Energy Bill Help
Every energy company must now support anyone who has difficulty paying their bill. This support is open to everybody – you do not need a concession card or anything else to get help. It’s all based on the type of difficulty you are having.
Watch this video to learn what help is available.
If you are worried about paying your energy bill, call your energy company.
If you owe money from your old bills, you have the right to:
A payment plan that pays off the money you owe in equal amounts over two years
Advice from your energy company on how to lower your energy costs
If you owe money on your old bills and cannot afford the cost of your next bills, you have the right to:
Get a six-month freeze on paying off the money you owe (you can apply for the Utility Relief Grant to help pay off debts)
Set your own payment plan amount to what you can afford
Advice from your energy company on how to lower your energy costs
You cannot be disconnected if you:
Owe less than $300 on your energy bill
Are making payments on your payment plan
Have applied for a Utility Relief Grant to pay up $1300 of unpaid electricity and gas bills
Utility Relief Grant
A Utility Relief Grant (URG) is a grant that is available every two years to people with a utility bill in their name, on low income facing financial hardship through additional costs. To apply for an URG, contact your utility provider and ask to speak to the hardship department. Explain your situation and ask for an URG.
Resources
Are you having trouble paying your bill?
This fact sheet outlines what to do if you’re having payment difficulties.