One month left for energy rebates: Sykes
Local MP Bill Sykes is urging people across the Benalla Electorate to apply for energy use concessions now available through the State Government – but he says those eligible had better be quick.
“There is a short window for people to apply for the rebates, as the 2007 Non Mains Winter Energy Concession program closes on 31st January, just over a month away,” Dr Sykes said.
“Around 21,000 people accessed the rebates last year and I urge people to check their eligibility and ensure they fill out their forms in time to claim rebates for 2007.”
The concession program provides a rebate to Victorian concession cardholders — including pensioners, Centrelink Health Care Card holders and Department of Veterans’ Affairs Gold Card holders — reliant on liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), alternative fuel such as heating oil, and/or non-mains metered electricity for domestic heating and cooking.
Dr Sykes said the three-tiered system delivered rebates ranging from $19.50 for low end non-mains energy use, to $145 for concession cardholders for bills of more than $609.
The Nationals MP said those using bottled gas, non-mains electricity and other alternative fuels had been paying much higher prices for years, and while the rebates now available offered small assistance, the system should be restructured to be more equitable in the future.
“For many people, the Christmas and New Year break will be their last chance to fill in forms to claim this concession. They should take up the opportunity.”
Application forms are available from LPG suppliers, caravan park proprietors, local councils, rooming houses, financial counsellors, or by contacting the Concessions Information Line on 1800 658 521.
Eligible concession cardholders must return completed application forms to the Department of Human Services, Concessions Units for processing by 31 January 2008.
“There is a short window for people to apply for the rebates, as the 2007 Non Mains Winter Energy Concession program closes on 31st January, just over a month away,” Dr Sykes said.
“Around 21,000 people accessed the rebates last year and I urge people to check their eligibility and ensure they fill out their forms in time to claim rebates for 2007.”
The concession program provides a rebate to Victorian concession cardholders — including pensioners, Centrelink Health Care Card holders and Department of Veterans’ Affairs Gold Card holders — reliant on liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), alternative fuel such as heating oil, and/or non-mains metered electricity for domestic heating and cooking.
Dr Sykes said the three-tiered system delivered rebates ranging from $19.50 for low end non-mains energy use, to $145 for concession cardholders for bills of more than $609.
The Nationals MP said those using bottled gas, non-mains electricity and other alternative fuels had been paying much higher prices for years, and while the rebates now available offered small assistance, the system should be restructured to be more equitable in the future.
“For many people, the Christmas and New Year break will be their last chance to fill in forms to claim this concession. They should take up the opportunity.”
Application forms are available from LPG suppliers, caravan park proprietors, local councils, rooming houses, financial counsellors, or by contacting the Concessions Information Line on 1800 658 521.
Eligible concession cardholders must return completed application forms to the Department of Human Services, Concessions Units for processing by 31 January 2008.
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posted by Greg Naylor at
5:22 PM
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