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Cost-of-living challenges are hitting some households hard. If you are experiencing financial hardship or looking to save money on your energy bills, we have a range of supports and services to assist you.

Get a better deal with Victorian Energy Compare

Finding the right energy deal shouldn’t be confusing or time-consuming.

The Victorian energy market can be complex, with many different prices, discounts and contract terms. This can make it hard to know which energy plan is right for you.

Victorian Energy Compare (VEC) is here to make choosing an energy plan simpler. VEC is Victoria’s only free and independent energy price comparison tool, backed by the Victorian Government. The website is easy to use and helps you compare electricity, gas and solar offers available in your area.

Did you know – VEC is updated daily with the latest electricity, gas and solar offers from all Victorian energy retailers. Check in regularly to see if there is a better offer for you.

By providing reliable and easy-to-understand energy comparisons, VEC plays a crucial role in helping Victorians:

  • save money on bills
  • make informed choices about energy providers.

Visit compare.energy.vic.gov.au to compare energy plans today.

Energy Assistance Program

Victorians who need additional support with their energy bills can seek help through the Victorian Government’s Energy Assistance Program.

The Energy Assistance Program gives Victorians free, tailored, one-on-one help navigating the energy market and saving money on their energy bills.

The Energy Assistance Program can also help if your eligible energy concession is not attached to your electricity account. You can contact the Energy Assistance Program team via free call on 1800 161 215 or visit the Energy Assistance Program web page.

Money off your bills through rebates, concessions and grants

DFFH energy concessions and hardship payments

Eligible concession cardholders can receive discounts on their energy bills. Visit the Department of Families, Fairness and Housing (DFFH) website to find out more about different energy concessions and how to access them.

Tip

If you’re eligible for a concession, verify that it has been applied to your electricity and gas bills. If you’ve missed out on claiming any concessions, reach out to your energy provider.

Provide them with your concession card number and ask them to back-date your concessions for the last 12 months or from your concession card start date if that is more recent.

If you are experiencing financial hardship, you may be eligible for a grant. A grant is a payment to help you pay your bills.

Visit DFFH Hardship for information on how to apply.

Businesses can get advice to help understand and manage their energy use and costs on the for businesses web page.

Victoria's Payment Difficulty Framework

Under Victoria’s Payment Difficulty Framework, your energy retailer must let you know what help is available if you are having trouble paying your energy bills. This includes discussing various flexible payment options and making disconnection a last resort.

To learn more about your right to assistance under Victoria’s nation-leading Payment Difficulty Framework, visit the Essential Services Commission.

Tip

Talk to your energy retailer early if you are struggling to pay your bills. Your retailer is the business that bills you for your electricity or gas use. You can find contact details for your retailer on your energy bill. Ask to speak to their hardship team, who can outline your options.

Save energy and money

Want to lower your energy bills? There are many things you can do to save energy and money - find out more:

Page last updated: 24/07/26