A cash rebate of $100 is now being rolled out to concession card holders in Victoria, under the Power Saving Bonus program announced in late August. Designed to offer direct relief amid rising living costs, the payment is also part of a broader government strategy to encourage households to compare and switch electricity providers.
So far, around 70,000 applications have been submitted, according to the Victorian Government. With applications still open, residents who meet the eligibility criteria are being encouraged to apply through the Victorian Energy Compare website or via in-person support at participating community centres.
Eligibility Conditions and How to Apply
The $100 Power Saving Bonus is targeted at households holding specific concession cards, including the Health Care Card, Pensioner Concession Card, DVA Pensioner Concession Card, and DVA Gold Card. Applicants must also provide a recent residential electricity bill as proof of being a Victorian energy consumer.
Only one application per household is allowed. Importantly, residents off the electricity grid or without a residential energy account are not eligible. People in embedded networks, such as some caravan parks and retirement villages, may qualify provided they can produce a valid electricity account linked to the address.
Applications can be made online at compare.energy.vic.gov.au, or by phone and in person through Neighbourhood Houses, with 250 community centres across Victoria participating in the outreach effort. According to the Department of Energy, over 10% of applications so far have been lodged with help from these community services.
Payments are generally processed within 10 business days via electronic fund transfer or by cheque, depending on the applicant’s selected method.
Encouragement to Compare and Switch Energy Providers
Beyond the one-off payment, the Power Saving Bonus scheme also serves as an incentive for households to visit the Victorian Energy Compare website, where users can identify cheaper electricity deals. According to Lily D’Ambrosio, Minister for Energy and Resources, visitors to the site typically save around $240 annually by switching energy plans.
The initiative runs alongside the Federal Government’s Energy Bill Relief Fund, which provides additional rebates of up to $150 to eligible households, automatically applied in quarterly instalments.
Since its inception in 2018, the Power Saving Bonus has undergone four rounds, with previous payments of up to $250. This latest round is open until 31 March 2026, with no projections of future increases. Prior recipients of earlier rounds remain eligible to apply again, provided they meet the current conditions. The Victorian Government has reiterated its call for residents to apply early and review their energy options to make full use of the support available.
