AusNet is extending financial assistance to individuals and small businesses impacted by prolonged power outages stemming from severe weather events in February 2024.

Individuals can receive a $300 payment, while small businesses may qualify for up to $5000 in support.

To qualify as an individual, you must:

• Maintain an electricity account within the AusNet network for a property affected by power loss exceeding 72 hours between February 13th and 22nd, 2024.
• Hold a Health Care Card or Pension Card.
• Not be eligible for a Prolonged Power Outage Payment.

For businesses to be eligible, they must:

• Maintain an electricity account within the AusNet network and operate from a location affected by power loss exceeding 72 hours between February 13th and 22nd, 2024.
• Possess an ABN (Australian Business Number).
• Provide evidence of losses incurred during the outage that are not covered by insurance, such as perishable inventory.
• Submit a statutory declaration affirming that the business is uninsured for the loss, has an annual payroll of $10 million or less, and was unable to access backup emergency power supply.

Applications must be submitted before 11:59 pm on Tuesday, April 30th, 2024.