Post by Banker on Dec 20, 2011 16:47:41 GMT 7
South Australians who have medical conditions requiring frequent use of air conditioning will soon be able to apply for a new energy concession.
The new measures come into force in January and apply to low-income earners.
Communities and Social Inclusion Minister Ian Hunter said people with medical conditions that are affected by temperature changes often had to run coolers or heaters for long periods to help manage their condition.
"This is especially important as we come into the hot summer months," Mr Hunter said.
To help offset the power costs, the state government will provide those eligible with an annual rebate of $158 a year from January, rising to $165 in July.
The rebate comes on top of the existing energy concession of $158 for pensioners and holders of eligible Centrelink cards.
"This new concession will mean up to 2000 vulnerable South Australians will receive this additional financial assistance toward their energy bills," Mr Hunter said.
"This will help them manage their health more affordably and help prevent their medical condition, or that of their child, getting worse."
The cooling concession was first suggested by Opposition Leader Isobel Redmond in June, just before the government made its own announcement.
At the time Ms Redmond said intolerance to heat could affect people suffering from a range of conditions including multiple sclerosis, Parkinson's disease, post-polio syndrome and various auto-immune and motor neurone diseases.
news.ninemsn.com.au/national/8392548/sa-to-offer-cooling-rebates-to-the-sick
The new measures come into force in January and apply to low-income earners.
Communities and Social Inclusion Minister Ian Hunter said people with medical conditions that are affected by temperature changes often had to run coolers or heaters for long periods to help manage their condition.
"This is especially important as we come into the hot summer months," Mr Hunter said.
To help offset the power costs, the state government will provide those eligible with an annual rebate of $158 a year from January, rising to $165 in July.
The rebate comes on top of the existing energy concession of $158 for pensioners and holders of eligible Centrelink cards.
"This new concession will mean up to 2000 vulnerable South Australians will receive this additional financial assistance toward their energy bills," Mr Hunter said.
"This will help them manage their health more affordably and help prevent their medical condition, or that of their child, getting worse."
The cooling concession was first suggested by Opposition Leader Isobel Redmond in June, just before the government made its own announcement.
At the time Ms Redmond said intolerance to heat could affect people suffering from a range of conditions including multiple sclerosis, Parkinson's disease, post-polio syndrome and various auto-immune and motor neurone diseases.
news.ninemsn.com.au/national/8392548/sa-to-offer-cooling-rebates-to-the-sick