When to apply for EAPA
You may be eligible for EAPA if you live in NSW and you're experiencing difficulty paying your energy bill due to a short-term financial hardship, crisis or emergency.
You can apply for EAPA online.
Talk to your energy retailer
Contact your energy retailer to let them know you are having trouble paying your bill and you are applying for EAPA.
It is important to contact your energy retailer so they do not disconnect you while you are waiting to be assessed for EAPA.
Energy retailers must have hardship programs to help customers manage their bills.
You can ask your energy retailer for an extension or a hardship/payment plan and about other support they can provide.
Your bill must have money owing
You cannot get EAPA if you've paid your bill in full. You must have at least $50 owing on your bill.
If you've already paid your bill, you may be eligible for other help. Contact your energy retailer to ask about your options to help you stay on top of your bills.
Your energy account is open
The bill you need help with must be for your current home or energy retailer. You will not be eligible for EAPA if the bill is a final bill or for a closed energy account.
Contact your energy retailer to talk about payment options for your final bill.
Embedded networks
If you live in an embedded network, you will not be eligible for EAPA.
An embedded network may include some strata plans, retirement villages and caravan parks. Talk to your energy provider if you do not know if you are in an embedded network.
Contact your energy provider to ask about other options to help you pay your energy bill. You may be eligible for other help.
Applying for someone else
You can submit an application for someone else if that person is not able to apply, even if your name is not on the bill.
We will need to speak to them to confirm you can act on their behalf or they can complete an Authority to Act form. They will also need to contact the energy retailer to arrange permission for you to discuss their account.
Authority to Act form
You will be sent the Authority to Act form to complete once you have applied.
Commercial or business customers
EAPA is only available for the main house that you live in and only applies to residential accounts.
Other help
Savings Finder
Use the Service NSW Savings Finder to find energy rebates and other savings.
Compare providers
Use the Australian Energy Regulator’s Energy Made Easy tool to compare energy plans.
Find tips on saving energy and water
Complaints and disputes
Contact the Energy & Water Ombudsman NSW to help sort out a problem with your energy retailer.
Financial help
For help with finances or budgeting: