Energy provider and government COVID-19 support
Government assistance
The Federal and State Governments have announced a range of support measures to help households and businesses affected by COVID-19.
Energy provider assistance
Providers are also offering additional support during this time, following the Australian Energy Regulator's (AER) Statement of Expectations.
These support measures are in place until 30 June 2021. Under the updated measures, energy companies should:
- Continue to offer all households and small businesses (including those eligible for the JobKeeper payment) in financial stress a payment plan or hardship arrangement, which may include agreeing a period where no payment will be made;
- Waive disconnection, re-connection and/or contract break fees, along with daily supply charges to retailers for small businesses that have ceased operating;
- Not disconnect residential or small business customers in financial distress that have made contact with their retailer or responded to communications; and
- Defer referrals of a retailer’s customers to debt collection agencies for recovery actions, or credit default listing.
Read more on energy sector support:
Water provider assistance
Water providers may also offer payment extensions and other assistance if your income has been impacted by COVID-19. Contact your provider directly to discuss how it can help.
