Minister for Energy, Environment and Climate Change Lily D’Ambrosio MP has revealed a $3.7 million package to support struggling Victorians, acknowledging that “with many people suddenly experiencing financial hardship due to coronavirus, and all Victorians spending more time at home, bills are expected to become increasingly more difficult to pay for many households”.

“When a bill arrives in the mail, we want Victorians doing it tough to know that there is support available,” the MP said.

The package will see financial counsellors recruited and trained to help people one-on-one in managing energy bills and other household financial difficulties.

More than 1,100 frontline community workers will receive training to enable them to give individuals targeted advice on dealing with energy bills, including how to get the best deal from energy companies and the existence of existing support.

The state government is also launching an energy brokerage program that will deliver one-on-one support to around 3,000 households at risk of financial hardship to help them to get the best value energy deal.

The package is aiming to ensure Victorians know their rights under the state’s Payment Difficulty Framework – with reforms requiring energy companies to assist any household that engages with them – whether it’s through a payment plan or extending bill due dates.

“This package will help people find support and know their rights. Under our nation-leading reforms, if you engage with your energy company, they cannot disconnect you or pursue you for debt – they must help you.”

In Victoria, no household that is engaging with their energy company can be disconnected from electricity or gas.

Ms D’Ambrosio said the creation of the strongest hardship protections in the country is to “make sure Victorian households are guaranteed the support and compassion they deserve”.

“These protections have never been more important.”