Thursday, 9 March 2023

Power saving bonus

Steve McGHIE (Melton) (10:05): The Andrews Labor government has listened to Victorians and is once again bringing back the $250 power saving bonus to assist with the cost of living for every single Victorian household. For my constituents in Melton this is an excellent initiative, and I encourage all Melton families to take advantage of this program to help ease the burden of the current economic situation. My office has been exceptionally proactive in providing a helping hand to all of Melton’s constituents in claiming their power bonus. Throughout the third cycle of power bonuses my office assisted well over 1000 Melton households with their claims. When speaking directly with my constituents it could not be clearer how much this power bonus was going to benefit each Melton family and most importantly ease some of the financial pressures constraining Melton. I would also like to thank my electorate officers in their efforts helping constituents in applying and ensuring no-one misses out.

The fourth round of the $250 power saving bonus will open from 24 March, with over 16,000 Melton households eligible to access the third payment. I encourage all these families to apply once again. Thousands of Victorians including every Melton resident that has applied for the power bonus has been able to secure a better or compare different energy providers across the market, giving the power back to Victorians. Not only does the Andrews Labor government have short-term solutions with the one-off $250 power bonus, the longer term policy to bring back the State Electricity Commission and government-owned renewable energy will drive down energy costs, lower emissions and help create 59,000 jobs, highlighting the government’s continual commitment to delivering for Victorians. Without a doubt the Andrews Labor government is leading the nation in driving down the cost of living.