Providing help with bills

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 (PDF 129 KB) - updated July 2009

Further information

For further information contact your electricity or gas supplier or the Department's Energy Concessions Coordinator on (02) 8281 7712 or email information@dwe.nsw.gov.au.