The electricity payment scheme, which is part of a $266.2 million cost of living package in this year’s State Budget, has been expanded. It is now set to benefit four times as many recipients, providing increased electricity bill relief for some of the state’s most vulnerable households.

Changes to the scheme include:

• Doubling the maximum payment available from $400 to $800
• Removing the debt cap of $2,000 (which meant some people in need were missing out)
• Increasing the payment frequency to every two years, instead of three years, if required.

People seeking assistance must first work with their energy retailer. If needed, they can then work with a financial counsellor to make an application for payment.

The payments are made directly to the electricity retailer and are applied as credits on the customer’s electricity account to reduce their overall debt.

For more information about the Emergency Electricity Payment Scheme and for a list of financial counsellors who can assist, please go to: SA.GOV.AU - Emergency help with finances