18 March 2010
The Council of Social Service of NSW (NCOSS) has welcomed the announcement today by the NSW Government to extend energy rebates for low income households.

NCOSS Director, Alison Peters said "Today's announcement by the Minister for Energy, John Robertson, will provide some real relief for vulnerable people who would otherwise really struggle to pay their electricity bills in light of the significant increases determined by IPART."

"The extension of the rebate to those with a Commonwealth Health Care Card and increasing the value of the rebate in line with energy cost increases is something that NCOSS has long been calling for," she said.

Ms Peters said that the size of the increases were substantial and that it was appropriate for the Government to consider measures to ensure that the most vulnerable and disadvantaged people were supported.

The energy increases come on top of other rising costs like rent and take up a greater proportion of household income for low income families than for other households. Increasing the number of people who will be eligible for the energy rebate as well as increasing its value will be a real help for the people who will be most affected by these price rises.

"While the price increases will still cause difficulties for low income households, these changes to the energy rebate scheme are a step in the right direction," Ms Peters said.

Media Contact

• Alison Peters, NCOSS Director
  ph: 9211 2599
  mob: 0425 231 814
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