The Western Australian Government has announced the Energy Ahead program in an effort to support households in the West Kimberley region with their energy bills.
Previously known as the Household Energy Efficiency Scheme, Energy Ahead supports Western Australians currently experiencing or at risk of financial hardship and aims to reduce the pressure on their cost of living, while improving their energy efficiency knowledge and awareness.
The $13 million initiative has benefitted 1,000 Western Australians, with Energy Policy WA (EPWA) delivering the program alongside Horizon Power and Synergy, in partnership with local community service organisations.
In the West Kimberley, Horizon Power will work with vulnerable households so they can better understand their energy use and develop practical solutions to reducing their energy bills.
That work will be done in partnership with Nirrumbuk Environmental Health and Services and EPWA, with customers in Broome, Fitzroy Crossing, Derby and selected Indigenous communities to benefit from the program’s launch.
Eligible households will benefit from:
- Personalised, one-on-one coaching
- Tips for saving on their energy bills
- An energy pack with items to help them save money
- Home visits from a program support worker
Western Australian minister for Energy, Reece Whitby, said that energy bills are just one of the many challenges that households struggle with when they find themselves experiencing financial hardship.
“The Western Australian Government understands this, which is why we’re glad to extend this program to regional Western Australia,” Mr Whitby said.
“West Kimberley residents who are facing financial hardship can access the program and receive hands-on solutions so they can ultimately save on their energy bills.”
Member for Kimberley, Divina D’Anna, said that the State Government is working to support households experiencing financial hardship and reduce their electricity bills through the Energy Ahead program.
“It’s amazing to see the program expanded regionally to support vulnerable West Kimberley households,” Ms D’Anna said.
“With the assistance of local organisations, EPWA will help these households better understand their energy use and develop practical solutions to reducing their energy bills.”
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