EXTENSION of an annual $90 gas rebate to low-income households using bottled gas has been applauded by Member for Northern Tablelands Adam Marshall.
Deputy Premier Troy Grant told the NSW Nationals State Conference on Saturday that the NSW Government’s Gas Rebate Scheme would be extended from 1 July to cover Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) bottles used for heating, cooking and hot water generation.
Until now, the scheme has only applied to piped gas – a criteria that Mr Marshall has fought against as inequitable, particularly in rural areas where bottled gas is the norm.
“This extension is an absolute no-brainer,” said Mr Marshall, who in April campaigned for the government to extend the scheme.
“The current situation is ludicrous and discriminatory. There is no community across the Northern Tablelands that has access to a reticulated gas supply. Everyone in our region depends on bottled LPG, and homes using bottled gas do not currently qualify for the rebate.
“I’m delighted our community’s argument has prevailed and this oversight will be corrected.”
Mr Marshall understands that the gas rebate extension will help thousands of families across country NSW.
“The rebate is crucial for the most vulnerable in our region and will help relieve some of the financial pressure they’re under,” he said.
“The NSW Energy Rebates Scheme will be expanded by $8 million, which means that an estimated 80,000 low income households across country NSW that use bottled LPG will now benefit.”
Other cost-saving measures available to households include:
- the $235 Low Income Household Rebate;
- the Family Energy Rebate; and
- Specialist rebates for customers with increased electricity needs for medical equipment under the Life Support and Medical Energy Rebates.Eligible customers can apply to the NSW Division of Resources and Energy to access the gas rebate from 1 July 2016.For more information about the government’s energy rebate, and to apply, visit: www.resourcesandenergy.nsw.gov.au