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The State Government's new Winter Power Bonus - a $60 reduction on the winter electricity bills of all households and small businesses in Victoria - commenced on August 17.

It is expected to deliver over $360 million in savings to Victorian electricity consumers over the next three years.

The $60 will be deducted from winter power bills in 1998, 1999 and 2000.

It will be applied after all other charges and concessions have been calculated for the winter period.

Residents with an account lower than $60 before the bonus is applied will receive a nil account during winter and the balance will apply as a rebate on their next account.

Permanent residents of caravan parks, rooming houses, retirement villages and similar will also receive the Winter Power Bonus by applying through the Department of Human Services.

There are about 20,000 accounts not directly issued by a power company. These people can obtain an application form through their accommodation manager or by contacting 1800 072 066 to receive their $60 Winter Power Bonus cheque in the mail.

What the average customer pays for power:
(Source: The Office of the Regulator-General)

The family home

A family home with an electric hot water system using the average 5500 kilowatts of power in a year would pay $200 a quarter. The Winter Power Bonus will reduce this amount to $140 for the winter quarter.

The same family home receiving the Winter Energy Concession of 17.5 per cent would pay $165 in the winter quarter. The Winter Power Bonus will reduce this amount to $105 for the winter quarter.

A family home using a gas hot water system using the average 4000 kilowatts a year would pay $155 a quarter. The Winter Power Bonus will reduce this amount to $95 for the winter quarter.

The small user

A small customer such as a couple in an apartment or unit using an average 2000 kilowatts a year, with an average quarterly account of $95. The Winter Power Bonus will reduce this amount to $35 for the winter quarter.

The same customer receiving the Winter Energy Concession would pay $78.40 for the winter quarter. The Winter Power Bonus will reduce this amount to $18.40 for the winter quarter.

Should the Winter Power Bonus exceed the winter account, the remainder will be provided as a reduction on the subsequent account.

The small business

A typical suburban corner shop or similar sized small business using an average 7000 kilowatts a year would pay $205 a quarter under a 'Tariff D' arrangement. The Winter Power Bonus will reduce this amount to $145 for the winter quarter.

(News Release, Offices of the Treasurer and the Minister for Youth and Community Services, August 17, 1998)