A new initiative is helping Victorian families save significantly on their energy bills. The Victorian Budget 2025/26 is investing an additional $600,000 to expand the Energy Assistance Program, which has already saved 13,000 Victorians nearly $2.5 million, with demand for the service continuing to grow.
The Budget allocates $331.9 million to various initiatives aimed at reducing power bills. This builds on nearly $10 million invested over the past four years for energy affordability programs, including the Energy Assistance Program.
The Energy Assistance Program provides free, one-on-one support for customers struggling to pay their energy bills. Through phone calls or in-person events, trained energy advocates help Victorians access the support they’re entitled to. This includes Victoria’s energy concessions, which are among the most generous in Australia, offering a 17.5 percent discount on annual electricity and winter gas bills for concession card holders, as well as Utility Relief Grants of up to $650 per utility every two years for those unable to pay their bills.
The program also supports the Payment Difficulty Framework, which requires energy retailers to offer fair payment plans to households facing payment challenges.
Additionally, the Budget includes $50 million to provide a $100 Power Saving Bonus for households with a concession card. All Victorians are encouraged to use the free and independent Victorian Energy Compare website, which helped users save an average of $240 per year on their energy bills last year by switching to better deals.
The Energy Assistance Program, delivered by Anglicare Victoria, is available to those holding a Commonwealth Government Concession Card or struggling to pay their energy bills. For assistance, contact an energy advocate at 1800 161 215 or visit compare.energy.vic.gov.au to find the cheapest energy offer.
Beyond energy support, other initiatives include free public transport for children and teens, free weekend public transport for seniors, improved access to affordable healthcare, financial assistance for camps, sports, and excursions, and support for installing energy-efficient heat pumps and solar water systems.