The Queensland Council of Social Service (QCOSS) and Indigenous Consumer Assistance Network (ICAN) have jointly welcomed confirmation from the Queensland Government that powercard customers in remote communities are eligible for the government-funded Electricity Rebate.
During the past year, QCOSS and ICAN have been working together on a project to explore the electricity issues faced by powercard customers in remote communities. One of the findings was a very low awareness and uptake of government-funded electricity concessions.
“There is a lot of confusion and misinformation out there about whether powercard customers are able to receive concession payments. This position has now been clarified in the Government Gazette released on 11 July,” said QCOSS CEO Mark Henley.
The Electricity Rebate represents a payment of $320.97 per year to reduce electricity costs for people who hold a Commonwealth Pensioner Concession Card, Department of Veteran’s Affairs Gold Card or Queensland Seniors Card.
ICAN CEO Aaron Davis explained, “There are still many practical barriers for powercard customers in getting access to the Electricity Rebate, but this is definitely a step in the right direction”.
The Electricity Rebate is one of a range of electricity concessions offered by the Queensland Government. Please note, the Home Energy Emergency Assistance Scheme will remain inaccessible for powercard customers because the level of assistance is calculated based on the amount owing on an unpaid bill.
QCOSS and ICAN look forward to working with the Queensland Government, Ergon Energy and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities to collaboratively address these issues in the future. QCOSS’ report is due for release shortly.
Link to Government Gazette: https://publications.qld.gov.au/storage/f/2014-07-10T22%3A19%3A56.207Z/11-07-14-combined.pdf
Link to information about the Electricity Rebate: https://www.qld.gov.au/community/cost-of-living-support/electricity-gas-rebates/