By Daniela De Martino
This week’s columnist is Daniela De Martino, Member for Monbulk:
It’s been just over 100 days since the election and my office and I have been hard at work speaking with residents of Monbulk, meeting local community leaders and representing the people of the hills in Parliament.
Through many conversations, people are telling me they’re paying too much to heat their homes – and I agree.
That’s why the Andrews Labor Government is stepping in to ease cost of living pressures.
Ahead of winter, we’ve brought back the hugely popular $250 Power Saving Bonus to help you get the best deal on your power bills.
Households which use the Victorian Energy Compare website to find a better deal will be eligible for another $250 payment. You don’t need to switch electricity providers to receive the payment, but thousands of Victorians are saving around $330 per year by making the change.
Keeping energy providers accountable helps keep prices lower.
The Power Saving Bonus is open right now, so head to https://compare.energy.vic.gov.au/ to claim your $250!
If you need any help claiming the bonus or don’t have access to the internet, please contact my office to arrange a time for us to help submit an application for you. We are more than happy to help.
Make sure you check out our new Energy Assistance Program. It’s a fantastic initiative that will give those Victorians finding it hard to make ends meet, some one-on-one assistance to help navigate the energy market. The number is 1800 161 215.
Of course, there’s so much more to do to revive our energy sector after 30 years of privatisation.
That’s why we’re restoring the State Electricity Commission and bringing back government-owned renewable energy – to drive down energy costs and help create 59,000 jobs.
I’ve spoken to many former SEC workers heartened by its return and have been contacted by people across the hills wanting to be part of the next generation of state-owned power.
We’re putting people ahead of profits.
It’s all part of our plan to keep your home warm and your bills down.
