More than 245,000 Victorian households have already received direct cost‑of‑living relief, saving $100 each off their energy bills through the state government’s latest round of the Power Saving Bonus.
The initiative, announced by the Victorian government, has so far delivered over $24.5 million in savings since applications reopened in August 2025.
Minister for Energy and Resources Lily D’Ambrosio visited Duke St Community House in Sunshine on Tuesday to encourage eligible households to apply before the program closes on 31 March.
The visit highlighted the government’s push to ensure no Victorian misses out on the one‑off payment, designed to help ease mounting energy costs.
“Our Power Saving Bonus is putting much-needed money back into the pockets of Victorian families. We’re making it easy to claim, whether over-the-phone or in-person, helping residents across the state cut their energy bills,” Minister D’Ambrosio said.
She added that the final weeks of the program are a crucial opportunity for struggling families.
“We know families are doing it tough, that’s why we’re urging eligible households to claim their $100 Power Saving Bonus now before it closes on 31 March – it’s a simple way to lighten the load.”
The $100 payment is available to Victorian households that hold a Health Care Card, Pensioner Concession Card, Veterans’ Affairs Pensioner Concession Card or Veterans’ Affairs Gold Card. Applicants must also provide a recent residential electricity bill.
Eligible households can claim the bonus through the Victorian Energy Compare (VEC) website at compare.energy.vic.gov.au, or by calling 1800 000 832.
The Energy Assistance Program, available on 1800 161 215, also offers support for Victorians struggling with energy costs, providing free phone‑based guidance and advice through Anglicare Victoria and cohealth.
The government’s Community Outreach Program is helping ensure accessibility, with many Victorians choosing to apply in person or over the phone.
More than 10 per cent of applications have come through Neighbourhood Houses and via the call centre helpline, providing support for residents without internet access.
Member for Laverton, Sarah Connolly, said the bonus is delivering meaningful relief in communities like Sunshine.
“We know every dollar counts for families everywhere, including Sunshine, which is why we’re reminding eligible households to claim their $100 Power Saving Bonus before applications close this round,” she said.
Launched in 2018, the Power Saving Bonus has been a central part of the government’s affordability agenda, supporting more than 4.5 million applications across four rounds and delivering over $1 billion in energy bill relief to households statewide.
In addition to the bonus, Victorians can use the Victorian Energy Compare website to identify lower-cost energy plans.
In 2025, users who switched to a cheaper deal through the site saved an average of $170 on their annual bills.
Applications for the current $100 Power Saving Bonus will close at midnight on Tuesday, 31 March 2026.