To help offset the rising cost of electricity in New South Wales, financial assistance is being extended to low income earners and retirees.

Pensioners will be eligible for annual rebates of up to $215 on their power bills.

This is being extended to those living in retirement villages where previously they’ve not been able to claim support as electricity is not always connected direct from a supplier.

"Electricity bills are high,” says NSW Energy Minister Chris Hartcher (pictured) who believes the changes will provide relief.

“We estimate that this could be up to one quarter in many cases even a third of what people have been paying in their annual electricity bill," he said.

"It should be of considerable assistance to them so that they can enjoy their retirement without having to worry too much about the cost of electricity."