More than one million Victorian households have benefited from $250 directly into their pockets through the fourth round of the Power Saving Bonus, including more than 11,500 residents in Yan Yean.
The latest round of the program has seen 40 per cent of applicants find a better energy deal, with thousands of people across the state choosing to save by changing their energy deal through the Victorian Energy Compare website.
Member for Yan Yean Lauren Kathage last week ran a booth at the Mernda Junction Shopping Centre to help residents who may struggle with online technology or speak a language other than English to claim their Power Saving Bonus.
She said it was an opportunity to connect with members of the community and to help as many people as possible to claim their bonus.
“We know around 11,500 people from this area have claimed the Power Saving Bonus already and around 40 per cent of those people now have a cheaper energy deal,” she said.
“That’s what makes us so passionate about getting out and making sure as many people as possible are claiming the power saving bonus, that’s why we’ve been at these community centres helping people to get the best deal and get the $250 back in their pocket.”
In addition, more than 500 applicants have received assistance to navigate the energy market, apply for eligible grants and concessions, find and switch to better offers and address billing errors through the Energy Assistance Program, which provides consumers experiencing hardship with one-on-one assistance.
To access the $250 Power Saving Bonus, people can visit compare.energy.vic.gov.au or call 1800 000 832.
To talk to an Energy Assistance Program advocate, call 1800 161 215.
