NSW Government and SHASA Bring Your Bills forum puts practical energy savings on the table
Local residents had the opportunity to put their energy bills under the microscope when Member for Bega Dr Michael Holland MP hosted NSW Energy Minister Penny Sharpe at a Bring Your Bills consumer energy forum in Moruya on Friday.
Held at the Moruya Surf Life Saving Club in partnership with the Southcoast Health and Sustainability Alliance (SHASA), the forum brought together residents and energy experts to look at practical ways households can reduce their energy costs, improve efficiency and make informed decisions about their energy use.
Dr Holland said the forum was about giving people practical information they could use immediately.
“With the cost of living continuing to put pressure on household budgets, people want to know what they can actually do to bring their bills down,” Dr Holland said.
“Bringing together government agencies, local experts and residents, meant people could ask questions specific to their own circumstances and get practical advice.”
Minister Sharpe spoke with residents about the NSW Government’s energy initiatives and the opportunities available to households to save money, including energy efficiency, solar and battery storage.
Kathryn Maxwell, SHASA President, informed attendees that “SHASA and Repower Shoalhaven will soon be rolling out a multi-year program, funded by the NSW Government, to assist households to reduce their energy bills”.
The forum also provided information about solar panels and batteries, electric vehicles, improving home comfort and reducing household energy consumption.
Residents were encouraged to bring their latest energy bill so they could better understand their energy use and explore what savings or assistance may be available to them.
Dr Holland said one of the most valuable aspects of the forum was helping people navigate what can sometimes be a confusing energy market.
“There are rebates, assistance programs and energy-saving opportunities available, but knowing what you are eligible for and where to start can be difficult,” he said.
“Events like this are about making that information accessible and giving people the confidence to make decisions that work for their household.”
The forum follows Dr Holland’s ongoing focus on helping local residents manage cost-of-living pressures and access government support.
The NSW Government, through services including Service NSW and the Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water, provides a range of rebates and assistance programs, while the Energy & Water Ombudsman NSW (EWON) can assist customers experiencing difficulties with their energy retailer or paying their bills.
The Bring Your Bills forum was held on Friday 21 August at the Moruya Surf Life Saving Club and was free for local residents to attend.
For info on Government Agencies and how they can help with energy bills, ….
Government Agencies and how they can help with energy bills
1. DCCEEW / NSW Climate and Energy Action
The NSW Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water administers a range of energy rebates, financial assistance and household energy-saving programs.
Key support includes:
- Low Income Household Rebate – up to $285 per year for eligible retail customers, or $313.50 for eligible embedded-network customers.
- Family Energy Rebate
- Gas Rebate
- Seniors Energy Rebate
- Medical and Life Support Energy Rebates
- EAPA for people experiencing short-term financial crisis
- Home Energy Saver – incentives of up to $4,000 or zero-interest loans of up to $15,000 for eligible energy-saving upgrades such as insulation and batteries.
- Discounts for energy-efficient air conditioners and hot-water systems.
2. Service NSW
Service NSW is probably the best first port of call for households because its Savings Finder can identify rebates, vouchers and discounts a person may be eligible for.
They can:
- identify available energy rebates
- help people apply
- compare energy plans through Energy Made Easy
- provide information about EAPA and other assistance
- arrange a free 45-minute appointment with a Savings Finder specialist to work through available savings.
There are currently more than 70 NSW Government rebates and vouchers in the Savings Finder.
Service NSW – Energy and utilities
3. EWON – Energy & Water Ombudsman NSW
EWON is particularly useful when someone is struggling with their energy retailer or can’t afford their bill.
They can:
- negotiate with the retailer
- help arrange more time to pay
- assist with a payment plan
- explain hardship programs
- identify government rebates and assistance
- help resolve disputes with an energy provider.
Importantly, NSW energy retailers are required to have hardship policies and customer assistance programs. These can include flexible payment arrangements and protection from disconnection while someone is participating in the program.
4. Service NSW EAPA
For someone who is currently unable to pay an electricity or gas bill because of a short-term financial crisis, EAPA can provide assistance towards the bill. Circumstances can include loss of income, unexpected medical expenses, natural disaster or receiving a disconnection notice.