The Hodgman Liberal Government is committed to reducing cost pressures on households and businesses through our Tasmanian Energy Strategy.
Under the Labor-Green Government, power prices spiralled out of control and low income households bore the brunt of the impact.
As part of our Strategy, and in partnership with Aurora Energy, a further $2 million has been made available in the Budget over the next two years to implement energy affordability programs targeting vulnerable households.
It is expected that through this program Aurora will be able to considerably expand the scope and reach of its Your Energy Support (YES) program from around 1500 customers to 2500.
Aurora Energy currently supports vulnerable customers via its YES program through the establishment of tailored payment plans and the provision of free advice (including a free energy audit) to help reduce home energy use.
The key strength of the ongoing success of the YES program is Aurora Energy’s existing partnerships with organisations such as The Salvation Army, Anglicare, Rural Business Tasmania and St Vincent’s de Paul.
It is through these organisations that Aurora Energy is able to identify those most in need and help deliver the benefits of the YES program.
The funding we’ve announced in the Budget will see Aurora Energy launch a new initiative, the YES Affordability program, directed towards practical solutions that help those customers most in need.
The YES Affordability programs primary aim is to support vulnerable customers to reduce their energy consumption through practical advice, action and support resulting in long term energy affordability. One of the key features is that customers will be provided with case managed one on one support and have solutions tailored to their particular needs.
This will be delivered through a series of initiatives that will be progressively rolled out over the next 6-12 months in conjunction with Aurora Energy's key community partners.
The YES Affordability program has four key elements: