By Danielle Kutchel
With two in three Australians already experiencing some level of financial stress, the knock-on effects of Covid-19 will expose many more Victorians to financial vulnerability.
An upcoming webinar aims to provide consumers with the support and resources to manage their energy bills in the face of sky-rocketing costs after so much time spent at home.
The free webinar, titled ‘Energy Simplified’, will be held on Tuesday 26 May from 6.30pm-8.30pm and is supported by Cardinia Communities for Children.
Communities for Children is a program of Anglicare Victoria that primarily works with families and children up to 12.
The organisation has heard from linked practitioners and families in recent weeks about concerns around paying for energy and grocery bills and is keen to offer assistance where it can.
The webinar will be hosted by Consumer Policy Research Centre (CPRC) energy experts, Karl Barratt and Cameron Crome.
“Through Energy Simplified we’ve designed a simple how to guide that tackles energy costs in four key ways: getting the best deal, accessing concessions, securing payment difficulty support from retailers, and how to save energy and stay comfortable in the home,” said Mr Barratt.
Cindy-Lee Harper, project coordinator at Cardinia Communities for Children, said the webinar would be ideal for anyone who is struggling with their energy bills.
“It is amazing how much information is in the actual bill and where you can find information on that bill to benefit you. Knowing how to approach companies to get discounts is great information to have and families will benefit,” she said.
The webinar will be followed by time for questions to be asked, and Communities for Children will follow up any unanswered questions.
The presentation slides will also be sent to all those who register.
Communities for Children is also sending out information packs to interested residents, containing step by step instructions on getting the best from your bills.
“Individuals and families, no matter where they’re from, can get more energy from their bill,” Ms Harper said.
To register for Energy Simplified, visit https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/energy-simplified-community-webinar-tickets-102143826936
