I am advised:
The Government is committed to reducing the costs of living pressures
for low income households and provides a wide range of assistance to vulnerable
customers for energy costs. We have introduced a range of programs and tools to
assist customers with energy affordability, increase their energy efficiency,
and to assist customers find the best offer to suit their needs.
The Government launched the Cost of Living program to make it easier for
people to access more than 40 rebates and savings which NSW residents could be
eligible for from more than 12 New South Wales government agencies. Customers
can go to www.service.nsw.gov.au⁄campaign⁄cost-living which has
bundled together all of the rebates and savings in one place.
It is also providing a free one-hour face-to-face or telephone appointment
for those who may need help with the application process.
The Cost of Living campaign is underway and is raising awareness of rebates
across New South Wales by TV, radio, Service NSW emails, and social media
platforms.
In 2017-18 the Government also launched an energy affordability campaign
that:
- communicated information about energy rebates to consumers through multiple
platforms;
- removed paper bill fees, and fees for paying an energy bill at Australia
Post. We also removed exit fees for most energy contracts, making it easier for
customers to switch to a better deal; and
- increased all energy rebates by 20 per cent, including for low-income
households and families.
To assist with energy efficiency:
- This Government offers lighting upgrades to help eligible households
replace old lights (such as halogen downlights) with new LED bulbs.
- The Home Energy Action Program delivers energy efficiency improvements to
low-income households across the state by helping them access energy-saving
appliances and home improvements.
- These upgrades can help renters save up to $400 a year on their energy
bills and since 1 July 2016, more than 465 households in the Wallsend
electorate have received new energy efficient appliances.
To improve access to information on energy programs this Government has
redesigned its Energy NSW website to make it easier for consumers to find
information and get the help they need.
We are also developing a new way for customers to find a better deal -
Energy Switch. This is a free service, which helps customers find a better
energy deal, as well as initiating the request to switch retailers. The
state-wide roll out of the service is expected later this year.
|
