With the rising cost of living placing increased pressure on households, Australian federal, state and territory governments are offering a range of relief payments to eligible energy customers. These payments can be made in addition to regular energy rebates, and some require a specific application to access.
This Canstar Blue article explores the current Energy Bill Relief Fund 2023-24 and its 2024-45 extension, as well as other state- and territory-specific relief funding and emergency energy assistance payments.
What is a relief payment compared to a rebate?
The two terms can, and often are, used interchangeably. However, this article defines ‘rebates’ as a partial reduction to a bill for certain groups of bill payers and ‘relief payments’ as a one-off or repeating payment that’s made toward a bill payer’s account, either because all bill payers are eligible or they are part of a certain group of bill payers.
Energy bill relief is a one-off or series of payments offered by Australia’s federal, state or territory governments to help householders and small business owners manage rising energy costs. These payments include those originating from the national Energy Bill Relief Fund, as well as state- and territory-specific payments.
Who is eligible for energy bill relief?
Some energy bill relief payments may require applicants to be eligible concession cardholders. Depending on the relief payment and the state or territory offering it, the following cardholders may be eligible:
- Seniors Card
- Immicard
- Department of Veterans’ Affairs (DVA) Gold Card
- Pensioner Concession Card
- Health Care Card.
Energy bill emergency assistance payments might alternatively require that recipients prove that they’re suffering financial distress. Some payments can also only be accessed via your energy retailer’s hardship program. Read on to learn the requirements of different schemes according to your location.
Compare electricity plans
One of the best ways to save on your electricity bills is to compare your plan against the cheapest on the market. Use the Canstar Blue tool below to get started:
Here are some sponsored deals from the retailers on our database that include a link to the retailer’s website for further details. These are products from referral partners†. These costs are based on the Ausgrid energy network in Sydney but prices may vary depending on your circumstances. This comparison assumes general energy usage of 3900kWh/year for a residential customer on a single rate tariff. Please use our comparison tool for a specific comparison in your area and to see other products in our database that may be available. Our database may not cover all deals in your area. As always, check all details of any plan directly with the retailer before making a purchase decision.
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11% Less than reference price |
$1,614 Price/year (estimated) |
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Here are some sponsored deals from the retailers on our database that include a link to the retailer’s website for further details. These are products from referral partners†. These costs are based on the Citipower network in Melbourne but prices may vary depending on your circumstances. This comparison assumes general energy usage of 4000kWh/year for a residential customer on a single rate tariff. Please use our comparison tool for a specific comparison in your area and to see other products in our database that may be available. Our database may not cover all deals in your area. As always, check all details of any plan directly with the retailer before making a purchase decision.
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10% Less than VDO |
$1,304 Price/year (estimated) |
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Here are some sponsored deals from the retailers on our database that include a link to the retailer’s website for further details. These are products from our referral partners†. These costs are based on the Energex network in Brisbane but prices may vary depending on your circumstances. This comparison assumes general energy usage of 4600kWh/year for a residential customer on a single rate tariff. Please use our comparison tool for a specific comparison in your area and to see other products in our database that may be available. Our database may not cover all deals in your area. As always, check all details of any plan directly with the retailer before making a purchase decision.
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4% Less than reference price |
$1,990 Price/year (estimated) |
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What is the Energy Bill Relief Fund?
The Energy Bill Relief Fund 2023-24 and its 2024-25 extension was introduced by the Federal Government to help cover the energy costs of residential householders and small businesses. Under the 2023-24 scheme, the federal funding was targeted at concession card holders, family or carer payment recipients and other households receiving electricity concessions from their local state or territory government.
Under the 2024-25 extension, households will receive $300 towards electricity bills in four quarterly instalments. This will be automatically applied by energy providers to customers’ electricity bills as early as 1 July 2024.
However, households on an embedded network, such as those who live in apartment buildings, caravan parks or retirement villages, will need to apply to their state or territory government to receive the payment.
About one million eligible small businesses will automatically receive $325 off their energy bills over 2024–25. The credits will be applied in quarterly instalments. To qualify, a business’ annual electricity consumption must be below the threshold set by their state or territory.
How do I apply for energy bill relief?
The 2024-25 extension of the Energy Bill Relief Fund is automatically applied by energy providers to customers’ electricity bills, meaning there is no need to apply for the payment.
You can, however, apply for additional rebates or concessions to lighten the financial burden. These payments vary from state to state. Read on to find out what’s available in your area and how much you could receive.
Here are some of the cheapest published deals from the retailers on our database that include a link to the retailer’s website for further details. These are products from referral partners†. These costs are based on the Ausgrid network in Sydney but prices may vary depending on your circumstances. This comparison assumes general energy usage of 3900kWh/year for a residential customer on a single rate tariff. Please use our comparison tool for a specific comparison in your area. Our database may not cover all deals in your area. As always, check all details of any plan directly with the retailer before making a purchase decision.
Here are some of the cheapest published deals from the retailers on our database that include a link to the retailer’s website for further details. These are products from referral partners†. These costs are based on the Citipower network in Melbourne but prices may vary depending on your circumstances. This comparison assumes general energy usage of 4000kWh/year for a residential customer on a single rate tariff. Please use our comparison tool for a specific comparison in your area. Our database may not cover all deals in your area. As always, check all details of any plan directly with the retailer before making a purchase decision.
Here are some of the cheapest published deals from the retailers on our database that include a link to the retailer’s website for further details. These are products from referral partners†. These costs are based on the Energex network in Brisbane but prices may vary depending on your circumstances. This comparison assumes general energy usage of 4600kWh/year for a residential customer on a single rate tariff. Please use our comparison tool for a specific comparison in your area. Our database may not cover all deals in your area. As always, check all details of any plan directly with the retailer before making a purchase decision.
Here are some of the cheapest published deals from the retailers on our database that include a link to the retailer’s website for further details. These are products from referral partners†. These costs are based on the SA Power network in Adelaide but prices may vary depending on your circumstances. This comparison assumes general energy usage of 4000kWh/year for a residential customer on a single rate tariff. Please use our comparison tool for a specific comparison in your area. Our database may not cover all deals in your area. As always, check all details of any plan directly with the retailer before making a purchase decision.
Energy bill relief in New South Wales
In 2023, eligible households in New South Wales received a one-time relief payment of up to $500, paid in quarterly instalments beginning on July 31. An additional $300 is available to households and small businesses to cover the 2024-25 financial year. Please note that for NSW households receiving energy rebates, only one Energy Bill Relief Fund payment per household will be available.
Another assistance payment for eligible New South Wales’ residents is the Energy Accounts Payment Assistance Scheme. This scheme is for those unable to pay their energy bill due to short-term financial hardship, short-term crisis or emergency.
Other payments
There are various other energy rebates available in NSW for eligible households. More information about these additional rebates can be found on the NSW Government’s website.
Other available rebates and concessions include:
- Low Income Household Rebate
- Medical Energy Rebate
- Life Support Rebate
- Family Energy Rebate
- Seniors Energy Rebate.
Energy bill relief in Victoria
Victorian householders received a $250 relief payment through the 2023-24 Energy Bill Relief Fund. Relief payments have now been extended to 2024-25 with an additional $300 available for eligible households. Only one Energy Bill Relief Fund payment is available per Victorian household and the applicant must be the person named on the electricity account.
Other payments
Further state-sanctioned discounts, concessions and rebates are available in Victoria. More information can be found on Victoria’s Department of Energy website.
Additional rebates and concessions include:
- Annual Electricity Concession
- Excess Electricity Concession
- Excess Gas Concession
- Life Support Concession
- Medical Cooling Concession
- Non-mains Energy Concession
- Winter Gas Concession.
Energy bill relief in Queensland
This payment is offered in addition to the Federal Government’s $300 Energy Bill Relief Fund payment available to all eligible households and businesses in 2024-25. The Cost of Living Rebate is available for grid-connected customers only (with exceptions for some Ergon Energy customers in isolated communities).
Queenslanders will also have the $1,000 Cost of Living Rebate 2024-25 automatically credited to electricity bills as early as 1 July 2024.
Eligible concession card holders in Queensland can also access the Home Energy Emergency Assistance Scheme. This relief payment of up to $720 every two years is for Queenslanders experiencing unforeseen emergency and financial crises within the last 12 months.
Other payments
There are multiple state-specific rebates and concessions available in Queensland. Additional rebates and concessions include:
- The Electricity Rebate
- The Reticulated Natural Gas Rebate
- Medical Cooling and Heating Electricity Concession Scheme.
Energy bill relief in South Australia
South Australians already receiving the $500 Energy Bill Relief Fund 2023-24 payment will automatically receive the 2024-25 extension.
From July 1, eligible households will receive up to $300 a year, paid in quarterly credits on their electricity bill. Customers in embedded networks will receive the $300 as a one-off bank account payment.
South Australians experiencing financial hardship could also receive up to $800 into their electricity account once every two years as part of the Emergency Electricity Payment Scheme (EEPS).
Other payments
There are several other state-specific rebates and concessions available in South Australia. Additional rebates and concessions include:
- Energy Bill Concession
- Residential Park Resident Concession
- Medical Heating and Cooling Concession
- Home Dialysis Electricity Concession.
Energy bill relief in Western Australia
The WA state government will pay $400 as part of the 2024-25 cost of living rebate and the other $300 will come as part of the Commonwealth Government’s Energy Bill Relief Scheme.
As part of the 2024-25 state budget, the Western Australian government announced a one-off credit to reduce electricity bills for eligible small business and residential customers. The Household and Small Business Electricity credit pays $400 to any Western Australian resident with an active electricity account.
Other payments
Synergy or Horizon Power customers or households registered for the Energy Concession Extension Scheme (ECES) in Western Australia will automatically receive a $700 bill credit.
ECES customers will begin receiving the credit from the end of July 2024. Other applicants will start to see the credit in September 2024.
Those on an embedded network will need to contact RevenueWA to apply.
Energy bill relief in Tasmania
Eligible Tasmanian residents can receive the Supercharged Renewable Energy Dividend, which is a one-time payment of $250 to residential households on embedded networks (including caravan parks and retirement villages). Eligible customers who have received payments for the Energy Bill Relief Fund 2023-24 will receive a letter from ReCFIT State Growth and do not need to reapply.
Tasmanians who are customers of Aurora Energy, 1st Energy, Momentum, CovaU, Solstice Energy or Energy Locals will automatically receive the payment to their bill.
Small businesses on embedded networks may also be eligible for a one-time $300 payment through the Supercharged Renewable Energy Dividend Program. For more information on whether your business is eligible, visit the ReCFIT website.
Note: Applications close October 31, 2024.
Aurora Energy customers
Aurora Energy residential and small business customers that are experiencing hardship may be eligible for financial assistance through the Customer Support Fund. More information can be found via Aurora Energy.
Energy bill relief in ACT
Residents in the ACT are set to receive the Energy Bill Relief Fund’s 2024-25 extension, which includes a $300 payment for each household. This payment will be automatically applied to your bill by your electricity provider.
Applications are also still open for the 2023-24 Energy Bill Relief payment, which is available for eligible account holders until September 30, 2024. If you are the primary holder of a valid Services Australia, DVA or ACT Government concession card and have not received this payment, you can contact your energy provider to apply. More information can be found at the ACT Revenue Office.
Energy bill relief in the Northern Territory
Eligible households and small businesses in the Northern Territory may receive an Energy Bill Relief payment of up to $350. There are three different eligibility groups, including: NT Concessions Scheme members or remote community members, recipients of eligible Services Australia or DVA benefits, or households who receive electricity through a prepaid meter. Find out more information at the NT Government’s website.
Energy bill relief from retailers
If you require further financial assistance to pay your energy bill on top of the government rebates, you can contact your electricity provider directly to ask for a better deal or to enquire about additional help they may be able to provide.
All energy providers must have energy hardship policies in place, which allow customers experiencing financial hardship to avoid disconnection or debt recovery action.
AGL energy bill relief
AGL’s Staying Connected program offers financial help and personalised assistance to customers having trouble paying their energy bills. AGL may ask customers to pay what they can afford or work with them to help them use power more efficiently.
AGL customers needing financial assistance can contact the retailer on 131 245.
EnergyAustralia energy bill relief
EnergyAustralia offers its customers the EnergyAssist Program. This program can help customers apply for government grants and other assistance schemes. Customers in the program may also have their account removed from standard EnergyAustralia credit and collection activities, and be offered flexible payment methods and extensions.
Customers in financial hardship can call EnergyAustralia on 133 466.
Origin energy bill relief
Origin customers have access to payment plans, spend controls, service limitations, temporary plan adjustments, personalised financial agreements, bill smoothing and the potential waiver of late fees. In NSW, ACT, Qld, SA, NT and WA, Origin’s financial assistance program is called Power On. In Victoria, Origin customers can access help through the Victorian Payment Difficulties Framework.
Customers requiring financial assistance can contact Origin on 1300 980 711.
Other emergency relief services
If your financial emergency isn’t directly related to energy, there are other assistance programs worth looking into. You could start your research with Services Australia’s rundown of crisis payments.
There is assistance available from many non-profit organisations, including in specific circumstances such as if you’re experiencing family and domestic violence. The National Debt Helpline has suggestions for where you can seek aid. It may also be possible to receive an advance on payments, including Family Tax Benefit A, from Centrelink to help you cover unexpected costs.
Image credits: Billion Photos/Shutterstock.com
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