NSW families, pensioners and more to get $100m in energy bill relief: Here’s how to apply
Low-income households, families and retirees in NSW will receive up to $350 in energy rebates from 1 July 2024.
The NSW government has used its latest budget to help concession card holders offset some of the pain of rising energy bills.
From 1 July 2024, eligible NSW households will see their rebates rise between 22% to 39%, depending on what Energy Account Payment Assistance (EAPA) plan they are eligible to receive.
The move comes after NSW residents were hit with electricity price rises of between 20 to 25% back in July, which according to the National Electricity Market (NEM) is costing them between $315 - $487 annually.
How much are the NSW energy bill relief increases?
NSW Energy Minister Penny Sharpe unveiled the new EAPA payments, which she says is costing the NSW budget $100 million during the next 12 months.
From 1 July 2024 you might be eligible for:
- Low Income House Rebates and Medical Energy Rebates increase from $285 to $350, which is a 23% increase.
- Family Energy Rebates will increase from $180 to $250, which is a 39% increase.
- Those on a partial Low Income Household Rebate will see payments increase from $20 to $30.
- Seniors Energy rebates will increase from $200 to $250, which is a 25% increase.
- Life Support Rebates for each piece of equipment has also increased by 22%.
"We understand many people are doing it tough," minister Sharpe says.
"This additional funding will make a material difference to some of the most vulnerable members of our community."
But there is a downside to the announcement.
If you're an eligible person, you'll have to wait 9 months for the additional payments to hit your bank account.
How to apply for NSW energy rebate
According to the government's site, around 1.6 million households and 320,000 small businesses in NSW are eligible for some form of financial assistance.
But this money will not be automatically credited to you.
To get the bill relief you will first need to apply for the rebate on Service NSW.
If your application is successful you will then receive the bill relief payment automatically.
3 additional tips to help you save money on your energy bills
Rather than just wait 9 months for bill relief, here's a few tips to help save on your energy bills now.
Switch your energy provider
Like with most things, being loyal to your energy provider only helps them.
When you first sign up with a provider, you are often put on introductory rates. After 12-months the standing offer on your contract will change, meaning you'll likely be paying more for your power bills.
Further still, research by Finder shows those in NSW could save $380 a year by choosing a cheaper plan than the big 3.
Unplug appliances that are on standby
If you can see a light on then it's using unnecessary energy.
The Department of the Environment and Energy says appliances that aren't switched off, so are on standby, add 3% to your power bills.
Energy Australia puts this estimate closer to 10%, which would equate to roughly an extra $41 per quarter for a household with 2 children.
Either way you can save by simply turning off appliances like your TV at the switch.
Be smarter with washing and drying clothes
Another way to cut back is by avoiding using high energy appliances such as your washing machine less often.
According to Energy Vic, you can save around $115 per year by switching to cold water when you wash your clothes.
If you're looking for additional savings, they say to only wash your clothes when you have a full load and to avoid using a clothes dryer.
Instead Energy Vic says hang your clothes outside or use a fan inside to help reduce your power bills.
If you've been with your electricity provider for more than 12 months, it could be time to switch. Compare, switch and save on energy providers in NSW.
