Energy costs relief for vulnerable
More than $50 million has been invested by the federal government to help more than 100,000 low income Australians reduce their energy costs. The federal government’s Home Energy Saver Scheme (HESS) investment comes at a time when electricity users – particularly the elderly – are doing it tough.
More than $50 million has been invested by the federal government to help more than 100,000 low income Australians reduce their energy costs.
The federal government’s Home Energy Saver Scheme (HESS) investment comes at a time when electricity users – particularly the elderly – are doing it tough to stay cool during this summer as the cost of living escalates.
Minister for Community Services, Julie Collins, welcomes a $2.1 million investment by energy provider AGL in the scheme.
“This new funding from AGL will allow HESS service providers to offer even more support to vulnerable Australians,” Ms Collins says.
She adds the AGL investment will be shared by organisations in Victoria, South Australia, Queensland, New South Wales and the Australian Capital Territory.
HESS provides practical help on how to become more energy efficient and reduce power bills.
“This assistance can include one-on-one budgeting assistance, help to access no interest loans or low-interest loans to buy energy efficient appliances and advice on eligibility for rebates and other assistance,” Ms Collins says.
HESS is part of the federal government’s plan for a clean energy future.
Trained staff visit individual households and work one on one with people to advise on the best ways to cut energy bills, improve energy efficiency and to assist with the purchase of more efficient white goods.
The scheme is delivered through not for profit organisations that already provide general financial counselling services, with national coordination by Kildonan UnitingCare in Victoria.
Mark Dreyfus, Parliamentary Secretary for Climate Change and Energy Efficiency, claims by making small changes around the house, like turning off lights or buying the most affordable energy efficient washing machine, may help people save money on their energy bills.
“The trained advisers sit down and talk to people about how to make all the little changes that add up to extra money in their pockets,” he says.
