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Power Saving Bonus program for 2023 encouraged by Danny O'Brien but not long-term solution

New Power Saving Bonus program offers $250 to Victorian energy account holders, encouraged by Danny O'Brien but not a permanent fix.

By news@gippsland - 9th March 2023 - Back to News

The state government has announced a new round of the "Power Saving Bonus" program which provides Victorian Energy account holders a one-off $250 payment from 24 March 2023. The Nationals Member for Gippsland South, Danny O'Brien is encouraging local residents struggling with the rising cost-of-living to apply but says it's not a long-term solution.

Starting March 24, 2023, Victorians can receive $250 through the new Power Saving Bonus program, previous recipients also eligible

Rising daily expenses

Mr O'Brien said,"While the one-off payment will help many residents with their bills, it fails to address the underlying issues causing rising power bills. The Andrews Labor government's failure to ensure affordable, reliable energy for Victorian households has left household budgets bleeding,"

"Daily expenses are skyrocketing as we see Victorians' hip-pockets take hit after hit, not only on their energy bills but at the bowser and the grocery store as the impact of rising energy costs flows through the supply chain."

Mr O'Brien said it was crucial for the state government to deliver long-term solutions to ease the mounting pressure - not short-term sugar hits that our stressed state budget can't afford in perpetuity. "In the words of Taylor Swift, "band-aids don't fix bullet holes". What we need are reliable and affordable energy solutions to drive down our monthly energy bills."

Electricity supply impacted

Mr O'Brien added,"The unnecessary early closure of Hazelwood took 20 percent of the state's energy supply out of the system with almost no warning which saw prices skyrocket. We now also have Energy Australia accelerating the closure of Yallourn power station to mid-2028 and AGL bringing forward the closure date of its Loy Yang A plant from 2048 to 2035."

"History tells us that this will result in significant Gippsland job losses and higher energy prices; yet Labor's solution is to throw taxpayer money at offshore wind farms that are already in development by the private sector and still many years away," he said. Those seeking more information about the Power Saving Bonus should visit Compare Energy Victoria website or call 1800 000 832.

Pictures from Latrobe City Council Facebook page.

Source: http://gippsland.com/

Published by: news@gippsland.com