More than 1.7 million households have applied for immediate energy bill relief under round four of the $250 Power Saving Bonus – helping ease cost-of-living pressures and getting Victorians on the best energy deal possible.

Since July last year, the Andrews Labor Government has helped households access $500 of bill support through two rounds of the Power Saving Bonus – with nearly 500,000 of these households switching to an energy provider who offered a better deal.

Victorians who are yet to apply for the current round of $250 Power Saving Bonus, are encouraged to do so before the program ends on August 31.

In addition, Victorians with a Pensioner Concession Card, Health Care Card, DVA Gold Card, Commonwealth Seniors Health Card, Carer Allowance and Family Tax Benefit A and B are eligible for a further $250 off their power bill as part of the Commonwealth’s Energy Bill Relief Fund.

The Labor Government’s $3.75 million Energy Assistance Program (EAP) will continue after August 31, ensuring Victorians having trouble paying their energy bills will still be able access free one-on-one assistance.

To date, the EAP has helped more than 4,000 Victorians apply for grants and concessions, access support under their retailer’s hardship program, find and switch to better offers or identify ways to save energy around the home.

The program has helped Victorians access more the $370,000 worth of grants and concessions that they were entitled to receive.

The EAP is being delivered in partnership with community partners Anglicare Victoria and Community Information & Support Victoria. Households can call 1800 161 215 Monday to Friday to make an appointment.

Community Outreach partners have supported over 62,000 Power Saving Bonus applications and played a critical role in helping vulnerable Victorians access their bonus.

All Victorians are encouraged to visit the Victorian Energy Compare website to check for the best deal – more than one-third of website users find a better energy offer and plan to switch offers after using the website.

To apply for the current round or compare your energy bill visit, compare.energy.vic.gov.au or call 1800 000 832.

To find out if you’re eligible for other payments visit, energy.vic.gov.au/for-households/help-paying-your-bills.

Quotes attributable to Minister for Energy and Resources Lily D’Ambrosio

“We’ve put money back in the pockets of millions of Victorian households and put the power back in their hands to make sure they are on the best energy deal through the Victorian Energy Compare website.”

“We encourage any Victorians who are finding it difficult to meet their energy bills to contact the Energy Assistance Program, where they can access private one-on-one support.”