Support payment to help industries impacted by COVID-19

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Aurora Energy will provide direct bill relief to those local industries impacted by COVID-19 through an additional support measure announced today.

Aurora business customers in tourism, hospitality, arts, events, transport and seafood industries can now apply for its Industry Support Payment, which will see a $500 bill credit applied to their Aurora Energy account.

The energy retailer has $500,000 in total available to eligible business customers in impacted industries to aid Tasmania’s ongoing recovery from COVID-19.

Tasmanian Hospitality Association CEO Steve Old said the support payments would provide some welcome relief for businesses who have been doing it tough during the pandemic.

“We all know the impact of living costs from both a residential and business point of view and especially in the business sector, things like power and heating costs can run up into thousands of dollars,” Mr Old said.

“This bill relief from Aurora Energy will go some way to helping with those costs, which of course increase during our traditionally cold winter months.

“We thank Aurora Energy for continuing to assist our sector as we navigate our way back to our vibrant best.”

Aurora Energy CEO Rebecca Kardos said the business remained steadfast to supporting Tasmanians.

“While we've been fairly well sheltered down here in Tassie, we know that this is still a challenging time financially for many Tasmanians, especially those in local industries impacted by disruption in trade and visitation,” Mrs Kardos said.

“We’ve been committed to doing what we can to assist since the start of the pandemic and we recognise these industries in particular need extra support.”

Mrs Kardos wanted to reassure businesses that are not eligible for Aurora’s Industry Support Payment, but have been impacted by COVID-19, that there is still help available.

Aurora's COVID-19 Customer Support Fund can assist with things like bill relief, waiving fees and charges, freezing debts, payment plans, and more.

It's nationally recognised Your Energy Support (YES) program is available for residential customers who need a helping hand getting back on top of their energy bills. The YES Payment Support program has also been extended until June 2022, which covers one fortnightly payment each quarter (up to $200) for YES customers keeping up with their scheduled payment plans.

Applications for the Industry Support Payment are open until 31 October 2021.

To apply for Aurora’s Industry Support Payment, go to https://www.auroraenergy.com.au/business-support