Winter energy concession
The Winter Energy Concession on gas provides concession card holders with a discount of 17.5 per cent off mains gas bills from 1 May to 31 October of each year.
From 1 July 2012 the concession will not apply to the first $62.40 of a concession card holder’s winter gas bill.
This change has been made because the Commonwealth Government is introducing a carbon price. Given the Commonwealth Government is on average providing full compensation to households for the impact of the carbon price on energy bills, the concession on that component of these bills is unnecessary.
The Commonwealth Government estimates that the new carbon price will increase gas bills by 9 per cent. In dollar terms this equates to an average of $1.50 per week or $78 per annum.
The amount of $62.40 is worked out based on the winter usage of approximately 80 per cent of gas costs.
Eligibility
You must hold at least one of the following concession cards:
Holders of a Health Care Card for Carer Allowance and Foster Care issued in the name of the child are not eligible. Holders of Veterans' Affairs Gold Cards marked 'Dependent' are not eligible.
How to apply
Contact your electricity or gas retailer to have the concession automatically deducted from the bill.
Frequently asked questions
More information
Contact the Victorian Concessions Information Line on 1800 658 521.
