Nearly 500,000 eligible residents and small businesses receive second round of state energy bill relief
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Amid rising living costs and the festive season, one state’s government has stepped in to provide some much-needed relief.
The second round of energy bill relief payments in one state has begun, offering a significant financial boost to nearly half a million families and small businesses.
This initiative, worth approximately $254 million, was announced in June and is set to be paid out over a two-year period.
The scheme, in effect in South Australia, is jointly funded by the federal and South Australian governments.
The relief plan offers a reduction of $500 on energy bills for eligible households and a rebate of $650 for qualified small businesses over the year.
For those eligible, the discount will be automatically applied to their bill, saving them the hassle of paperwork and applications.
South Australian Treasurer Stephen Mullighan expressed his hopes for the scheme, stating, 'As we head into Christmas, a reduction in energy bills will provide some relief at what is traditionally a very expensive time of year.'
Initially, the relief was only available to those already receiving government assistance.
However, the rebate scheme has now been expanded to include Commonwealth Family Tax Benefit recipients, people receiving a Carer Allowance, and holders of certain Department of Veteran Affairs (DVA) cards.
Services Australia has been also reaching out to newly eligible households directly, inviting them to apply.
If you missed out on the relief in the first quarter, fret not, as you are set to receive a higher deduction from your bills.
This is to ensure you receive the full $500 across the 2023-24 billing year.
However, it's important to note that some people, while eligible for the rebate, are not concession card holders. These individuals will need to provide information to Services Australia or their energy retailer to receive the bill relief.
Households receiving both the existing state government concession of $263.15 and the jointly-funded rebate of $500 will save up to $763.15 in 2023-24—a significant saving that could make a real difference to many families this season.
Moreover, thousands of small businesses, including shops in shopping centres, will also receive the $650 energy bill reduction from early next year—significantly increasing the number of small businesses with access to the scheme.
The June state budget has provided $471.3 million worth of relief for South Australians—an unprecedented feat, according to Mr Mullighan.
'Our June state budget provided the largest package of cost-of-living relief measures ever deployed in South Australia—a large part of that to reduce energy bills,' he said.
In addition to energy bill relief, the package also includes other measures to ease the cost of living:
The full criteria for the energy bill relief scheme, and how to apply, can be accessed through the South Australian government’s website.
What are your thoughts on this energy bill relief scheme? Have you benefited from it? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
The second round of energy bill relief payments in one state has begun, offering a significant financial boost to nearly half a million families and small businesses.
This initiative, worth approximately $254 million, was announced in June and is set to be paid out over a two-year period.
The scheme, in effect in South Australia, is jointly funded by the federal and South Australian governments.
Eligible South Australians will receive energy bill relief starting December 20. Image source: Freepik.
The relief plan offers a reduction of $500 on energy bills for eligible households and a rebate of $650 for qualified small businesses over the year.
For those eligible, the discount will be automatically applied to their bill, saving them the hassle of paperwork and applications.
South Australian Treasurer Stephen Mullighan expressed his hopes for the scheme, stating, 'As we head into Christmas, a reduction in energy bills will provide some relief at what is traditionally a very expensive time of year.'
Initially, the relief was only available to those already receiving government assistance.
However, the rebate scheme has now been expanded to include Commonwealth Family Tax Benefit recipients, people receiving a Carer Allowance, and holders of certain Department of Veteran Affairs (DVA) cards.
Services Australia has been also reaching out to newly eligible households directly, inviting them to apply.
If you missed out on the relief in the first quarter, fret not, as you are set to receive a higher deduction from your bills.
This is to ensure you receive the full $500 across the 2023-24 billing year.
However, it's important to note that some people, while eligible for the rebate, are not concession card holders. These individuals will need to provide information to Services Australia or their energy retailer to receive the bill relief.
Households receiving both the existing state government concession of $263.15 and the jointly-funded rebate of $500 will save up to $763.15 in 2023-24—a significant saving that could make a real difference to many families this season.
Moreover, thousands of small businesses, including shops in shopping centres, will also receive the $650 energy bill reduction from early next year—significantly increasing the number of small businesses with access to the scheme.
The June state budget has provided $471.3 million worth of relief for South Australians—an unprecedented feat, according to Mr Mullighan.
'Our June state budget provided the largest package of cost-of-living relief measures ever deployed in South Australia—a large part of that to reduce energy bills,' he said.
In addition to energy bill relief, the package also includes other measures to ease the cost of living:
The full criteria for the energy bill relief scheme, and how to apply, can be accessed through the South Australian government’s website.
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