General News
15 August, 2022
Locals benefit from $250 Power Saving Bonus
The State Government’s Power Saving Bonus has proven to be a hit locally, with more than a thousand Central Goldfields Shire residents applying for the $250 payment. The program provides Victorians with a one-off $250 payment per household to help...
The State Government’s Power Saving Bonus has proven to be a hit locally, with more than a thousand Central Goldfields Shire residents applying for the $250 payment.
The program provides Victorians with a one-off $250 payment per household to help provide energy bill relief, and has already been accessed by one million households.
To apply, residents must visit the Victorian Energy Compare website — a free and independent online energy price comparison service — and compare energy offers to see if they can get a better deal.
Residents do not have to change energy plans or providers to receive the $250 payment.
In Maryborough alone, 1474 residents have applied for the bonus and hundreds more around the Central Goldfields Shire and beyond.
In a Facebook post last week The Advertiser asked readers how they found the application process —eight said they found it easy, while four described it as manageable but with some challenges, with one reader describing the website as “finicky”.
Maryborough Community House is offering assistance to those who may need support when applying for the bonus and coordinator Jeannie Clark said the house has already seen many residents apply.
“We’ve had quite a number of people come through already, there’s definitely a need for assistance,” she said.
“On Tuesday and Thursday morning, by appointment people can come in for digital assistance to apply. Anyone who needs help must make an appointment first.”
The program recently received a $205 million boost and applications can be submitted any time from now up until June 30, 2023.
All Victorian households are eligible for the payment — including concession card holders who have already claimed the payment under an earlier phase of the program.
To apply, visit compare. energy.vic.gov.au
For support when applying for the bonus, you can contact Maryborough Community House (5461-4551), Mill House Neighbourhood House (5461-3185) or the Dunolly Neighbourhood Centre (5468-1511).