- Second Household
Electricity Credit instalment rolls out next week
- Every household to
receive at least $200 credit on their next power bill
- Deadline extended for
residents of apartments, retirement villages to apply for credit
- Cook Government
delivering cost-of-living relief for all Western Australians
The
deadline for households not directly supplied by Synergy or Horizon Power to
claim their Household Electricity Credit has been extended ahead of the Cook
Government rolling out the second part of the credit, worth at least $200, to households
next week.
The
Cook Government is delivering an electricity credit to every Western Australian
residence. The first instalment for Synergy and Horizon Power customers – worth
at least $200 – was applied in the July and August billing cycle.
The
second credit – a further minimum $200 – will begin appearing on bills from 2
December, just in time for summer.
Households
with a Synergy or Horizon Power account will automatically receive the second
credit from next week, while other households – such as those in caravan parks, retirement villages or
apartments – need to apply for their credit.
To ensure every Western Australian can
access the credit, the Cook Government has extended the deadline for
applications to 31 March 2024 for households whose electricity is supplied
through an embedded network, sub-metering arrangement, or other on-supply
arrangement.
Around
350,000 WA households receiving the Energy Assistance Payment will receive a higher
total credit of $500. The credit is in addition to $326 in support paid over
the financial year, bringing total support to $826.
Around
90,000 small businesses who use up to 50MWh of electricity per annum will be
eligible to receive the second half of a $650 credit on their energy bills next
week, with the deadline for businesses on embedded networks to apply also
extended to 31 March 2024.
The Household Electricity Credit is a Cook Government initiative funded in
the 2023-24 Budget to assist households managing cost of living pressures
driven by rising interest rates.
The electricity credits for vulnerable
households and small businesses are partly supported by the jointly funded
National Energy Bill Relief Fund, with an estimated $116 million contribution
from the Commonwealth to WA.
For more information and to apply, visit Household electricity credit (www.wa.gov.au).
Comments attributed to Premier Roger Cook:
"We know rising interest rates
have put pressure on household budgets, and my Government is doing everything
we can to help.
"This Household Electricity
Credit will give every Western Australian household some relief over the
Christmas season.
"While most households receive
the credit automatically, it's important that anyone living in an apartment or
a retirement village gets their application in, so we can get this support to
their bank account as soon as possible.
"Our strong financial
management means we have the capacity to help WA families with cost of living
pressures – whether it's through our Household Electricity Credit or other
important measures like our two-zone public transport fare cap or regional
airfare cap."
Comments attributed to Energy Minister Bill Johnston:
"We
understand the pressures faced by many households and small businesses around
the summer holiday period.
"The
festive season is a time of year where we usually use a lot of electricity.
It's peak season for air conditioners and fridges, especially when hosting
gatherings.
"I
encourage you to help your energy credit go further this festive season by
implementing energy saving measures."
Comments attributed to Finance Minister Sue Ellery:
"We are listening to the
concerns faced by households and small businesses when it comes to
cost-of-living pressures.
"Extending the deadline to
apply for a household electricity credit ensures that there will be time after
the busy holiday period to apply for this scheme.
"This isn't just for customers
of Synergy or Horizon Power. If you are in an apartment, retirement village or
caravan park, you are eligible to apply for this credit."
