From tomorrow, Victorians can claim a $250 bill busting bonus if they look for a better energy deal on Victoria’s Energy Compare website – a move that could save households up to $580 each.

Driving down the cost of living right across the state, the Andrews Labor Government’s new Power Saving Bonus is open to all Victorian households from 1 July.

The new $250 payment builds on the Labor Government’s existing Power Saving Bonus program, previously available to eligible concession card holders – which has helped almost 400,000 Victorians look for a better energy deal and put money in their pockets.

Anyone who has previously claimed the Power Saving Bonus will be able to claim the new payment again from tomorrow, providing extra help to those who need it most.

Households can claim the $250 payment by heading to the Victorian Energy Compare website and comparing their current energy bills to see if they can get a better deal.

The website is the only free and independent online energy price comparison service available to Victorian energy consumers.

User data shows that seven out of every 10 users can save money by switching energy offers, with typical annual savings of $330 on energy bills in the first year of switching alone. Combined with the Power Saving Bonus, that means Victorian households could save up to $580 a year.

While the quickest way to submit an application will be through the website, Victorians who do not have access to a computer or the internet can call the Victorian Energy Compare helpline on 1800 000 832 or receive support from a community outreach partner.

The Power Saving Bonus is available for the next 12 months and there are no limits or caps on the number of households that can receive the once-off payment.

Other programs helping households and businesses to slash energy bills include Victorian Energy Upgrades, which provides upfront incentives for low-cost-to-free energy efficient products such as door and window sealing, efficient hot water and heating systems, and in-home displays for real-time energy usage data.

Separately, Solar Victoria offers households and businesses discounted solar panels, batteries and efficient heating and cooling.

To apply and for more information go to: compare.energy.vic.gov.au

Quote attributable to Premier Daniel Andrews

“We know Victorians are paying too much for their energy bills – that’s why we’re stepping in to help them with the cost of living and help them get the best deal.”

Quote attributable to Minister for Energy, Environment and Climate Action Lily D’Ambrosio

“This is about helping Victorian families now, while we keep building on our investment in renewable energy – creating thousands of jobs and giving every single Victorian a fairer power bill.”