Power Bill Support For Western Australians

Western Australia’s McGowan Government has announced more details on electricity bill relief and support for households, businesses and community groups as part of its $1 billion COVID-19 package.

Households

The previously announced Energy Assistance Payment (EAP) boost has been expanded to include new eligible applicants until September 30, 2020. The EAP is a rebate given to concession card holders. The McGowan government says this ensures any person unemployed as a result of COVID-19 who becomes eligible for a concession card will receive an upfront $305 credited towards their electricity bill from the 11th of May and up to a further $305 credited over the course of the next year.

Any households experiencing financial hardship as a result of the COVID-19 situation will not have their power disconnected. As of today, no interest will be charged on deferred bill payments for Synergy and Horizon Power customers experiencing COVID-19-related financial hardship.

The State Government has also said there will be no new energy tariff price increases or new charges until at least 1 July 2021

Small And Medium-Sized Business (SMEs)

A one-off $2,500 credit for Synergy and Horizon Power customers that consume less than 50 megawatt hours of electricity per annum will be made available. The McGowan Government said around 95,000 businesses will benefit from the credit, which will be allocated from May 1.

As with households,  no small business consuming 50MWh or less annually will face power disconnection as a result of COVID-19 financial hardship, and no interest will be charged on deferred bill payments.

Community Services

Around 2,800 charities on Synergy and Horizon Power community service and charitable accommodation electricity tariffs will also be provided a one-off $2,500 credit from May 1.

“My Government is doing everything it possibly can to support Western Australian businesses who are clearly facing enormous hardship as a result of strict social distancing measures introduced across the nation,” said Premier Mark McGowan. “My heart goes out to those who’ve been forced to close down, as well as Western Australians who’ve found themselves without a job. These additional support measures will assist thousands of businesses and households.”

Both Synergy and Horizon Power are state government owned. Further details on the McGowan Government’s $1 billion COVID-19 package, which includes a wide range of other assistance and support, can be found here.

As for other states and territories, last Friday the Australian Energy Regulator (AER) outlined its expectations for energy retailers and networks during the COVID-19 pandemic. Among those expectations was there is to be no disconnection of any residential or small business customer in financial stress before the end of July – and possibly beyond.

Many households across the nation will be experiencing higher electricity bills as a result of working from home or self-isolation – it’s one of the reasons now is a very good time to install solar panels.