New Energy Relief Plan: 9,000+ Households Due For Extra Power Credit!
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All aboard the energy train, mates! We have some electrifying news regarding the latest energy relief plan for our Western Australian neighbours.
If you could use a bit of relief when it comes to your power bill, this just might make your day.
Thanks to the 'Community Energy' program by the Western Australian Government, Perth's rooftop solar systems' overflow of power will be re-routed to assist struggling WA households.
And here's the kicker—this initiative could save some households up to $500 a year. Now, that's what we call a light at the end of the power line!
On a grander scale, half of the government's $400 electricity bill relief payment, promised in the state budget to address the escalating cost of living, was handed in on Monday, July 10th, with the remainder scheduled for distribution at the end of the year.
During the announcement of this program, Premier Roger Cook introduced the added aid for specific households. Through this new plan, he shared that struggling families will now get free power between 9am–3pm .
'These households, our highest hardship customers, will receive free power up to the value of 10 electricity credits.' stated Mr Cook.
He added, ‘The measure of any government is the degree to which they stand by those who are doing it tough.'
According to the state government's estimation, this program will save qualified households anywhere between $200 to $500 annually—which breaks down to about 55 cents to $1.37 per day.
Louise Giolitto, the CEO of the WA Council of Social Service, also hailed this initiative.
'We know that not all households can access and benefit from technologies like solar panels, so this kind of product helps address that inequity' she expressed.
'When coupled with the electricity credit announced in the May budget, Community Energy will generate a significant positive influence,' she added.
Where is all this excess electricity coming from? Well, Energy Minister Bill Johnston said that this power comes from excess energy from rooftop solar systems.
'At the moment, Synergy purchases all that electricity and sells it into the wholesale market, frequently at a negative price. So, by being able to give it to hardship customers, everyone's benefiting,' he said. Over 9,000 households, currently categorised as in 'hardship', are anticipated to receive this emphatic support.
He further added, 'We're targeting it at just the most disadvantaged.'
Mr Johnston encouraged any Synergy customers undergoing difficulties to apply and join the case management program.
The program offers the assistance of a dedicated Synergy Case Manager, flexible payment terms, and potential incentives upon achieving your payment objectives.
‘If you have other problems that are leading you into hardship, please get in touch with Synergy,' he urged.
However, not everyone is radiating optimism. Opposition Energy Spokesperson Steve Thomas believes that these energy bill relief packages hardly scratch the surface, given WA's tremendous budget surpluses.
He shared, ‘They fall well short of the level of support the government can afford to provide struggling Western Australian households. This is less than a cup of coffee a day saving for desperate people, and there is scope for greater compassion.’
Let's hope more plans seep in across all states. And remember, every little bit—or shall we say, every little volt—certainly helps.
What are your thoughts on the Community Energy program? Do you believe initiatives like these effectively address the rising cost of living and provide relief to struggling households? Let us know below!
If you could use a bit of relief when it comes to your power bill, this just might make your day.
Thanks to the 'Community Energy' program by the Western Australian Government, Perth's rooftop solar systems' overflow of power will be re-routed to assist struggling WA households.
And here's the kicker—this initiative could save some households up to $500 a year. Now, that's what we call a light at the end of the power line!
Certain households in Western Australia will receive complimentary electricity. Image by matthewhenry from unsplash
On a grander scale, half of the government's $400 electricity bill relief payment, promised in the state budget to address the escalating cost of living, was handed in on Monday, July 10th, with the remainder scheduled for distribution at the end of the year.
During the announcement of this program, Premier Roger Cook introduced the added aid for specific households. Through this new plan, he shared that struggling families will now get free power between 9am–3pm .
'These households, our highest hardship customers, will receive free power up to the value of 10 electricity credits.' stated Mr Cook.
He added, ‘The measure of any government is the degree to which they stand by those who are doing it tough.'
According to the state government's estimation, this program will save qualified households anywhere between $200 to $500 annually—which breaks down to about 55 cents to $1.37 per day.
Louise Giolitto, the CEO of the WA Council of Social Service, also hailed this initiative.
'We know that not all households can access and benefit from technologies like solar panels, so this kind of product helps address that inequity' she expressed.
'When coupled with the electricity credit announced in the May budget, Community Energy will generate a significant positive influence,' she added.
Where is all this excess electricity coming from? Well, Energy Minister Bill Johnston said that this power comes from excess energy from rooftop solar systems.
According to Bill Johnston, the credit aims to benefit the most economically disadvantaged consumers. Image by metelevan from unsplash
'At the moment, Synergy purchases all that electricity and sells it into the wholesale market, frequently at a negative price. So, by being able to give it to hardship customers, everyone's benefiting,' he said. Over 9,000 households, currently categorised as in 'hardship', are anticipated to receive this emphatic support.
He further added, 'We're targeting it at just the most disadvantaged.'
Mr Johnston encouraged any Synergy customers undergoing difficulties to apply and join the case management program.
The program offers the assistance of a dedicated Synergy Case Manager, flexible payment terms, and potential incentives upon achieving your payment objectives.
‘If you have other problems that are leading you into hardship, please get in touch with Synergy,' he urged.
However, not everyone is radiating optimism. Opposition Energy Spokesperson Steve Thomas believes that these energy bill relief packages hardly scratch the surface, given WA's tremendous budget surpluses.
He shared, ‘They fall well short of the level of support the government can afford to provide struggling Western Australian households. This is less than a cup of coffee a day saving for desperate people, and there is scope for greater compassion.’
What are your thoughts on the Community Energy program? Do you believe initiatives like these effectively address the rising cost of living and provide relief to struggling households? Let us know below!
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