Member for Penrith, Stuart Ayres MP is calling on eligible families to take advantage of the NSW Government’s Family Energy Rebate to help manage household electricity bills.
The $75 Rebate rises to $125 from 1 July and to $150 by 2014, and is available to over 540,000 households who currently receive the Commonwealth Government’s Family Tax Benefit A or B.
“More than 1,500 local households are eligible to receive the Family Energy Rebate as a credit on their electricity bill,” Mr Ayres said.
“And the process to apply for the Rebate has never been easier with a new online application form to help busy households receive the assistance measure.
“If also eligible to receive the Low Income Household Rebate, households could be saving up to $250 off their electricity bill.
“This will provide welcome relief to those who are struggling to manage electricity bills.
“The money is there, the funding for assistance is available and so I urge eligible families to submit their application for the 2012/13 financial year before the 14 June deadline.”
Last year the NSW Government announced a $210 million package of assistance measures to help households with rising electricity costs, including the new Family Energy Rebate, the Low Income Household Rebate, the Medical Energy Rebate, the Life Support Rebate and the Energy Accounts Payment Assistance scheme.
NSW Energy Minister Chris Hartcher has also announced that electricity network price rises will be capped at CPI or below from 1 July over the next six years, following double-digit price rises under the former Labor Government.
“At every level the NSW Government remains committed to placing downward pressure on electricity prices and assisting households manage their electricity bills,” Mr Ayres said.
“We recognise the burden power bills are placing on households and we will continue working hard to protect those most in need.”
Applications for the Family Energy Rebate are available online at http://www.trade.nsw.gov.au/energy/customers/rebates/family-energy-rebate or by contacting the NSW Government Energy Information Line on 1300 136 888.
Applications for 2012/13 close on 14 June 2013 at 5pm. Applications for 2013/14 open on 1 July 2013.
