MEMBER for Northern Tablelands Adam Marshall has welcomed news that the NSW Government will increase its energy rebates in the 2015-16 Budget to support the State’s most vulnerable customers.
Mr Marshall said a record $6.6 million has been allocated to help vulnerable customers through the Life Support Rebate and the $235 Medical Energy Rebate.
“For the first time, the Life Support Rebate will assist people with quadriplegia who rely on electric wheelchairs as a basic necessity for going about their everyday life,” Mr Marshall said.
“A rebate of $91 will be made available; this amount covers the average annual cost of powering an electric wheelchair.
“The NSW Government is delivering more assistance to the most vulnerable members of this community and it is our core intention to ensure that no one is left behind.”
The rebates for life support equipment have increased by an average 85 per cent:
| Equipment | 2014/15 Annual Rebate | 2015/16
Annual Rebate |
$ Increase |
| PAP* – 10 hours | $58.40 | $109.50 | $51.10 |
| PAP* – 24 hours | $116.80 | $215.35 | $98.55 |
| Enteral Feeding Pump | $73.00 | $135.05 | $62.05 |
| Phototherapy equipment | $605.90 | $1,120.55 | $514.65 |
| Home dialysis – 3 days/wk | $251.85 | $467.20 | $215.35 |
| Ventilators | $605.90 | $1,120.55 | $514.65 |
| Oxygen concentrators – 12 hours | $302.95 | $562.10 | $259.15 |
| Oxygen concentrators – 24 hours | $511.00 | $945.35 | $434.35 |
| Total Parenteral Pump | $138.70 | $255.50 | $116.80 |
| External heart pump | $18.25 | $32.85 | $14.60 |
*PAP (Positive Airway Pressure machine)
The Energy Accounts Payment Assistance (EAPA) scheme has increased to almost $16 million and will provide greater help to residents facing emergency hardship.
To view the NSW Government’s energy rebates visit: www.resourcesandenergy.nsw.gov.au