Save
Cutting energy costs a priority for Victoria
Victoria is onboarding financial counsellors and launching an energy brokerage program in a bid to ensure everyone in the state can afford to keep the lights on this winter.
Cutting energy costs a priority for Victoria
Victoria is onboarding financial counsellors and launching an energy brokerage program in a bid to ensure everyone in the state can afford to keep the lights on this winter.
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.”
About the author
About the author
Expenses
iSelect in hot water for energy plan comparisons
Comparison tool iSelect has been ordered to pay $8.5 million in penalties for making false and misleading representations about its electricity comparison service. ...Read more
Expenses
Pandemic puts stopper in big spending
Two-thirds of Australians have seen their finances impacted by COVID-19, according to new research – and it’s affecting everything from holidays to houses and careers. ...Read more
Expenses
The financial products giving Australians the most grief during COVID-19
The Australian Financial Complaints Authority (AFCA) has received 7,420 complaints about financial products since the onset of the pandemic. ...Read more
Expenses
Tips for managing your finances during a recession
When a recession hits, it’s natural to be concerned. After all, an economic recession can spell disaster for your financial welfare. ...Read more
Expenses
How couples can solve financial disputes without separating
The pandemic has put a new set of pressures on relationships, with finances oftentimes a trigger – so how can couples put such arguments to rest? ...Read more
Expenses
Making way for mobile: Tapping becomes too easy
Cards could be going out of favour as Australians move towards more mobile payment methods. The average person now taps their phone 21 times a month for everyday expenses. ...Read more
Expenses
Winter clothes and white goods: JobSeeker rise provides basic standard of living
A social services group has warned against a $300 a fortnight reduction in the coronavirus supplement which could see Australians struggle to afford food and accommodation. ...Read more
Expenses
Gas prices still sky-high despite international affordability
Australians are still paying too much for gas and LNG products, according to the consumer watchdog. ...Read more
Expenses
iSelect in hot water for energy plan comparisons
Comparison tool iSelect has been ordered to pay $8.5 million in penalties for making false and misleading representations about its electricity comparison service. ...Read more
Expenses
Pandemic puts stopper in big spending
Two-thirds of Australians have seen their finances impacted by COVID-19, according to new research – and it’s affecting everything from holidays to houses and careers. ...Read more
Expenses
The financial products giving Australians the most grief during COVID-19
The Australian Financial Complaints Authority (AFCA) has received 7,420 complaints about financial products since the onset of the pandemic. ...Read more
Expenses
Tips for managing your finances during a recession
When a recession hits, it’s natural to be concerned. After all, an economic recession can spell disaster for your financial welfare. ...Read more
Expenses
How couples can solve financial disputes without separating
The pandemic has put a new set of pressures on relationships, with finances oftentimes a trigger – so how can couples put such arguments to rest? ...Read more
Expenses
Making way for mobile: Tapping becomes too easy
Cards could be going out of favour as Australians move towards more mobile payment methods. The average person now taps their phone 21 times a month for everyday expenses. ...Read more
Expenses
Winter clothes and white goods: JobSeeker rise provides basic standard of living
A social services group has warned against a $300 a fortnight reduction in the coronavirus supplement which could see Australians struggle to afford food and accommodation. ...Read more
Expenses
Gas prices still sky-high despite international affordability
Australians are still paying too much for gas and LNG products, according to the consumer watchdog. ...Read more
More articles
Website Notifications
Get notifications in real-time for staying up to date with content that matters to you.
