Assisting our community with the $250 Power Saving Bonus
The Ballarat East Neighbourhood House is an official community outreach provider for the State Government’s $250 Power Saving Bonus.
We are assisting community members to receive this one-off payment to help ease energy bill stress, and to help them seek out a better energy deal.
As of 1 July 2022, this payment is available to all Victorian households.
What is the $250 Power Saving Bonus?
The $250 Power Saving Bonus is a one-off $250 payment which provides direct support to Victorian households experiencing power bill stress during the coronavirus pandemic.
Who is eligible for the Power Saving Bonus?
To be eligible, you must meet the following eligibility requirements:
- Be a Victorian residential energy consumer (i.e. have a residential electricity account)
- You must be the account holder
When can households apply?
This program is running from 1 July 2022 until 30 June 2023.
How many people per household can apply?
Only one payment is available to each household.
I am a concession card holder who received the previous Power Saving Bonus before 1 July 2022. Can I apply again?
Yes you can.
How do I apply?
Applications are made online. If you do not have access to the internet, or are uncomfortable using technology, we are here to help.
Get in contact with the Ballarat East Neighbourhood House and we will help you every step of the way:
What do I need for the application process?
When you come to us to submit your application, there are a few things you need to bring with you:
- a copy of a recent electricity bill
- your ‘NMI’ number (this is located on your bill and is typically a 10 or 11 digit number)
- your bank details
Be sure to keep a copy of your NMI and your application reference number as you may need this information for further communications about your application.
How will it be paid to me?
When you submit your application online, you will be able to choose between receiving your payment via EFT (electronic transfer into your bank account) or cheque.
How long does it take to receive the Power Saving Bonus?
If you meet the eligibility and documentation requirements, you should receive your $250 payment via Electronic Fund Transfer (EFT) within two to three weeks of submission. If you request payment via cheque, this should be received within four weeks.
What times are the Ballarat East Neighbourhood House assisting people with applications?
Please call/text or email us to make an appointment time. We are available Tuesdays to Fridays between 9.00 am and 5,00 pm during school term.
Do I need to call and book a time?
Yes, you need to make an appointment with us to make sure that we have someone available to help you.
When: Please call us on 0422 612 052 to make an appointment
Where: Barkly Square, 25-39 Barkly Street, Ballarat East. Come to the main reception in the Barkly Street side of the building.
What’s the easiest way to get to the Ballarat East Neighbourhood House via public transport?
Getting There
Walking: Head to the cafe near the rear entrance of Barkly Square. The entrance for the wonderful A Pot of Courage cafe is located inside of Barkly Square at 25-39 Barkly Street, Ballarat East. Follow the A Pot of Courage signs. Come in past the cafe and head to the end of the hallway, past the community area to the Ballarat East Neighbourhood House Training Room.
Driving: You can park on Barkly Street, or behind the building in the car park or on the street along Princes Street North. You can access Princes Street North from Eureka Street or Barkly Street.
Bus: There is a bus stop close to Barkly Square: Route 20, near the corner of Barkly Street and Main Road.
Bicycle: There is bike parking available at Barkly Square.
Public toilets are available within Barkly Square.
View the Accessibility Map of Barkly Square.
Phone: In most cases, we are able to process your application over the phone. In order to do this, you will need to read and agree to the information in Client Information Notice #1 (PDF) and Client Information Notice #2 (PDF). We can read these to you over the phone.
Find out more on the Neighbourhood Houses Victoria website.
For Frequently Asked Questions, visit the Victorian Energy Compare website.
To help pay their energy bills, Victorians on low incomes can receive concessions and benefits, including the Utility Relief Grant Scheme. For a summary, you can download this Energy Affordibility Information document (PDF).
