Energy assistance
With residential electricity prices increasing from 1 July 2022 (following two years of price decreases), the Tasmanian Government has announced initiatives to assist Tasmanians through a new Winter Energy Assistance Package.
The package provides targeted support to those most in need, as well as energy efficiency options for families and small businesses, and the tools for Tasmanians to help manage their power bills. The Package includes:
- A $180 Winter Bill Buster discount for eligible concession customers
- The Energy Saver Loan Scheme
- No charge for aurora+ from 1 July 2022
- Aurora Energy $1.7 million Customer Support Fund
A total increase in electricity concessions of $180 for 2022-23 for eligible concession customers.
This is made up of
- an increase in the ongoing annual electricity concession by $61 per customer;
- a once-off $119 Winter Bill Buster discount for electricity consumed in winter 2022, applied to bills for eligible electricity concession account holders on their first bill after 1 August 2022.
The Winter Bill Buster discount was automatically be applied to the first bill after 1 August (or as soon as practicable thereafter), and the increase in the annual electricity concession was automatically be applied to accounts.
Check the Tasmanian Electricity and Heating Discounts and Concessions page to see if you are eligible to apply for the annual electricity concession through your electricity retailer.
The Energy Saver Loan scheme provides interest-free loans of up to $10,000 for eligible applicants to invest in energy efficient products to help lower their electricity bills.
Private residential customers, small business customers, community organisations, and landlords of residential rental properties will be able to access the Scheme. Further details of the eligibility requirements and the Scheme guidelines can be found on the Energy Saver Loan Scheme page.
The Scheme is now open. You can learn more about how to apply for the Scheme at the Brighte website, or by calling Brighte on 1300 274 448.
The aurora+ app is designed to give customers more insight and control over their electricity usage by displaying power usage and costs every day and being able to top up your account when you need to.
Over the next 12 months, Aurora Energy will be speeding up the roll-out of aurora+, and there will be no additional charge for customers using the product.
You can find out more by visiting Join aurora+.
Tasmania’s 100% owned and operated retailer Aurora Energy has made $4.6M available to assist residential and small business customers who are experiencing financial vulnerability. This will include helping people pay their energy bills through things like bill relief, waiving fees and charges, freezing debt, payment plans, and more. Aurora Energy has also utilised the Customer Support Fund to provide its Your Energy Support program customers (financial hardship) incentive payments over the past 12 months.
If you're in need of support this winter, call Aurora Energy on 1300 12 2003 weekdays or visit the Aurora Energy website.