Are you concerned about your winter power bill?
Anglicare’s financial counselling team is ready to support Tasmanians worried about the electricity price rise that will take effect from 1 July.
The independent Tasmanian Energy Regulator has approved an electricity price increase of 9.51 per cent that will take effect from 1 July 2023.
Anglicare encourages people concerned about the impact this will have on their household budget to speak to a professional financial counsellor. Just call the National Debt Helpline, 1800 007 007 and you will be connected with a friendly, experienced professional from Anglicare.
They will look at your power bill history as part of your budget. They can support you to negotiate an affordable payment plan with your retailer if you are at risk of disconnection because you haven’t paid your bill. This advice is free and confidential.
Find out more about our financial counselling service here.
Additional support
If you are on a low income, you could be eligible for a loan from No Interest Loans Tasmania (NILS). Funds are available to upgrade appliances such as fridges and washing machines to energy-efficient models that will save you money. You can also borrow money to purchase heating, including heat pumps.
Both levels of government had already combined to create an $89 million Energy Relief Fund that will see 140,000 eligible Tasmanians receive $250 each year off their electricity bills over the next two years.
Coinciding with the regulator’s decision, the Tasmanian Government has approved a 9.51 per cent increase to the fund to provide further bill relief for concession customers.
The Tasmanian Government also has an Energy Hardship Fund, which is administered by the Salvation Army.
Aurora Energy’s YES program – for Aurora customers who are in financial hardship.
Aurora’s Home Energy Audit Toolkit (HEAT) – available from local councils. The kit audits your appliances and identifies areas where you can reduce your consumption.
Energy Made Easy – an Australian Government website that compares energy retailers’ fees and charges.
Here are some simple tips to stay warm this winter and avoid bill shock:
- Set your heat pump to between 18-20 degrees. You use 10% more power for every degree increase. Close the doors to rooms that are not in use.
- Roll up some old towels and turn them into door snakes to block draughts.
- Invest in some heavy, lined curtains to prevent heat loss from your windows.
- Use an electric throw blanket on your couch – it’s much cheaper than running a costly fan heater.
- Make sure your retailer knows that you have a Centrelink concession card. You could save more than $100 on your bill.
You can find more hints and tips here on Aurora’s website.
Anglicare’s Winter Appeal is open
Did you know that donations to Anglicare’s annual Winter Appeal are assisting Tasmanians in hardship to pay their power bills? We use donations to provide targeted support to people who are engaged with our programs.
