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About the Energy Assistance Program
The Energy Assistance Program is a free over-the-phone service designed to support Victorians who are having trouble paying their energy bills.
The program provides Victorian households assistance to:
- help navigate the energy market and access critical energy affordability supports
- manage the rising cost of living by saving money on energy bills
- better understand consumer rights and protections and have the confidence to take part in the energy market more often.
The Energy Assistance Program is delivered in partnership with community partner Anglicare Victoria.
Program services
The Energy Assistance Program will help you to engage with the Victorian energy market. This includes providing one-on-one assistance to:
- apply for eligible concessions and grants
- access your retailer’s hardship programs
- find, compare and switch energy offers
- understand energy bills and address billing errors
- provide energy saving and efficiency advice
- provide referrals to other services like financial counselling.
If you participate in the Energy Assistance program, you will be provided with information and advice tailored to your household’s needs. Additional support may include support to contact your retailer – or other services – by phone on your behalf.
Eligibility
The program is designed for low-income households and households experiencing hardship including those who haven't engaged recently or ever in the retail energy market.
To access the program, you should:
- hold a Commonwealth Government Concession card; or
- be struggling or expecting to struggle to pay your energy bill.
How you can access assistance
To speak to an energy advocate, call 1800 161 215 – Monday to Friday 9:00 am – 5:00 pm (except public holidays) to book a telephone appointment.
You will also need a recent copy of your electricity or gas bill. If you are unable to provide a recent copy of a bill, a representative will be able to request a copy of your bill from your current retailer.
Page last updated: 01/08/24