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NSW energy relief welcome for those struggling during COVID-19

The Public Interest Advocacy Centre (PIAC) welcomes the New South Wales (NSW) Government’s announcement of a new energy relief package for households suffering financial hardship during the COVID-19 crisis.

 

The NSW energy minister, Matt Kean, today announced a $30 million expansion of the Energy Accounts Payment Assistance (EAPA) program, an increase in the maximum value of EAPA vouchers households can receive, and a change in the way the program is delivered so people can access assistance directly through Service NSW and more easily over the phone, as well as through existing providers such as Vinnies, Salvos and Anglicare.

 

PIAC strongly supports these measures, considering them much needed steps to help keep energy affordable and prevent debts accumulating as more people experience financial hardship and are required to stay home in the coming months. 

 

‘This winter, many people homebound and with lower incomes may have to choose between heating and eating,’ said Craig Memery, Head of Energy Policy, Public Interest Advocacy Centre. ‘This extra support means more people will be able to afford their energy and stay safe and healthy in their homes as the COVID-19 crisis continues.’

 

We welcome the new capability to allow people to access EAPA directly through Service NSW, with the NSW Government committing the financial and human resources to deliver EAPA to the likely influx of people needing support. We also commend the NSW Government for temporarily adopting a more flexible arrangement for dealing with estimated meter reads for people needing EAPA vouchers.

 

‘Ensuring people have easy access to relief at this time is critical,’ said Mr Memery. ‘People are already struggling and shouldn’t have to worry about where and how to find assistance during the crisis period.’

 

The NSW Government’s EAPA relief package is in line with measures 14 community groups, including PIAC, called for in March to help people pay bills and stop bill debt accumulating during the COVID-19 crisis.    

 

PIAC welcomes Minister Kean’s reminder for independent retirees needing energy bill assistance to access the Seniors Energy Rebate Scheme for up to $200 off their energy bills.  Available until 30 June, 110,000 people are eligible for this scheme who haven’t claimed it.

 

We reiterate to access EAPA or the Seniors Energy Rebate people should visit the Service NSW website or call 13 77 88. For details on how to apply for EAPA online visit https://www.service.nsw.gov.au/transaction/energy-accounts-payment-assistance-eapa-scheme.

 

MEDIA CONTACT: PIAC Energy Communications Officer, Anna Livsey: 0478 739 280