Ms ADDISON (Wendouree) (19:17): I direct my adjournment to the Minister for Energy, Environment and Climate Change. The action I seek is for her to provide me with an update on how the Victorian government is continuing to support Victorians who are paying more for power than they should. When we came to government we promised to make energy fairer and more affordable for Victorians, and we have delivered.

The $1.3 billion Solar Homes program continues to help Victorians take control of their energy bills by installing a power station on their roof. There have been over 200 000 installations by Victorian homes for rebated solar panels, solar batteries and solar hot water systems since August 2018, and over 1800 installed in my electorate of Wendouree alone. Solar Homes is leading to significant reductions in energy bills for families who need it the most, with around’s 57 per cent of solar rebates going to households with incomes of less than $100 000 and around 7 per cent going to those earning less than $20 000 a year.

The recent announcement that the $250 power saving bonus will be extended to all Victorians from 1 July is proof that this government takes cost of living relief seriously. It has been so wonderful to meet the many people have attended my office to seek help with their energy bills through the $250 power saving bonus, with 11 000 of my constituents accessing the program to date.

One of the best outcomes for energy consumers has been the Victorian Energy Compare website. This website is the only free and independent online energy price comparison service in Victoria, with data showing that seven out of 10 users can save money by switching energy offers, with typical savings of $330 on energy bills in the first year alone. I thank the minister for her ongoing commitment to lower energy prices for households and businesses, and I look forward to an update on further measures that will continue to support households across my community of Ballarat in addressing the cost of living.

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