Are you missing out on a brand new $100 energy bill rebate starting today?
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If you’re a Victorian looking for a little extra help with your energy bills, we’ve got some good news that might just brighten your day—and your wallet!
So, what should you be expecting?
The Victorian Government has just launched a fresh round of the Power Saving Bonus, opening from August 25, and offering eligible households a one-off $100 rebate to help ease the sting of rising living costs.
If you’re over 60 and feeling the pinch, this could be a welcome boost.
The Power Saving Bonus is part of a $50 million cost-of-living package announced in the latest Victorian budget. Premier Jacinta Allan unveiled the new round on Monday, promising 'direct support' for those who need it most.
This isn’t the first time Victorians have seen this kind of help—the government previously rolled out a fourth-round $250 bonus to all households to encourage people to compare energy offers and save money.
That program wrapped up in August 2023, but this new round is specifically targeted at concession card holders.
Not everyone can claim this bonus, but if you tick the right boxes, it’s a straightforward process. Here’s what you need:
What About Renters, Retirement Villages, and Caravan Parks?
Good news—if you’re renting, living in a retirement village, or even in a caravan park, you can still apply as long as you have a concession card and an energy account with a matching address.
However, if you live off the grid and don’t have a residential energy account, you won’t be eligible. Businesses are also excluded from this bonus.
How Do You Apply?
Applying is simple and can be done online through the Victorian Energy Compare website.
If you’re not comfortable with the internet or need a helping hand, you can call 1800 000 832 for support. The process is designed to be as easy as possible, so don’t let technology hold you back!
Once you’ve submitted your application, you should receive your payment within two to three weeks. Prefer a cheque? That’s an option too, but it might take a little longer—up to four to six weeks.
How Does This Differ from the Federal Rebate?
You might be wondering how this bonus stacks up against the federal government’s $150 energy bill rebate, which was automatically applied to electricity bills in two $75 quarterly payments from July 1.
The key difference is that the federal rebate is automatic and for a broader group, while the Victorian Power Saving Bonus is a one-off payment specifically for concession card holders and requires an application.
More Cost-of-Living Relief in the Victorian Budget
The $100 Power Saving Bonus is just one part of a much larger package aimed at helping Victorians manage the rising cost of living. Here are some other highlights from the budget that might interest you:
Have you applied for the Power Saving Bonus before? Did you find the process easy, or did you hit any snags? Are there other cost-of-living measures you’d like to see introduced? We’d love to hear your experiences and tips!
So, what should you be expecting?
The Victorian Government has just launched a fresh round of the Power Saving Bonus, opening from August 25, and offering eligible households a one-off $100 rebate to help ease the sting of rising living costs.
If you’re over 60 and feeling the pinch, this could be a welcome boost.
The Power Saving Bonus is part of a $50 million cost-of-living package announced in the latest Victorian budget. Premier Jacinta Allan unveiled the new round on Monday, promising 'direct support' for those who need it most.
This isn’t the first time Victorians have seen this kind of help—the government previously rolled out a fourth-round $250 bonus to all households to encourage people to compare energy offers and save money.
Eligible Victorians with certain concession cards can now apply for a one-off $100 Power Saving Bonus to help cover energy bills, as part of a new $50 million cost-of-living commitment from the state government. Image source: Pinterest.
That program wrapped up in August 2023, but this new round is specifically targeted at concession card holders.
Not everyone can claim this bonus, but if you tick the right boxes, it’s a straightforward process. Here’s what you need:
- A recent residential electricity bill (so dig out your latest one!)
- One of the following concession cards:
- Health Care Card
- Pensioner Concession Card
- Veterans’ Affairs Pensioner Concession Card
- Veterans’ Affairs Gold Card
What About Renters, Retirement Villages, and Caravan Parks?
Good news—if you’re renting, living in a retirement village, or even in a caravan park, you can still apply as long as you have a concession card and an energy account with a matching address.
However, if you live off the grid and don’t have a residential energy account, you won’t be eligible. Businesses are also excluded from this bonus.
How Do You Apply?
Applying is simple and can be done online through the Victorian Energy Compare website.
If you’re not comfortable with the internet or need a helping hand, you can call 1800 000 832 for support. The process is designed to be as easy as possible, so don’t let technology hold you back!
Once you’ve submitted your application, you should receive your payment within two to three weeks. Prefer a cheque? That’s an option too, but it might take a little longer—up to four to six weeks.
How Does This Differ from the Federal Rebate?
You might be wondering how this bonus stacks up against the federal government’s $150 energy bill rebate, which was automatically applied to electricity bills in two $75 quarterly payments from July 1.
The key difference is that the federal rebate is automatic and for a broader group, while the Victorian Power Saving Bonus is a one-off payment specifically for concession card holders and requires an application.
More Cost-of-Living Relief in the Victorian Budget
The $100 Power Saving Bonus is just one part of a much larger package aimed at helping Victorians manage the rising cost of living. Here are some other highlights from the budget that might interest you:
- Free Public Transport: $320 million has been allocated to provide free public transport for under-18s and free statewide public transport for seniors on weekends.
- Hot Water Rebates: An extra 27,000 rebates are available for households installing electric heat pumps and solar hot water systems.
- Healthcare Savings: $18 million will help pharmacists treat more Victorians, saving you the time and cost of a GP visit for minor ailments.
- Support for Families: Over $1.3 billion will help families with kids at school, kindergarten, and TAFE, including free kindergarten (saving up to $2,600 per child per year) and more than 65,000 Get Active Kids vouchers worth up to $200.
- Camps, Sports, and Excursions Fund: More than $150 million will boost this fund, giving 200,000 kids in families with a health care or concession card a $400 boost.
- Stamp Duty Relief: $61 million has been set aside to reduce stamp duty for off-the-plan apartments, units, and townhouses for another 12 months.
Have you applied for the Power Saving Bonus before? Did you find the process easy, or did you hit any snags? Are there other cost-of-living measures you’d like to see introduced? We’d love to hear your experiences and tips!
