Energy Accounts Payment Assistance (EAPA)

Last updated: 2 Dec 2011

Energy Accounts Payment Assistance Scheme Advisory Group

An Energy Accounts Payment Assistance Scheme (EAPA) Advisory Group has been established to provide advice on options to strengthen and improve delivery of the EAPA Scheme. The EAPA Advisory Group will provide input into the prioritisation and development of the following initiatives:

• clearer EAPA Guidelines for Community Welfare Organisations (CWOs);
• an accreditation model for CWOs delivering EAPA;
• more comprehensive education, training and support for CWOs in EAPA and other forms of assistance;
• support delivery of better data management of the EAPA Scheme; and
• develop models for the delivery of EAPA (or equivalent assistance) to particular customers, such as residential park residents, who are currently unable to access the Scheme.

Terms of Reference (34 Kb, ) for the EAPA Advisory Group have been released. A progress report and comprehensive work plan will be provided by the EAPA Advisory Group to the Minister for Resources and Energy for consideration by February 2012.

In late 2010, a Consultation Paper (380 Kb, ) on the above issues and supporting appendices were released:

• Appendix A: Retailer delivery model draft deed (236 Kb, )
• Appendix B: CWO accreditation and review process (105 Kb, )
• Appendix C: CWO application form to deliver EAPA (170 Kb, )

The non-confidential submissions to the Consultation Paper are available for download.

More information on the EAPA Scheme can be found below.

Energy Accounts Payment Assistance Scheme

The Energy Accounts Payment Assistance (EAPA) Scheme helps financially disadvantaged people experiencing difficulty paying their electricity or gas bill because of a crisis or emergency situation. The scheme ensures people stay connected to essential services during a financial crisis. This scheme is not available on an ongoing basis.

How does the EAPA Scheme work?

The EAPA Scheme operates through a voucher system. Each voucher is worth $30.

EAPA vouchers are issued by a participating community welfare organisation (CWO) such as St Vincent de Paul, Salvation Army and Anglicare. The customer needs to apply to one of these organisations which will consider their claim and, if appropriate, provide assistance. The CWO assesses the customer's situation and determines each case based on individual circumstances.

Customers can use EAPA vouchers at their energy supplier's payment centre, a post office or by mail. The supplier will credit the value of the voucher towards the account.

Note: Before contacting a CWO for EAPA vouchers, please contact your electricity or gas supplier to find out what payment plans they offer. You may be able to agree on a payment plan with your supplier to suit your financial situation.

Can EAPA vouchers be used to pay gas bills?

Yes. Vouchers can be used to pay gas bills but not for bottled gas (LPG).

Which community welfare organisations distribute EAPA vouchers in my area?

• List of community welfare organisations (137 Kb, ) updated 5 Dec 2011

Further information

For further information, contact:

• your electricity or gas supplier
• the Energy Information Line on 1300 136 888
• email energy.info@industry.nsw.gov.au.