NEW HELP WITH POWER BILLS FOR SELF-FUNDED RETIREES

For the first time, around 130,000 self-funded retirees will be able to claim $200 a year to help with their power bills, thanks to a new initiative from the NSW Government aimed at taking cost of living pressure off our seniors.

Premier Gladys Berejiklian said the new rebate has been made possible because of the strong economic management of the NSW Liberals & Nationals Government.

The rebates will be available to customers who hold a Commonwealth Seniors Health Card through Service NSW centres and online from 1 July 2019.

This rebate is in addition to our current range of energy rebates, which includes the $285 Low Income Household Rebate and the $110 Gas Rebate, which help pensioners and veterans with their electricity and gas bills.  

"We understand that energy costs are putting pressure on those with fixed incomes and this new policy will ensure that self-funded retirees receive the support they deserve," Ms Berejilklian said.

"We have worked hard to get the economy and the Budget back on track after years of mismanagement by Labor. As a result, we are able to give back to the community to help take the pressure off households, particularly our seniors."

"The Government will deliver this new rebate for eligible self-funded retirees across NSW in addition to the help we already provide to families, pensioners and other low income households."

Minister for Energy Don Harwin said downward pressure on energy bills is the absolute priority for the Government.

"We've increased rebates across the board by 20 per cent, taken $7 billion in costs out of the electricity networks and now we are driving down prices with our solar and battery package – we are taking action to bring down bills," Mr Harwin said.

"The NSW Government invests $300 million each year on energy rebates, with almost one third of all electricity customers receiving a rebate."

The NSW Government has also provided discounts on energy efficiency upgrades for thousands of families and small businesses, and introduced the Energy Switch service to help households get a better electricity deal and increase competition in the retail energy sector.

The NSW Government's household appliance replacement program, for household vulnerable to bill stress, has already helped 17,600 households cut their bills by up to $200 a year.

Minister for Ageing Tanya Davies said: "This program will extend NSW's generous energy rebates to self-funded retirees for the first time.

"Pensioners and veterans already benefit from rebates under our $285 Low Income Household Rebate, this new program will ensure seniors across NSW who have worked hard for their retirement will have much-needed hip-pocket relief now too."

The Commonwealth Seniors Health Card applies to Australians aged 65 and over, with an income of up to $54,929 a year for singles and $87,884 a year for couples.