Media Releases

Low-income earners are reminded that they have until the end of the month to apply for a non-mains energy rebate.
“Under a Victorian Coalition Government election commitment, the concession available to non-mains electricity users has been extended from six to 12 months to cover the summer period,” Member for Swan Hill, Peter Walsh, said today.
“This initiative allows residents of caravan parks, retirement villages and other residences that use embedded electricity networks to receive a rebate on their electricity for the whole year.”
“It also ensures concession card holders who don’t receive a mains electricity bill will receive the same benefits as mains electricity customers.”
About 7000 Victorian households, mainly in regional and rural areas, claimed the previous winter-only electricity rebate for 2010 and may now be eligible for the extended rebate for 2011.
Concession cardholders who use other non-mains energy, including LPG, heating oil, firewood or generators for their domestic heating or cooking, were already eligible for year-round concessions.
The amount of the rebate, which ranges from about $40 to $300, depends on the how much energy is purchased.
Holders of a Centrelink Pensioner Concession Card, Centrelink Health Care Card or Department of Veterans Affairs (DVA) Gold Card may be eligible for the Non-Mains Energy Concession.
Applications for rebates on all forms of non-mains energy close on 31 January 2012.
Further information is available from the Victorian concessions information line on 1800 658 521, or www.dhs.vic.gov.au/concessions