The Victorian Coalition Government has launched a new public information campaign to help Victorians take charge of their power usage.
The campaign, launched this week, is based upon the establishment of a $1 million Energy Information Fund to provide Victorians with the facts they need to make informed decisions about new flexible electricity pricing options.
It also includes an ‘interactive web-based tool’ to help people understand their power usage profile and decide whether flexible pricing is the right option for their household.
Minister for Energy and Resources Nicholas Kotsiras said optional flexible pricing plans will be introduced from mid-September to “give Victorians more choice when they are looking for power plans that can save them money”.
“Flexible pricing will not be for everyone,” he said, “and the Coalition Government is committed to making sure consumers have all the information and tools they need to decide whether to take up the new plans or not.”
The Energy Information Fund will provide funding to not-for-profit organisations to ensure that multicultural, disadvantaged and hard-to-reach Victorians remain informed about the electricity market and flexible pricing.
“It is especially important that groups like seniors, people with disability and people with English as a second language get the facts they need to help them sort through all the options being marketed so they can choose the best plan,” Mr Kotsiras said.
“The Energy Information Fund will be supported by the Consumer Utilities Advocacy Centre whose specialist skills and networks will help us make sure that these important messages get through to all Victorians.”
To use this tool and learn more about flexible pricing, visit www.switchon.vic.gov.au
