Energy Concessions ease winter bill pressures

Nationals Member for Benalla, Bill Sykes is urging eligible people to apply for the 2009 Non-Mains Winter Energy Concession program.

Applications are now open for concession cardholders who are dependent on non-mains energy.

Dr Sykes said, “It is a useful rebate available to concession cardholders including pensioners, Centrelink Health Care Card holders and Department of Veterans’ Affairs Gold Card holders who are reliant on liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), alternative fuel such as heating oil, and/or non-mains metered electricity for domestic heating and cooking.

“In some cases a rebate is also available for people when they have had to purchase firewood for heating and cooking.”

Dr Sykes said the concessions are particularly important for low income residents throughout the Benalla electorate who are still unable to connect to natural gas due to the Labor Government reneging on its promise to extend the natural gas network.

Dr Sykes said that these residents must use the more expensive LPG.

“The concession program opened on July 1st and if people get in quick they will be able to get some of their money back as soon as possible,” Dr Sykes said.

A fourth tier has been introduced for the rebate this year. The amounts available are:

• $38.00 rebate for concession cardholders who spend from $95 to $213.99 on non-mains energy
• $113.00 rebate for concession cardholders who spend from $214 to $641.99
• $188 rebate for concession cardholders who spend more than $642 to $1,069.99, and
• $268.00 rebate for concession cardholders who spend more than $1,070.

Application forms are available from a number of outlets, including LPG suppliers, caravan park proprietors, local councils, rooming houses, financial counsellors and by contacting the Concessions Information Line on 1800 658 521.

The program will run until the end of January 2010.

Dr Sykes said that if people were struggling with immediate payments, they may be eligible for further assistance through the Non-Mains Utility Relief Grant Scheme. Information about that program is available through the Concessions Information Line, 1800 658 521.