Victorians facing hundreds of dollars in power price rises

Vulnerable Victorians face a hefty increase in power bills that will see them fork over hundreds of extra dollars a year.

It comes after the Australian Energy Regulator last month approved a raft of power price rises.

From August, AGL residential customers on variable rate market contracts will be hit with a 25 per cent rise, equating to about $340.

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And Origin's "market offer" customers will receive a $360 price spike per year.

"The increase in energy prices is definitely a kick in the guts for Victorians who are already struggling," Emma King from the Victorian Council of Social Services said.

Both companies have pledged to shield vulnerable customers from the hefty surges.

AGL will freeze prices at 2022 rates to help those struggling the most.

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Origin also has several hardship programs, including the "Power On" program, which will see the energy company absorb the price change.

King urged people to get on the front foot and see if they were eligible.

"There's about 14 per cent of Victorians who don't get the concessions they're eligible for, so it's really important that people reach out and ask for help," she said.

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