Subsidy sparks debate

By Lia Bichel
A POLITICAL debate has erupted over concessions on electricity bills set to be rolled out next month.
Year-round concessions on electricity bills will begin next week, according to South Eastern Metropolitan Region MP Inga Peulich.
But Narre Warren South MP Judith Graley said this week that concessions were being introduced too late.
Ms Peulich said as of 1 March, Victorians who hold pensioner concession cards, health care cards or Veterans’ Gold Cards would be eligible for a 17.5 per cent discount on their electricity bills.
She said the election commitment would double the concessions that was available under the Brumby Labor Government and would provide much-needed financial assistance for members of the community on low incomes.
“A concession card holder currently paying an electricity bill of $1500 per year would save $262 each year from the concession and there will be an extra saving of $44 from the Coalition’s election commitment applying from 1 March,” Ms Peulich said.
“The Baillieu Government is delivering its election promises and this assistance for members of our community who need it most, is being delivered early.”
But Ms Graley said Premier Ted Baillieu had said in December that he would fast track a year-round electricity concession for electricity bills to start on 1 January.
“He fudged in parliament, and on the weekend he backtracked, only providing the concession from 1 March, 60 days late,” Ms Graley said.
“Any way you look at it, the Premier remained silent on his 1 January commitment, despite electricity prices continuing to rise.
However, Ms Peulich said the timing for eligible Victorians first receiving the new discount on their electricity bill would depend on the billing cycles of individual retailers.