MARIBYRNONG & HOBSONS BAY
Home » News » Power bill relief a bonus

Power bill relief a bonus

The state government used one of the hottest days in Victoria’s history to urge households to apply for its power saving bonus program before it ends on 31 March.

Before the mercury hit 44 degrees on Tuesday 27 January, Energy and Resources Minister Lily D’Ambrosio joined Laverton MP Sarah Connolly at Duke St Community House in Sunshine to urge people to apply for the power saving bonus and save money on their air-conditioning usage.

“We know families are doing it tough, that’s why we’re urging eligible households to claim their $100 Power Saving Bonus now before it closes on 31 March – it’s a simple way to lighten the load,” Ms D’Ambrosio said.

“We know every dollar counts for families everywhere, including Sunshine,” added Ms Connolly, noting 10 per cent of power saving bonus applications so far had been made at community centres and neighbourhood houses like Duke St.

Eligible households can also claim the bonus through the Victorian Energy Compare (VEC) website or with over-the-phone support.

Those struggling to pay their energy bills can access the Energy Assistance Program, a free phone support service delivered in partnership with Anglicare Victoria and cohealth, providing expert guidance and practical help.

Applications for the power saving bonus close at midnight on Tuesday 31 March 2026. To apply, call 1800 000 832 or visit compare.energy.vic.gov.au

For the Energy Assistance Program call 1800 161 215.

Digital Editions


  • Fire sparks union tunnel concerns

    Fire sparks union tunnel concerns

    West Gate Tunnel operator Transurban has insisted it is safe to use, despite an incident last month which the firefighters union said was more evidence…

More News

  • Additional health test for newborns

    Additional health test for newborns

    Victoria has become the first Australian jurisdiction to include sickle cell disease in its newborn health screening program. This expansion brings the total number of rare but serious conditions covered…

  • Residents encouraged to mind water usage

    Residents encouraged to mind water usage

    Residents across Melbourne’s north west are being called upon to reduce their water consumption as state storage levels fall to 61% of capacity. This current level marks a decrease from…

  • Testing the limits of wearable tech

    Testing the limits of wearable tech

    Smartwatches and other wearable devices are ubiquitous in the world of sport and fitness. But how accurate are their measurements when other variables are in play? That’s exactly what Deakin…

  • Aussie kids salt risk

    Aussie kids salt risk

    Research from Deakin University has suggested most Australian children are at risk of developing high blood pressure at a younger age due to eating too much salt. In a new…

  • Renewable energy soars

    Renewable energy soars

    Energy and Resources Minister Lily D’Ambrosio has announced that Victoria has exceeded its 2025 renewable energy target. Ms D’Ambrosio said renewables accounted for 44.6 per cent of the state’s electricity…

  • Altona’s $80 million man

    Altona’s $80 million man

    An Altona man has become Victoria’s biggest ever lottery winner by taking home the entire $80 million jackpot in Thursday’s Powerball draw. “Oh my god! Are you joking?!” the retiree…

  • Aery’s big moment

    Aery’s big moment

    At just 16, Druids’ Ira Aery is doing battle with some of the best cricketers in Australia. The teenager’s game has gone from strength to strength the past 12 months,…

  • Funding to improve road safety across Victoria

    Funding to improve road safety across Victoria

    Victorian community organisations and groups will receive a total of $600,000 in grants from the Transport Accident Commission (TAC) to develop and implement local road safety projects. The funding, part…

  • Celebrity alcohol ads slip into teens’ Insta feeds

    Celebrity alcohol ads slip into teens’ Insta feeds

    Celebrities are promoting their own alcohol products on Instagram without clear disclosure of advertising content and almost all posts are visible to underage users, according to new research from La…

  • New toolkit to help women report abuse in sport

    New toolkit to help women report abuse in sport

    Australian women face significant risk when disclosing gender-based violence in sport and often receive inadequate or harmful responses according to new research from La Trobe Univeristy. The research project, supported…