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Utility Relief Grant SchemeA Utility Relief Grant (URG) can help with electricity, gas and water bills. It provides short-term assistance, not ongoing support. Generally you’ll have to show you’ve had unexpected expenses, a drop in income or an unexpectedly high bill.
The URG isn’t restricted to people with eligible concession cards — low income families may also be eligible, provided the account holder is enrolled in their energy or water company’s hardship programme.
You can apply for an URG through your electricity, gas or water company. It’s possible to apply at the same time for a grant that covers more than one utility bill, but not more than six months’ usage.
The Concessions Unit of the Victorian Department of Human Services decides on applications. When an application is successful, the grant generally pays part of the bill, not all of it. For example the average electricity grant in 2006-07 was $347 (information from the Essential Services Commission’s Energy Retail Businesses Comparative Performance Report for 2006-07, p. 33).
There’s also a Non-Mains URG that can help
eligible people who depend on bottled gas (LPG) or carted water — and
who are in danger of having their supply stopped.
From January 2009, a Water Wise program will provide a free water audit
and retrofitting to low income water customers who’ve received a Utility Relief Grant on their water bill.
The Department of Human Services Concessions Unit website contains more
information about the Utility Relief Grant — who is eligible, how many
grants have been made and for how much. Or, you can phone the
Concessions Unit on 1800 658 521.
Return to Concessions and grants information
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