The NSW Government has increased its energy rebates in the 2015-16 Budget to support the State’s most vulnerable customers.
It says a record $6.6 million has been allocated to help vulnerable customers through the Life Support Rebate and the $235 Medical Energy Rebate.
“For the first time, the Life Support Rebate will assist people with quadriplegia who rely on electric wheelchairs as a basic necessity for going about their everyday life,” says the Liberal State Member for Holsworthy Melanie Gibbons said.
“A rebate of $91 will be made available; this amount covers the average annual cost of powering an electric wheelchair.
“The NSW Government is delivering more assistance to the most vulnerable members of this community and it is our core intention to ensure that no one is left behind,” Ms Gibbons said.
The rebates for life support equipment have increased by an average 85 per cent.
The increased rebates includes a rise of $291.15 for 12 hours for oxygen concentrators, $215.35 more for home dialysis, $14.60 for external heart pump and $514.65 for phototherapy equipment.
The government’s new $90 gas rebate will also be available to an estimated 290,000 customers, who meet the same eligibility criteria as the Low Income Household Rebate.
This means eligible low income households could receive a combined $325 rebate to assist with the cost of energy bills.
The Energy Accounts Payment Assistance (EAPA) scheme has increased to almost $16 million and will provide greater help to residents facing emergency hardship.
To view the NSW Government’s energy rebates visit: http://www.resourcesandenergy.nsw.gov.au
