Gippsland › Latest news › Danny O'Brien MP
Gippslanders urged to negotiate with energy providers for better deals and utilise $250 Power Saving Bonus by Danny O'Brien
O'Brien encouraged residents to negotiate with energy providers for better deals, utilising the $250 Power Saving Bonus (ending on August 31, 2023).
A recent report from the Essential Services Commission (ESC) has highlighted that many households are struggling to keep-up with rising energy costs. The report outlines that 67,413 residential electricity and 55,415 residential gas customers accessed tailored assistance to help pay their bills in March 2023, the highest since 2019.
Danny O'Brien persists in urging the Andrews Labor government to address the cost-of-living crisis
Cost-of-living struggles
The Nationals Member for Gippsland South, Danny O'Brien said it was unfortunately no surprise to learn that many Victorians are having trouble keeping on top of their growing bills given the current cost-of-living crisis. "While the Andrews Labor government is on the brink of introducing its 50th tax, Gippslanders are scrambling to keep the lights on."
"It is evident to all that something needs to be done to ease the cost of living in Victoria. Locals are being hit financially from all sides, so it is no wonder that they are having to put their hands up for help," Mr O'Brien said.
Utility relief and assistance
The ESC report also details that 86,482 utility relief grants were credited to customers between July 2022 and March 2023 representing a 22 per cent increase on the same time last year. A separate report from the Energy and Water Ombudsman of Victoria (EWOV) showed that cases involving complaints of high electricity rates rose over 50 percent from the same time last year.
Mr O'Brien said while he is continuing to lobby the Andrews Labor government to take action to ease the cost-of-living crisis, there are several avenues available to assist households who are doing it tough in the short term.
"Firstly, I encourage you to have a conversation with your energy provider and ask for a better deal or waiver of late payment fees. There is absolutely no shame in asking for help. A one-off $250 Power Saving Bonus is also available to all residential energy account holders," he said.
Available financial assistance
Mr O'Brien added, "I encourage anyone who has not already claimed this payment to do so, but with this bonus ending on Thursday, 31 August 2023 you will need to get in quick - my office is available to help with this process if needed."
"An additional $250 is now also available through the Energy Bill Relief Fund which will be automatically credited to eligible accounts periodically from 1 July 2023. Those who are particularly struggling may also be eligible for a one-off Utility relief grant scheme," he said. For more information about energy concessions and grants available in Victoria visit Energy and Water Ombudsman website.
Pictures from Danny O'Brien MP Facebook page.
Source: http://gippsland.com/
Published by: news@gippsland.com
![](http://global.gippsland.com/myrp/images/new.gif)
Darren Chester promotes Mobile Service Centres that offer essential government services like Centrelink and Medicare across Gippsland
![](http://global.gippsland.com/myrp/images/new.gif)
Gippsland Water adds customer care pop-ups for in-person payment support in Sale, Drouin, Warragul for July and Moe in August 2024
![](http://global.gippsland.com/myrp/images/new.gif)
Latrobe River Bridge at Tyers had completion delayed to August 2024 frustrating residents with safety concerns
![](http://global.gippsland.com/myrp/images/new.gif)
Baw Baw Shire attends 2024 Australian Local Government Association National General Assembly in Canberra advocating peri urban areas
Enjoy free chicken parma while listening to inspiring story of Warren Davies South Gippsland Farmer on 22 July 2024 at Mirboo North Hotel
Join Latrobe City Council and Planet Ark for National Tree Day 2024 at W H Burrage Reserve in Newborough on 28 July 2024
Latrobe City Council requests Planning Panel for Amendment C144 for Traralgon West Precinct on 9 September 2024
Latrobe Valley clubs excelled at 2024 Community Clubs Victoria awards with Morwell and Moe clubs earning top honours
Warragul Leisure Centre $11M expansion of community sports facilities opens 28 July 2024