About 30,000 low-income Victorian households using bottled LPG or non-mains metered power for cooking and heating are now eligible for Government energy rebates of up to $141 a year.

Minister for Community Services Sherryl Garbutt said the new three-tiered rebates scale would provide concessions for even low levels of energy use.

'The Government has changed the non-mains winter energy concession rebate to help more low-income households benefit from the concession.

'For the first time, thousands of households that use only one cylinder of LPG a year will be able to receive a concession, while high-use households can claim a substantially-increased rebate.

'Concession cardholders spending $80 to $119 on LPG—about the cost of one LPG bottle—are entitled to a $19 rebate.

'Those spending from $120 to $595 on LPG can get a $95 rebate, while those outlaying more than $595 are entitled to a $141 annual rebate.

'The rebate also applies to alternative fuel, such as heating oil, and to eligible caravan park and retirement village residents who buy individually metered non-mains electricity from accommodation proprietors between May and October 2006.'

Ms Garbutt said the non-mains winter rebate was one of a range of State concessions provided to disadvantaged households to help pay for essential services.

'About 30,000 households—mostly in rural and regional areas—will be eligible to receive a rebate.

'Commonwealth cardholders such as Centrelink and Department of Veterans' Affairs pensioners, Centrelink Health Care Card holders and Department of Veterans' Affairs Gold Card holders are eligible for the concession.'

Ms Garbutt said the Government provided more than $1 billion a year in concessions to make essential services such as energy, water, health, education and transport more affordable.

'Concessions are part of our plan to address disadvantage and make Victoria a fairer state.'

This change to non-mains energy concessions brings these concessions into line with mains energy concessions to ensure low-income households in rural areas are not disadvantaged.'

Eligible Victorians who want to claim the winter rebate can lodge an application form with the Department of Human Services until January 31, 2007.

Forms are available from councils, gas distributors, caravan parks, rooming-house managers and DHS offices.

•           For more information call the DHS freecall line on 1800 658 521.