The Victorian Government announced the new round of the $250 Power Saving Bonus as part of its commitment to reduce the cost of living across the State.
The $250 Power Saving Bonus will be re-opened to all eligible Victorian families from 24 March, including those that received rewards under earlier rounds, when they visit the State Government’s bill-busting Victorian Energy Compare website.
“We know Victorians are doing it tough with the rising cost of energy – that’s why we’ll have a new round of the $250 Power Saving Bonus, putting money in families’ packers and making sure they’re on the best deal,” Premier Daniel Andrews said.
According to the State Government, over 1.7 million households have received the assistance since the current round of the $250 Power Saving Bonus began on 1 July 2022.
Applications for the payment can be submitted through the Victorian Energy Compare website.
“We’re helping Victorians with immediate bill relief through the Power Saving Bonus and driving down the cost of living through our rebates for solar, hot water and Victorian Energy Upgrades program,” Minister for Energy and Resources Lily D’Ambrosio said.
The Andrews Government claimed that the State had reduced its emissions more than any other state, tripled the quantity of renewable energy, and generated thousands of jobs in the clean energy sector. However, the Government said there is still work to be done, which is why Victoria set a target of 95% renewable energy by 2035.
To assist in reaching this goal, the Government is resurrecting the State Electricity Commission and reintroducing government-owned renewable energy, intending to lower energy costs and create 59,000 jobs.
“We’re driving down bills and putting power back in Victorians’ hands by bringing back the SEC and delivering cheap, clean, sustainable energy,” Premier Andrews said.
The Victorian Government said it’s also decreasing the cost of living stress via the new Energy Assistance Program, a free service that provides one-on-one aid to energy consumers experiencing hardship.
The $3.75 million Energy Assistance Program is designed to help Victorians struggling with power bills navigate the energy market, apply for eligible grants and discounts, find and switch to better deals, and address billing problems.
According to the State Government, it’s also assisting Victorians in lowering their household energy bills through the $1.3 billion Solar Homes Program by installing solar PV systems, batteries, solar hot water, and heat pumps.
