In 2025, users who switched providers through the site saved an average of $170.

Since its launch in 2018, the Power Saving Bonus has supported more than 4.5 million applications across four rounds, delivering over $1 billion in energy bill relief statewide.

Applications for the current $100 bonus close at midnight on Tuesday 31 March 2026.


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