$250 Power Saving Bonus Program
Information about the new $250 Power Saving Bonus for Victorian households What is the $250 Power Saving Bonus for Victorian households?
The $250 Power Saving Bonus is a one-off $250 payment for Victorian households to help ease cost-of-living pressures and encourage them to compare energy offers and save money.
Applications are open between 1 July 2022 and 30 June 2023. The Bonus is available to all Victorians households who visit the Victorian Energy Compare website or engage with an energy affordability service through one of our participating community outreach partners. The $250 Bonus is limited to one payment per eligible household.
Why was the $250 Power Saving Bonus for Victorian households announced?
The current $250 Power Saving Bonus for Victorian households program builds on the success of the 2018-20 $50 Power Saving Bonus program for households and the 2021-22 $250 Bonus for concession recipients – programs which provided over a $110 million to more than 850,000 Victorian households.
The Victorian Government is easing cost-of-living pressures and encouraging Victorians to get a better deal on their energy - and save money - by encouraging all households to apply for the new $250 Power Saving Bonus between 1 July 2022 and 30 June 2023.
When can eligible households apply for the $250 Power Saving Bonus for Victorian Households?
Eligible households can apply for the new $250 Power Saving Bonus now. Applications are open from 1 July 2022 until 30 June 2023. The Bonus is available to all Victorians households who visit the Victorian Energy Compare website or engage with an energy affordability service through one of our participating community outreach partners.
When does the $250 Power Saving Bonus for Victorian households close?
From 1 July, all Victorian households can apply for the new $250 Power Saving Bonus by visiting the Victorian Energy Compare website or engaging with an energy affordability service through one of our participating community outreach partners. The program is scheduled to run until 30 June 2023.
Is there a limit on how many $250 Bonuses are available?
There is no limit or cap on the number of payments available during the life of the program (1 July 2022 – 30 June 2023), but only one payment is available to each household.
Will the $250 Bonus be deducted from my electricty bill?
No, the Bonus will be paid to your nominated bank account via Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT) or Bank Cheque.
I received the $50 and/or $250 Power Saving Bonus for concession recipients, can I apply for the new $250 Power Saving Bonus?
Yes, if you received the $50 Power Saving Bonus and/or the $250 Power Saving Bonus for concession recipients and meet the eligibility requirements of the new $250 Bonus, then your household can apply for the $250 payment.
Can my household apply for the $250 Power Saving Bonus more than once?
No, only one Bonus is available per household.
Eligibility
Who is eligible for the $250 Power Saving Bonus for Victorian households?
The $250 Power Saving Bonus is available to all Victorians households. To be eligible for the $250 Power Saving Bonus, Victorian households will need to:
Have a recent residential electricity bill
Be the account holder for that bill
Visit the Victorian Energy Compare website or engage with an energy affordability service through one of our participating community outreach partners.
Documentation Requirements
What will I need to provide to apply for the $250 Bonus for Victorian households?
To apply for the new $250 Power Saving Bonus, you will need a recent residential electricity bill.
What happens if I can't provide a PDF of my electricity bill?
If you are experiencing difficulties uploading your PDF bill, you will need to be sure to upload an Original PDF.
What is an Original PDF?
An Original PDF File is generated initially from your retailer and emailed directly to you. It's the digital PDF copy you receive
An Original PDF is not a scanned paper bill
If you do not have an Original PDF or having issues uploading your bill, the easiest way to apply is by entering your bill details manually Please choose the option " Enter the information manually" and enter the details in the required fields. To assist your application to be processed as quickly as possible you could also upload a photo or scan of your electricity bill on the confirmation page. Photos must be in a PNG, JPG or PDF format.
Can I apply using my gas bill?
To submit an application, we need the information from your electricity bill. If you do not have an electricity account, please email info.vec@delwp.vic.gov.au
What if I don't know my NMI?
If you have an NMI it will be stated on a copy of your electricity bill. Your NMI (National Metering Identifier) is a 10- or 11-digit number, which begins with the number 6 and can usually be found at the top of the second page of your electricity bill. If you cannot locate it, you will need to either contact your current retailer or distributor to find out this information.
I can't find the required information on my electricity bill.
If you have an original PDF (digital) copy of your electricity bill you can upload it during the application process and we'll complete these sections for you.
If you only have a paper-based copy of your bill and you can't find the required information we can help via our website live chat service or by calling 1800 000 VEC (832).
Further information about billing and energy affordability can also be found on the Victorian Government's Victorian Energy Saver website.
Application Process
How do I apply for the $250 Power Saving Bonus for Victorian households?
To apply for the new $250 Power Saving Bonus, eligible households must submit an application on this website or apply through a participating community outreach partner. To submit an application on our website please click here.
What can I do to make the application process as easy as possible?
When you visit the website to submit your application, there are a few things you need to make the application process as easy as possible, including:
Making sure you have a copy of a recent electricity bill
Making sure you know your 'NMI' number (this is can be located on your bill and is typically a 10 or 11 digit number)
Making sure you have a copy of further supporting documentation. Such as: a recent utility bill (e.g. gas or water), Rates Notice, Driver's License, or a Valid Centrelink Card
Making sure you keep a copy of your application reference number and your NMI as you may need it for further communications about your application.
Can I apply on behalf of a friend or family member?
Friends or family can assist eligible applicants to apply if they need help to submit their application though applicants must be present at the time of applying and accept the program's terms and conditions prior to submission. Alternatively, applicants can call 1800 000 VEC (832) to receive general support and assistance with the Victorian Energy Compare website and Power Saving Bonus program.
What do I have to do to apply online?
To apply for the $250 Power Saving Bonus for concession recipients, you will need to complete the online application process on this website.
How long does it take to apply online?
The average time spent submitting an online application for the $250 Power Saving Bonus for Victorian households is between 5 and 10 minutes.
What happens after I submit my application?
After you complete your submission, your application will be reviewed. If all the information provided in your application meets the requirements of the program, you will receive another email in approximately 10 days confirming your application has been approved.
If the information provided in your application does not meet the requirements of the program, or there is information missing, you will receive an email with further information about the status of your application.
Phone support:
Over the phone support is available through the following providers. If you require an interpreter call the Translating and Interpreting Service (TIS) on 131 450 and provide them with the outreach partner's number.
Good Shepherd: Call 1300 026 500.
The Brotherhood of St. Laurence (and partners Australian Energy Foundation, GV Community Energy and Uniting Vic.Tas): Call 1800 830 029.
The National Debt Helpline - Consumer Action Law Centre: Call 1800 149 689.
In-person support:
Neighbourhood House: You can drop into a local Neighbourhood House centre for more information or call Good Shepherd on 1300 026 500 to find the closest Neighbourhood House that is currently offering support.
The Ethnic Community Council Victoria: Delivering in-person events, call 0466 038 261 to get more details.
Visit our Community Outreach page for more information on the range of support available to assist you to apply for the $250 Bonus.
Payment
How long does it take to receive the $250 Power Saving Bonus?
If your application is successful, you should receive your $250 payment via Electronic Fund Transfer (EFT) within 2-3 weeks of submission if you meet the eligibility and documentation requirements. Cheque payments will take a little longer to process but should be received within 4 weeks if you meet the eligibility and documentation requirements. Incomplete applications may take longer to process.
How will the $250 Power Saving Bonus be paid?
The $250 Power Saving Bonus will generally be paid via Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT) to your nominated bank account, or by bank cheque upon request. In certain circumstances, it may be necessary for your payment to be made via bank cheque.
Can I receive my payment by cheque instead of EFT?
Yes. When you submit your application online, you will be able to choose between receiving your payment via EFT or cheque. If you choose EFT you should receive your $250 payment within 5 business days of receiving email confirmation. If you choose cheque you should receive your $250 payment within 4 weeks of receiving email confirmation. If you have submitted your application details already but would like to change your payment method, you should email info.vec@delwp.vic.gov.au.
I haven't received my $250 Bonus yet.
EFT payments should be received within 5 business days of receiving email confirmation. Cheque payments take a little longer to process but should be received within 4 weeks of receiving email confirmation.
If you haven't received your $250 Bonus within these timeframes you can contact Victorian Energy Compare by emailing info.vec@delwp.vic.gov.au.
