Households across NSW who need help paying their energy bills will be able to access up to $1,600 per year in financial support during the current COVID lockdown.

Energy Minister Matt Kean said the NSW Government is increasing the caps under the Energy Accounts Payments Assistance (EAPA) scheme to ease some of the cost-of-living pressures borne by households during this COVID Delta strain outbreak.

“The current COVID outbreak has put an increased strain on some household budgets, with more of us staying at home during these winter months,” Mr Kean said.

“In this difficult time, we want make sure households in NSW not only keep the lights on but keep their families safe, warm and comfortable. That is why NSW energy customers facing hardship will be able to access up to $1,600 per year in bill support.”

“Don’t hesitate if you need bill support, log onto the Service NSW website and register for an energy voucher assessment.”

The EAPA assessment threshold has been temporarily increased from $300 to $400 per assessment, meaning the annual maximum limit of vouchers per household has increased from $1,200 to $1,600. The duration of the increased limits will be reviewed on an ongoing basis in light of lockdown circumstances.

EAPA representatives can also help customers to contact their energy retailers to get customers onto hardship plans, further protecting customers during this difficult time.

Residential energy customers can easily apply for EAPA vouchers directly through Service NSW to schedule an assessment without having to leave their house.

The NSW Government also offers six other rebates to help with energy bills. Residents looking to save on their energy bills are encouraged to visit the Energy Saver website found HERE.