VIC households to get $250 energy credit, appliance upgrades and more

In an effort to keep households on top of their energy bills and improve the energy efficiency for the state, the Victorian government yesterday unveiled a $797 million energy package. 

Almost one million Victorians will receive a one-off $250 payment to help pay for their energy bills. 

Those that are eligible for the payment include concession card holders, anyone receiving JobSeeker, youth allowance or the pension. 

According to Energy Minister, Lily D'Ambrosio, this package is the “biggest household energy efficiency package in any state's history.”

"It will make a significant difference to people's power bills, it will put money back into the pockets of Victorians, it will create thousands of jobs and, of course, reduce our emissions," she said.

The $250 payment will be available online from 1 February to 31 January 2022. Information on how to register can be found here on the Victorian Govt's Energy Site .

Improving energy efficiency in Victoria

In addition to the bill credit, other households will be eligible for grants aimed at helping households become more energy efficient.

Around $335 million will be allocated toward helping low-income households upgrade old wood, electric or gas-fired heaters with energy-efficient appliances. 

Another $112 million will be used to seal windows and doors, plus replace inefficient heating and cooling systems across 35,000 social housing properties.

It’s estimated that 250,000 Victorian households will save between $300 to $900 annual on their energy bills.

And to assist renters, minimum efficiency standards for insulation, hot water systems and draught sealing will be introduced and is expected to cut energy costs for around 320,000 rental properties. 

The final piece to the energy puzzle is expanding the Solar Homes program, which will provide solar panel rebates for an additional 42,000 residents and 15,000 small businesses. 

Living in Victoria? Find out what other energy rebates you could be eligible for by checking out our Victorian Energy Rebates guide.