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One-time donation of $250 to help millions of Australians save on their electricity bills
- NSW households could receive a single payment
- Dominic Perrottet unveiled the plan as part of the election pledge
A one-time payment of $250 will be awarded to NSW families if they search for a cheaper electricity provider, even if they don’t switch.
The coalition government has announced a $500m scheme that will give families the money as a credit on their energy bill, as long as they use the ServiceNSW app to check they are getting the best price.
Prime Minister Dominic Perrottet unveiled the plan while campaigning ahead of state elections in March, saying power companies would be forced to keep prices low to attract new customers and keep existing ones.
NSW Premier Dominic Perrottet (pictured) is offering households in his state a $250 bonus payment if they search for a cheaper electricity provider
Payments under the NSW Energy Bill Saver initiative will roll out from July 1 this year, with around two million households expected to take advantage of the offer.
“We know families are feeling the pressure right now and that is why we will provide immediate relief on bills and help them get a better energy deal,” Mr. Perrottet said.
“That’s about $250 in short-term savings, while also ensuring that NSW households can reduce their bills in future by switching to a cheaper offer.”
All households would be eligible for the payment, even if they are already claiming a different refund.
“This is all part of Liberal and Nationals’ long-term economic plan to support NSW families and move our state forward.” said Mr. Perrottet.
The scheme is similar to the $250 energy savings bonus currently being offered to Victorians until June 30 if they shop on the Victorian Energy Comparison website.
Bill payers must submit a request via the website using the details from their latest bill and then the $250 is deposited into a designated bank account.
NSW Deputy Premier Paul O’Toole said the tool will remain available on the ServiceNSW site for the long term.
“This program isn’t just for now, it’s a simple way for NSW families to save money in the long term by evaluating their provider,” he said.
The government said households could save hundreds of dollars a year on their electricity bills simply by taking the time to find the best provider.
Electricity bills have skyrocketed in recent years, adding to rising cost-of-living pressures on household budgets (file image)
Power bills have skyrocketed in recent years as outdated coal-fired power stations struggle to keep up with demand and gas companies ship Australia’s reserves abroad to take advantage of high global prices.
Treasurer Matt Kean said the coalition government had committed to delivering cheap and reliable power with its power infrastructure roadmap.
The $32 billion roadmap seeks to ‘coordinate investment in transmission, generation, storage and infrastructure consolidation as aging coal-fired generation plants are retired.
NSW Labor leader Chris Minns said the government needed to take a more active role in the electricity market because the coalition’s privatization policy has failed to keep prices low.
“Ownership of power assets and a reserve policy is something we need to look at,” he told The Sydney Morning Herald in December.
He said the state could look at Western Australia, which requires at least 15 percent of gas to be reserved for the domestic market, and Victoria, which is considering a State Electricity Commission to oversee the market.