There are just two weeks left for Victorians to claim a free $250, as a government initiative comes to a close.
More than 1.7 million households have already applied for Victoria’s $250 Power Saving Bonus, which was brought in to buffer families from rising energy costs.
The one-time payment is available to all eligible Victorian households who visit the Victorian Energy Compare website, which helps to evaluate the best priced electricity offers.
You are not required to switch offers or retailers to claim the payment.
The current round of the bonus ends at 11:59pm on August 31 and the Victorian government is urging households to take advantage. That includes households who received payments under previous rounds.
“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,” Energy and Resources Minister Lily D’Ambrosio said.
Victorians with a Pensioner Concession Card, Health Care Card, Department of Veterans’ Affairs Gold Card or Commonwealth Seniors Health Card, as well as those who receive Family Tax Benefit A and B or Carer Allowance, also eligible for a further $250 off their power bill as part of the Commonwealth’s Energy Bill Relief Fund.
Residents in other states can also claim up to $700 via that method.
The government is also offering an Energy Assistance Program, which gives Victorians having trouble paying their energy bills free one-on-one assistance.
How to get the $250 payment
You can apply for the Power Saving Bonus payment by visiting the Victorian Energy Compare website and submitting an application, or by applying through a participating community outreach partner.
To be eligible, you’ll need to have a recent residential electricity bill and be the account holder for that bill. There is only one payment available per household.
As part of the application process, the government will show you information about the best-priced electricity offers available in your area. You’re not required to switch offers or retailers to claim the payment.
The whole process takes five to 10 minutes. If successful, you’ll receive the $250 payment to your nominated bank account within three to 15 days.
The current Power Saving Bonus round started on March 24 and will end at 11:59pm on August 31, 2023.