The South Australian government is pushing new energy discounts.

The Government is urging retailers to bid for contracts to supply energy to low-income households, claiming most low-income customers are on “standing contracts” and so could get a better deal if it negotiates those contracts on their behalf.

“If it does offer those additional benefits of bill-smoothing and flexible payment options, people will take up that consideration,” Social Inclusion Minister Zoe Bettison said.

Ms Bettison said tenants of public and community housing, older people and those with a disability or medical conditions were the most likely to benefits.

Currently, over 180,000 households receive $170 million worth of concessions for expenses including energy, water, sewerage and emergency services.

With South Australia now home to some of the world’s most expensive electricity, the new deals would be welcome, if the Government can make it happen.

It hopes to have a deal in place by October.