Help for households facing energy bill stress
Energy Accounts Payments Assistance scheme
Are you having a hard time paying your household electricity or natural gas bill?
You could be eligible for a one-off payment through our Energy Accounts Payments Assistance (EAPA) scheme.
We deliver it in partnership with non-government organisations and NSW energy retailers.
I can't pay my bill
Speak to your electricity or gas supplier first if you are having a short-term financial crisis.
They may give you an extension to pay or set up a hardship/payment plan.
Still having trouble? You may be eligible for the one-off payment through the EAPA scheme.
How it works
Households are given digital vouchers to help pay electricity or gas bills. The scheme is only for people in financial crisis.
Contact an EAPA provider to find out if you are eligible.
EAPA providers include the NSW Government and organisations such as Anglicare, Salvation Army, Wesley Mission, Local Land Councils and neighbourhood centres.
Find a provider by downloading this PDF or get in touch with Service NSW.
GET ASSESSED AND APPLY FOR EAPA AT SERVICE NSW
If you are eligible, the provider will give you one or more $50 EAPA vouchers, which will be sent electronically to your retailer and credited to your account.
The EAPA scheme is not available for liquid petroleum gas (LPG) invoices. To see if you’re eligible for the LPG rebate, visit NSW Gas Rebates.
Do you live in an embedded network?
People living in embedded networks are not currently eligible. These sites typically include apartment blocks, retirement villages, and caravan parks.
However, we are looking to expand the scheme temporarily to customers of authorised energy retailers in embedded networks as part of the NSW Government’s COVID-19 response.
If you would like to be advised when your retailer is added, send an email to [email protected]. Include your name, address, contact number and a copy of your latest energy bill.
Call Service NSW on 13 77 88 for information on other long-term energy assistance schemes.
Become an EAPA provider
If your organisation would like to help deliver the EAPA scheme, contact [email protected] or 02 8275 1956.
Other energy bill rebates
The Low Income Household Rebate is a separate scheme that helps eligible low income NSW households cover the costs of their energy bills. It is paid once each financial year.
I want to reduce my energy use
Lighting upgrade offer
Replace your halogen downlights with new LED bulbs. The cost of the LED bulbs and the fee for installation is subsidised by the government.
Solar for low income households
The NSW Government is trialling a new way to help people on low incomes with their power bills by installing free solar systems for up to 3400 eligible households. See if you're eligible for the trial.
SOLAR FOR LOW INCOME HOUSEHOLDS
Removal of energy retailer fees
As of 1 January 2018, electricity retailers are not allowed to charge exit fees or early termination fees when you decide to switch your supplier. You are free to find a better energy deal at any time. Fees for paper bills and for paying your bill at an Australia Post office have also been removed.