There's good news for any of you thrifty folks out there who don't mind receiving free money - you can score a $50 rebate just by comparing your energy costs. For a limited time, the Victorian Government's Victorian Energy Compare site is offering up fifty big ones to residents of Victorian households, and all you have to do is head over to their website and compare energy prices.
CLAIM THAT FREE $$, AND MAYBE SAVE EVEN MORE MONEY IN THE PROCESS
Known aptly as the "$50 Power Saving Bonus Program", this initiative has been implemented to provide Victorian households with fiscal incentive simply for seeking out a better energy deal than they one they already have (so besides the fifty bucks, you might also save money by finding and changing over to a cheaper energy plan).
GREAT, SO HOW DO I DO THAT?
Head over to the Vic Government's Victorian Energy Compare Website. To claim the bonus, simply follow the website prompts until you get to the "Compare Offers" screen. Once there, you should see a button that asks you to submit your Power Saving Bonus. Here you will be able to get a fair comparison on energy costs and weigh them up against the plan you're currently on. If you'r eligible, then you'll be asked to fill out a short energy survey, answering questions regarding the size of your premises, how many occupants you might share it with, your power using habits, and so forth. After this, you will be asked to upload a recent power bill, in its entirety and in the PDF format, and fill in the section that asks for your contact details. If all goes to plan, you should be posted a cheque for your $50 Power Saving Bonus within four to six weeks (yes, that's right, a cheque - in the mail - this government initiative is kicking it old school).
SO DO I NEED TO SWITCH PLANS IN ORDER TO GET MY $50?
Nah. You are not at all required to switch providers to claim the bonus.
SOUNDS EASY ENOUGH, BUT AM I ELIGIBLE?
In order to establish your eligibility, you will need to meet the following criteria;
1. You must reside in a Victorian household (sorry, New South Welshmen).
2. You must have a residential electricity bill and be the account holder for that bill.
3. You must be able to receive your bonus payment via mail at the address of your energy service.
WHAT IF I HAVE GAS SERVICE INSTEAD OF ELECTRIC?
Then don't feel excluded! If you don't happen to have an electricity service, you can still claim that juicy fifty dollar bonus with information regarding your gas bill. Before you do though, you are required to email [email protected] to request the instructions on how you can submit a gas bill info rebate claim.
WHAT IF I HAVE BOTH? CAN I CLAIM MY $50 FOR ELECTRICITY AND THEN ANOTHER $50 FOR GAS?
No, sorry, but they're only limiting the $50 Power Saving Bonus to one payment per household. Don't get greedy.
WHAT IF I LIVE IN AN EMBEDDED NETWORK?
Should you happen to live in an embedded network (the term used for private electricity networks that serve multiple premises such as apartment blocks, caravan parks, shopping centres, retirement villages etcetera), you still should be eligible to claim, though you may be asked to upload supporting documents such a drivers licence or other such identification. 
WILL THE INFORMATION I'M BEING ASKED TO PROVIDE BE USED FOR ADVERTISING OR ANYTHING ELSE OTHER THAN THE STATED PURPOSE?
In order to receive the $50 rebate, you will be asked to provide the government website with personal information for the purposes of determining estimated energy costs and implementing the Power Saving Bonus Program. This can rightly cause some people to be suspicious as to where their personal information goes after that, but it seems to be on the level. According to the government website, "any such information that you supply will only be used for these purposes and any such information that is personal information will be held and used in accordance with our privacy policy".
COOL, SO HOW SOON CAN I DO THIS?
As soon as you're able! The $50 Power Saving Bonus Program has been opened for business since July 1st of 2018.
IS THERE A DEADLINE?
Yes, I'm afraid so - the Power Saving Bonus Program is a finite initiative, and it is expected to come to an end on the 30th of June, 2020. But at the time of writing, that's still a year and some change away, so get in and apply while it's still available!
Have any other queries about comparing your energy plans? Perhaps you're considering solar power? Click here, or give us a call on 1300 730 897!
