The Rockliff Liberal Government understands cost-of-living pressures being experienced by Tasmanian families and welcome's today's announcement by Aurora Energy of an additional $200,000 for the Energy Hardship Fund.
The Government's Energy Hardship Fund, which is administered by the Salvation Army, is funded up to $350,000 per year and directly helps Tasmanians who have trouble paying their energy bills.
"The Fund is now close to being exhausted, so Aurora Energy's additional $200,000 contribution is warmly welcomed and will result in real bill relief for many people who are struggling," Minister Barnett said.
"As a locally owned and operated energy retailer, Aurora knows its customers and interacts with Tasmanians on a daily basis.
"In addition to this bill support, the Rockliff Liberal Government has partnered with the Australian Government for a $89 million Energy Relief Fund that will see 140,000 eligible Tasmanians receive $250 each year off their electricity bills over the next two years.
"While we continue to deliver the lowest, or among the lowest regulated energy prices in the nation, we know some Tasmanians are doing it tough and need additional support.
"Tasmania has some of the highest energy concessions of any Australian jurisdiction and when combined with this year's Winter Bill Buster payment, concession customer received more than $693 in bill relief in 2022-23.
"It is also encouraging to see that more than 60,000 Tasmanians are using the free aurora+ app which enables customers to more closely monitor their electricity usage to avoid bill shock.
"Additionally, the Government has doubled its financial commitment to the No Interest Loan Scheme (NILS) which can offer concession customers a 50 per cent subsidy to purchases new energy efficient products with a no-interest loan for the balance of the amount."
Minister Barnett said that the Rockliff Liberal Government once again welcomes this additional funding from Aurora Energy and we will continue to support our most vulnerable with generous and targeted cost-of-living concessions.
Aurora customers who are experiencing bill stress can ring 1300 132003 or visit auroraenergy.com.au
