NSW Energy Rebate: Save up to $1,600 on your energy bill
New South Wales households who have suffered from a loss of income due to COVID-19 may be eligible for a new energy rebate of up to $1,600.
Announced this morning, the $30 million rebate is in addition to the existing Energy Accounts Payment Assistance scheme, a government scheme for households unable to pay their electricity and/or gas bill during a crisis or emergency.
“As we go into the colder months, people will be relying on more electricity. We know with more people working from home, they are using up more energy,” said NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian.
“If you have lost a job or your household is under pressure, you might be working less hours, go through Service New South Wales. You could save hundreds of dollars off your energy bill."
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Minister for Energy and Environment Matt Kean encouraged every person who's suffering financial loss or hardship during this time to apply.
Kean also reminded older Australians to look into the Seniors Energy Rebate scheme, which offers rebates of up to $200 on gas and electricity bills.
He explained that while the scheme was made available from the start of April, only 18,000 seniors have since claimed the rebate - 110,000 Aussies are yet to apply.
“This is part of the Seniors Energy Rebate scheme. To be eligible for the scheme, you just have to have a Commonwealth Seniors Health card,” Kean said.
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Other ways Aussies can seek financial assistance
While it might be worth checking out other available rebates in your state or territory, if you are experiencing financial difficulties due to COVID-19, it’s important to first get in touch with your energy provider.
From there, they’ll work with you to establish the best course of action for your circumstances, such as fee waivers, personalised payment plans or by placing you into a financial hardship program.
Find out what your retailer is doing to help customers during this time by checking out our detailed guide.
Or if you’d like to learn more about how much you could be saving on your energy bill, enter your postcode below to compare energy plans in your area.
