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Managing your Gas and Electricity Bills

Household utility costs seem to be taking a larger bite out of household budgets.

Here are some suggestions for keeping these costs under control and easier to manage.

  • Speak to your energy provider about setting up an affordable, regular payment plan.
  • Your energy provider should tell you if you are on the best plan for your circumstances, this will be noted on your bill.
  • If you have a concession card, ensure your provider has applied the concessions to your account. You can also set up Centrepay to make fortnightly, affordable payments on your energy account.

Better Place Australia free financial counselling

Better Place Australia free financial counselling and mediation services are available to people who have money troubles and live in one of the many government funded areas across Victoria. First step is to enquire online or request an appointment.

For more real stories about people with financial troubles and how Better Place Australia financial counsellors mediated for them, go to the Financial First Aid home page and scroll down to Real Stories.

Good to know

  • Easyway instalments or Bill Smoothing.

    Most service providers will let you pay a fixed monthly price (based on your average usage) instead of the variable high and low seasonal bills. It spreads your costs evenly over the year which helps with budgeting and avoids major ‘bill shock’ from periods of high energy use. Contact your provider to discuss.

  • Centrepay bill payment.

    If you receive Centrelink benefits, “Centrepay” is a program where you can elect to have your bills paid fortnightly direct from your Centrelink benefit, leaving you the balance for your cash expenses.

  • Special concessions.

    Check  the Centrelink Department of Human Services and the Victorian Department of Health and Human Services websites to view the various concessions and types of benefit payments you may be entitled to. Inform your various services when you have applied and been approved.

  • Hardship help.

    If you have trouble paying your bills, your service provider should offer a utility relief grant (if you are on a low income or have a concession card), or they should offer you hardship assistance. This may give you longer to pay, or an affordable arrangement, but you need to contact the provider and explain your difficulties.

  • Shop around for a better energy offer.

    The Victoria government has a website to assist you in comparing energy offers.

    You may also be able to apply for a power saving bonus.

Further Info

  • Tips for Saving energy,  reducing your bills.

    Tips for Saving energy, reducing your bills can be found here. Your energy provider may also be able to conduct an energy audit to assist you in reducing your bills.

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Key Contacts

EWOV ( Victoria’s Ombudsman for Energy and Water issues)
Website: https://www.ewov.com.au/
Phone: 1800 500 509

DHHHS Vic
Website: http://www.dhs.vic.gov.au/for-individuals/financial-support/concessions
Phone: 1300 650 172

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