Reducing your energy bill

Electricity prices have increased by 9.51 per cent.

Our financial counselling team is ready to support Tasmanians worried about the price rise.

The independent Tasmanian Energy Regulator approved the electricity price increase of 9.51 per cent which took effect on 1 July 2023.

Anglicare encourages people concerned about the impact this will have on their household budget to speak to a professional financial counsellor. Just call the National Debt Helpline on 1800 007 007 and you will be connected with a friendly, experienced professional from Anglicare.

They will look at your power bill history as part of your budget. They can support you to negotiate an affordable payment plan with your retailer if you are at risk of disconnection because you haven’t paid your bill. This advice is free and confidential.

Support is available

If you are on a low income, you could be eligible for a loan from No Interest Loans Tasmania (NILS).  Funds are available to upgrade appliances such as fridges and washing machines to energy-efficient models that will save you money. You can also borrow money to purchase heating, including heat pumps.

Both levels of government have already combined to create an $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.

Coinciding with the regulator’s decision, the Tasmanian Government has approved a 9.51 per cent increase to the fund to provide further bill relief for concession customers. If you have a Centrelink Pensioners Concession Card, Health Care Card or a Veterans’ Affairs Gold Card you could be eligible.

If you are eligible for the annual electricity concession, but do not currently receive it, please contact your electricity retailer to register. You can find a list of all Tasmanian electricity retails here.

The Tasmanian Government also has an Energy Hardship Fund, which is administered by the Salvation Army.

Aurora Energy’s YES program – for Aurora customers who are in financial hardship.

Aurora’s Home Energy Audit Toolkit (HEAT) – available from local councils. The kit audits your appliances and identifies areas where you can reduce your consumption.

Energy Made Easy – an Australian Government website that compares energy retailers’ fees and charges.