Battlers race the clock for power bill relief

Thousands of battling Queensland households have just days to claim millions of dollars in electricity bill relief.

Energy Minister Dr Anthony Lynham said the Palaszczuk Government extended the rebate to an additional 157,000 households of health care cardholders and asylum seekers in April, but just 20 per cent of the eligible households have claimed their money.

“This means that there are more than 120,000 households that have just two weeks to claim a backdated rebate of up $340 on their electricity bills,” he said.

“Eligible customers should contact their electricity retailer before 31 December 2017, otherwise they will miss out on up to a year’s worth of backdated rebate.”

The electricity rebate is also available to eligible Pensioner Concession Card holders, Department of Veterans’ Affairs Gold Card holders and Queensland Seniors Card holders.

It was extended to health care cardholders and asylum seekers as part of a Palaszczuk Government’s $170 million investment to provide immediate relief to low income households.

The concession will continue to be available after 31 December, but will only be paid from the date the customer applies.

“The Government recognises the impact of electricity prices on battling households,  particularly at this time of year,” Dr Lynham said.

“We are committed to easing household bill pressure under our $2 billion Affordable Energy Plan.”

The plan includes:

• capping electricity prices for households and small business to no more than inflation
• no-interest loans to help those Queenslanders who don’t have access to the upfront capital required to invest in solar and battery technologies to help reduce their bills and be part of a clean energy future  
• rebates of up to $300 on purchase of an energy efficient appliance, with ongoing bill savings
• annual discounts for regional Ergon customers of $75 for households and $120 for small businesses that take up Ergon’s direct debit payment options
• support for regional household, primary producers and large-industrial customers to implement energy efficiency measures..

For more information on concessions call 13 QGOV (13 74 68) or visit  qld.gov.au/smartsavings

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Media contact:        Jan Martin 0439 341 314