As power prices continue to soar, Member for Gosford, Liesl Tesch, is urging Coasties to see what help could be available to them through Service NSW.
Tesch said prices are set to soar by 56 per cent in the next two years, on top of an already substantial increase that will mean power bills will effectively double by 2024.
“Energy prices are through the roof under Energy Minister Matt Kean’s failed promise two years ago that electricity bills under a NSW Liberal Government will fall,” she said.
“For those now struggling, immediate assistance is needed now, and thankfully Service NSW has a number of voucher programs and schemes available.”
Energy Accounts Payment Assistance (EAPA) vouchers are available to households struggling to cover their next electricity or gas bill.
To be eligible, you must have an electricity or natural gas account for a NSW primary residential address and be experiencing short-term financial crisis or emergency that has impacted your ability to pay your current residential energy bill.
Service NSW also offers a No Interest Loans Scheme (NILS) for people on low incomes safe and affordable access to credit on essential goods and services up to $2,000, though this cannot be used for bills or debt consolidation.
Tesch said many who need help do not always seek it.
“Inflation globally and in Australia is an ongoing concern, and many households are bearing the brunt,” she said.
“If you need help, there are ways to get it.
“These vouchers and lines of credit are one way to assist in grappling with the soaring cost-of-living crisis that we are all facing.”
For more information on forms of financial assistance available through Service NSW, visit www.service.nsw.gov.au/ or call 13 77 99.
Primary source: Media release, Nov 11 Member for Gosford, Liesl Tesch