Uptake of power saving bonus in the Dandenongs and Yarra Valley revealed

Yarra Ranges residents have been applying for the Power Saving Bonus. Picture: ON FILE.

With close to 30,000 people in the Yarra Ranges alone, the State government has seen over one million people sign up for the $250 Power Saving Bonus initiative.

The latest round of the program has seen 40 per cent of applicants find a better energy deal – with thousands of Victorians choosing to switch and save by changing their energy deal through the Victorian Energy Compare website.

More than 17,000 households have already received the $250 Power Saving Bonus through a community outreach partner, with 73 per cent of these applicants receiving additional energy affordability advice.

“The best way to lower energy bills is to look for a better offer – that’s why we’re encouraging Victorians to take advantage of another round of the Power Saving Bonus to make sure they are on the best deal ahead of winter,” Premier Daniel Andrews said.

Across the local electorates, 9389 households have requested access to the bonus in Evelyn, 8903 in Eildon and 8049 in Monbulk.

The most recent data found Ferntree Gully residents have been the most keen to gain savings with 4476 households applying, followed by 4269 in Boronia and 2314 in Bayswater.

Trailing just behind is Bayswater North residents with 1503 applying. The Basin and Upper Ferntree Gully haven’t quite cracked the thousand sitting at 602 applications and 458 respectively.

Applications for the payment can be made through the Victorian Energy Compare website, where customers can quickly and easily find the best energy offers in their areas.

Local organisations, like CIS Yarra Ranges, are also offering access to the service for those unable to apply online.

To access the $250 Power Saving Bonus, visit compare.energy.vic.gov.au or call 1800 000 832. To speak to an Energy Assistance Program advocate, call 1800 161 215.