Hardship policy
At Victoria Electricity, we understand that financial circumstances can make it difficult to pay your energy bill on time. That's why our Energy Account Support and Enquiries (EASE) team provides access to financial services and support options for your account.
Concessions, grants and rebates
Select a service to learn more.
Electricity Transfer Fee Waiver
Home Wise Grant
Life Support Machine Concession
Medical Cooling Concession
(previously Summer Multiple Sclerosis Concession)
No Interest Loan Scheme (NILS)
Off-peak Concession
Service to Property Charge Concession
Winter Energy Concession
Additional details on these services are available through the Victorian Government's Department of Human Services.
Electricity Transfer Fee Waiver
Waives the fee normally payable to electricity retailers when there is a change of occupancy at a property. The waiver is available to selected concession cardholders.
Home Wise Grant
Provides assistance to concession cardholders who cannot afford to repair or replace an essential faulty appliance at their home.
Appliances covered by the grant include:
- Hot water service
- Water tank/pump
- Wall furnace/space heater
- Generator
- Toilet
- Leaking gas or water pipes
- Upright stove/wall oven/cooktop
- Insulation
Appliances not covered:
Life Support Machine Concession
Provides a quarterly rebate on electricity bills where a concession cardholder, or member of a cardholder's household, uses life support machines such as oxygen concentrators or haemodialysis machines.
Medical Cooling Concession
(previously Summer Multiple Sclerosis Concession)
This 17.5% discount on electricity costs is available between 1 November - 30 April.
The Medical Cooling Concession is available to concession cardholders with multiple sclerosis and medical conditions or diseases such as Parkinson's, motor neurone disease, scleroderma and lupus.
No Interest Loan Scheme (NILS)
NILS provides a means for purchasing essential household items such as fridges, washing machines and medical appliances. The loan scheme primarily supports people whose sole sources of income are government benefits.
Off-peak Concession
A 13% saving on the off-peak tariff on all quarterly electricity bills for eligible cardholders.
Service to Property Charge Concession
Helps reduce the cost of energy supply charges for concession households with low electricity consumption.
The Service to Property Charge Concession is applied if the cost of electricity used is lower than the household's supply/service charge. The concession reduces this charge to the same price as the electricity usage cost.
Winter Energy Concession
Provides a discount on electricity and gas bills issued during the 1 May - 31 October period. Additional details on these services are available through the Victorian Government's Department of Human Services.
Other services
Community Buying Services
There are various community buying services that can help people experiencing financial hardship. Community Buying Services can help locate the best available market price for essential household items such as washing machines, dryers or fridges. These services are available through various community groups for people currently experiencing financial hardship.
Financial Counsellors
Financial counselling and support is just one phone call away. Victoria Electricity's EASE team can provide you with free access to independent financial counsellors if you experience hardship or financial difficulty. You can also search online for a local financial counsellor.
Payment Assistance
Victoria Electricity accepts a range of bill payment options:
- Online payment
- BPAY
- Direct debit
- Centrepay
- Cheque
- Payment at Australia Post
If you're finding it difficult to pay your energy bills on time, just let us know. Victoria Electricity's EASE team can provide alternative payment options and payment plans customised to help you. We will personally assess your situation, helping to establish a fair and affordable payment solution to put your energy account back on track.
How to contact Victoria Electricity's EASE team
To apply for energy concessions or services simply call our EASE team on 1800 989 321.
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