The Clean Energy Supplement is an ongoing, automatic payment to help eligible households with any impact from the carbon price on everyday expenses. This payment is a part of the Household Assistance Package.
It was introduced by the Gillard Labor Government in 2013 to reassure pensioners and other income support recipients that they would not be worse off as a result of the carbon price (it was renamed the ‘Energy Supplement’ in 2014).
Although the Clean Energy Supplement was not abolished it was changed. When it was introduced, the Clean Energy Supplement was indexed in the same way as payments such as Newstart Allowance—twice yearly according to movements in the Consumer Price Index (CPI).
In June 2014 the Government introduced a Bill to cease indexation on the ‘Clean Energy Supplement’ and to rename it the ‘Energy Supplement’. This Bill failed to pass the Senate but the measure was reintroduced in the Social Services and Other Legislation Amendment (2014 Budget Measures No. 6) Bill 2014, which was passed in November 2014.
The Energy Supplement (ES) now provides assistance with household expenses including energy costs.
To get the most up-to-date information on clean energy supplements or energy concessions for pensioners in Australia, I recommend contacting the relevant government authorities, such as the Department of Social Services or the energy providers in your area. They will be able to provide detailed information about the available programs and how to apply for them.