About us
Our Ombudsman and staff
Our Board and Consultative Council
Tealprint 2021 to 2025
Our Constitution and Charter
Our funding
Our history
Working with other organisations
Reconciliation Action Plan
Binding decisions
Community engagement
Careers
Dealing with family violence
Members
List of members
Types of member
EWON Funding Model
Become a member
EWONLink members portal
Media and news
Media Releases
News
Publications and submissions
Annual reports
Newsletters
Reports
Submissions
Order Publications
Information in other languages
Subscribe
Contact us

Energy & Water Ombudsman NSW

Complain Freecall

Where to get financial help

Credit and debt hotline

If you have unpaid bills and a debt collector (sometimes called a “mercantile agent”) contacts you, call the National Debt Helpline on 1800 007 007 for free advice or contact us. For more information contact the Financial Rights Legal Centre.

Community welfare agencies

Community welfare agencies can help you if you're in financial difficulty by:

  • negotiating with your energy or water supplier about what you can afford to pay
  • referring you to a financial counsellor or other support services.

Some agencies provide emergency financial assistance in the form of:

No Interest Loan Schemes (NILS)

The No Interest Loan Schemes (NILS) program helps people on low-income by providing interest free loans for items such as new, energy efficient appliances. Find a provider near you.

Tenancy advice services

If you are a tenant and need help sorting out a problem with your landlord about issues such as water accounts, electrical or plumbing repairs, or meter access, contact Tenants NSW for free advice and assistance.

Legal advice

A community legal centre may be able to help you with free advice. Community legal centres are independent, non-profit community organisations providing free legal advice, information and referrals for individuals and communities across New South Wales. Some centres provide legal advice over the phone, or hold interview and advice sessions after business hours. For further information contact the Community Legal Centres NSW.