Energy assistance for Queenslanders in financial emergency

Published Wednesday, 22 February, 2017 at 11:17 AM

Minister for Main Roads, Road Safety and Ports and Minister for Energy, Biofuels and Water Supply
The Honourable Mark Bailey

The Palaszczuk Government is continuing its commitment to support vulnerable Queenslanders in times of need through reforms to its energy concessions.

Minister for Energy Mark Bailey has today outlined changes to the Home Energy Emergency Assistance Scheme (HEEAS) to make it easier for households to access the Scheme.

“HEEAS helps low-income households who are in short-term financial difficulty because of unexpected, emergency expenses to get back on their feet through a one-off payment of up to $720 towards their energy account,” Mr Bailey said.

“Reforms implemented by the Palaszczuk Government will modernise the application process for HEEAS and reduce the administrative burden for applicants.”

“The HEEAS application form has been simplified and shortened, and is now able to be provided electronically for customers if they wish.

“We are also providing the improved HEEAS application form directly to community groups and financial counselling organisations, enabling eligible customers to more conveniently complete an application with the help of their community support networks.

“In seeking to remove barriers to applying for the scheme, it has also been recognised that account holder details can change, for example, in the event of a family breakdown or domestic violence situation, HEEAS support is now available for the person responsible for the debt even if their name was not previously on the account.  

“The HEEAS Guidelines also have been clarified to enable customers who are on-supplied electricity in their multi-dwelling premises, such as by their body corporate or manufactured homes operator to better access the scheme.

“As a result of these improvements, more Queenslanders in short-term financial distress will be able to access help.”

Mr Bailey said that the community sector was highly supportive of the changes, and that this reform is consistent with the Queensland Productivity Commission’s Electricity Pricing Inquiry’s recommendations.

“HEEAS is one of a range of energy concessions offered by the Palaszczuk Government, including the electricity rebate of $330 per annum offered to pensioners, seniors, health care card holders and asylum seekers.

“Financial assistance is also available to households with an extra energy burden due to chronic medical conditions which require extensive use of air-conditioning, such as Multiple Sclerosis or severe inflammatory skin conditions”

“I encourage households to contact their energy retailer to find out more about support available to help with their electricity bills.”

Further information about eligibility and available assistance for vulnerable Queenslanders is available via 13 QGOV (13 74 68) or visit www.qld.gov.au/community/cost-of-living-support/concessions/

ENDS

Media contact: Zoe Russell - 0428 079 640