New power bill credits to roll out as government tackles rising living costs
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As the cost of living continues to rise, many Australians are feeling the pinch and looking for any available relief.
Amidst these challenges, the government is rolling out a new round of power bill credits aimed at providing some much-needed financial support.
This initiative comes as part of ongoing efforts to ease the burden on households, particularly those most vulnerable to economic pressures.
However, questions remain about whether additional measures will be introduced to further assist residents in navigating these tough financial times.
Western Australia's Premier Roger Cook has hinted that additional financial support is forthcoming for residents, as a significant electricity bill credit is set to be distributed.
Starting this Saturday, December 7, most West Australian households will automatically receive a $350 credit on their upcoming power bill from Synergy or Horizon.
For residents living in strata apartments or retirement villages, the process differs slightly—they will need to proactively submit an online application through the state government's website to claim their rebate.
As households face escalating cost-of-living challenges in the lead-up to Christmas, Premier Cook affirmed that his government remains committed to exploring additional relief strategies throughout Western Australia.
When directly questioned about potential relief measures like water bills or car registration assistance, the Premier responded: ‘We're continuing to examine the entire range of state government services to identify ways we can provide cost of living relief.’
‘I’m certainly not ruling out more cost of living measures.’
‘We’ll obviously look at all the opportunities that present to us and taking advice from Treasury and taking advice from the experts in terms of where West Aussies are doing at toughest and how we can particularly target those West Aussies to give them the cost of living relief they need,’ he added.
Shane Arnold, a Currambine father who accompanied the Premier during the announcement, highlighted that the $350 credit would essentially provide his family with 58 days of free electricity, including air-conditioning usage throughout the summer.
Meanwhile, Liberal Leader Libby Mettam, while characterising the rebates as a temporary ‘sugar hit’, indicated that a government under her leadership would be receptive to maintaining such credits.
‘We are certainly not ruling out electricity rebates into the future, but we’re also committed to fundamental and sustainable reform going forward,’ she stated.
As part of her party's election platform, Ms Mettam has pledged to reduce the daily supply charge for households by 50 per cent, which would result in annual savings of $169 for families.
As Premier Roger Cook rolls out the next round of power bill credits in Western Australia, aimed at alleviating the cost-of-living pressures for residents, a similar initiative is being spearheaded by Premier Steven Miles.
Miles has announced a $116 million plan to provide relief for social housing residents, reflecting a broader trend of state governments stepping in to support their communities amidst rising living costs.
Both leaders are taking significant steps to address financial burdens, highlighting the ongoing efforts to provide targeted assistance where it's most needed.
We'd love to hear from you in the comments below. Have you noticed an increase in your power bills? What measures would you like to see implemented to ease the cost-of-living pressures? Your insights are invaluable, and together, we can navigate these challenging times with resilience and hope.
Amidst these challenges, the government is rolling out a new round of power bill credits aimed at providing some much-needed financial support.
This initiative comes as part of ongoing efforts to ease the burden on households, particularly those most vulnerable to economic pressures.
However, questions remain about whether additional measures will be introduced to further assist residents in navigating these tough financial times.
Western Australia's Premier Roger Cook has hinted that additional financial support is forthcoming for residents, as a significant electricity bill credit is set to be distributed.
Starting this Saturday, December 7, most West Australian households will automatically receive a $350 credit on their upcoming power bill from Synergy or Horizon.
For residents living in strata apartments or retirement villages, the process differs slightly—they will need to proactively submit an online application through the state government's website to claim their rebate.
Premier Roger Cook hinted at more cost-of-living relief for WA households. Credit: Shutterstock
As households face escalating cost-of-living challenges in the lead-up to Christmas, Premier Cook affirmed that his government remains committed to exploring additional relief strategies throughout Western Australia.
When directly questioned about potential relief measures like water bills or car registration assistance, the Premier responded: ‘We're continuing to examine the entire range of state government services to identify ways we can provide cost of living relief.’
‘I’m certainly not ruling out more cost of living measures.’
‘We’ll obviously look at all the opportunities that present to us and taking advice from Treasury and taking advice from the experts in terms of where West Aussies are doing at toughest and how we can particularly target those West Aussies to give them the cost of living relief they need,’ he added.
Shane Arnold, a Currambine father who accompanied the Premier during the announcement, highlighted that the $350 credit would essentially provide his family with 58 days of free electricity, including air-conditioning usage throughout the summer.
Meanwhile, Liberal Leader Libby Mettam, while characterising the rebates as a temporary ‘sugar hit’, indicated that a government under her leadership would be receptive to maintaining such credits.
‘We are certainly not ruling out electricity rebates into the future, but we’re also committed to fundamental and sustainable reform going forward,’ she stated.
As part of her party's election platform, Ms Mettam has pledged to reduce the daily supply charge for households by 50 per cent, which would result in annual savings of $169 for families.
As Premier Roger Cook rolls out the next round of power bill credits in Western Australia, aimed at alleviating the cost-of-living pressures for residents, a similar initiative is being spearheaded by Premier Steven Miles.
Miles has announced a $116 million plan to provide relief for social housing residents, reflecting a broader trend of state governments stepping in to support their communities amidst rising living costs.
Both leaders are taking significant steps to address financial burdens, highlighting the ongoing efforts to provide targeted assistance where it's most needed.
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