Find a better deal and pocket $250: Walsh

Jul 3, 2022

Look elsewhere: Victorian Nationals leader Peter Walsh is urging his constituents to find a better energy deal and take advantage of the Victorian Government’s $250 power savings bonus payment. Photo by contributed

Nationals leader and Member for Murray Plains Peter Walsh is advising every household across his electorate — and the state — to go and find a better energy deal on Victoria’s Energy Compare website.

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And pocket a $250 power saving bonus at the same time — to help offset rising power costs.

Mr Walsh said the new $250 payment was available to all Victorian households who visited www.compare.energy.vic.gov.au to compare their energy deal and seek out a better price.

He said every household who visited the website was guaranteed a $250 bonus.

But the bonus could only be claimed once per household.

“The quickest way to submit an application for the $250 power saving bonus is through the website, but local residents who do not have access to a computer or the internet should call the Victorian Energy Compare helpline on 1800 000 832,” Mr Walsh said.

“Residents across northern Victoria continue to pay some of the highest prices in the state for their electricity and gas.

“User data shows seven out of 10 households across Victoria can save money by switching energy offers, with typical annual savings of $330 on energy bills in the first year of switching.

“There remains, however, few opportunities available to change suppliers and reduce costs locally due to the inaction of the Andrews Labor Government — so the opportunity to receive a one-off $250 bonus shouldn’t be missed.”

Mr Walsh said with its previous $250 bonus, the government made it a 100 per cent online opportunity, which disadvantaged thousands of people across his electorate and tens of thousands across the state.

He said with cost of living on the rise — and power prices in Victoria climbing too fast because of bungled industry management — every extra dollar helped alleviate strain on the household budget.

Households which have previously claimed a $50 or $250 bonus were eligible for the new one-off payment, which was available until June 30, 2023.

“We are told the $250 power saving bonus is separate to the Non-Mains Energy Concession, which remains open,’’ Mr Walsh said.

“Concession card holders who source non-mains energy for their heating, cooking and hot water can apply for this concession to help cover their yearly energy costs until December 31.

“To be eligible for this payment you must hold either a pensioner concession, health care or veteran’s affairs gold card and be able to provide copies of invoices and receipts for payments made.

“So remember, if you don’t have digital access, or you know someone who doesn’t, you can either help them locally or get them to dial 1800 000 832 for assistance.”