Community
Eligible Victorian concession card holders can now apply for the State Government's $100 Power Saving Bonus with the support of Phillip Island Community and Learning Centre (PICAL).
The program provides a one-off $100 payment to help concession households with the rising cost of electricity. Applications are now open and locals are invited to apply in-person through PICAL, a participating community organisation.
To qualify, households must have a recent residential electricity bill and must hold one of the following concession cards: Health Care Card; Pensioner Concession Card; Veterans' Affairs Pensioner
Concession Card; or Veterans' Affairs Gold Card.
Only one payment is available per household.
Local resident Julie Azzopardi, who recently applied through PICAL, said the process was simple.
"The volunteers at PICAL made it so easy for me to access the Power Saving Bonus. All I needed to do was book an appointment and bring in a recent electricity bill. Within a short time it was sorted and I know the $100 will really help with my upcoming bills," explains Julie.
A number of PICAL volunteers are now trained and ready to help eligible locals access the scheme.
PICAL is taking bookings for Mondays, Wednesdays, Thursdays mornings (9am to 12pm) and Fridays. To make an appointment call (03) 5952 1131 or visit PICAL at 16 Warley Avenue, Cowes. Walk-ins are also welcome.
"At PICAL, we're always here to help," David Rooks, Centre Manager, explains.
"By offering this free service, we hope to make it easier for eligible households to claim the Power Saving Bonus and ease the pressure of rising energy costs."
For more information about the Power Saving Bonus visit compare.energy.vic.gov.au.