An overwhelming majority (84%) of Aussies believe the federal energy rebate should be extended, research from Canstar Blue has revealed, including 34% who want it to continue but with some kind of means test applied.
The survey of over 2,000 Aussies also revealed the majority (41%) of bill payers believe the federal rebate has been the government action that’s provided the most help in managing rising energy prices, but 67% believe federal or state authorities still aren’t doing enough.
Do you believe the federal government’s $300 energy rebate should be extended?
- Yes – 50%
- Yes, but means-test it – 34%
- I’m not sure – 9%
- No – 8%
Source: Canstar Blue survey of 2,000 respondents, December 2024
Compare energy plans
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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21% Less than reference price |
$1,435 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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14% Less than VDO |
$1,245 Price/year (estimated) |
Go to Site |
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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13% Less than reference price |
$1,789 Price/year (estimated) |
Go to Site |
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 SA Power network in Adelaide but prices may vary depending on your circumstances. This comparison assumes general energy usage of 4011kWh/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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6% Less than reference price |
$2,107 Price/year (estimated) |
Go to Site |
How have the energy rebates impacted inflation?
The research comes as the headline inflation recorded another fall from 2.8% in the September quarter to 2.4 per cent in the December quarter, driven primarily by both federal and state electricity rebates.
CPI figures from the ABS show the index for electricity has dropped by 25% since the introduction of the rebates. Without the rebates, electricity prices would have increased by 0.2% in the December quarter.
CPI electricity index and percentage change from previous quarter
Households encouraged to beat the rebate bill shock and get a good deal now
Research from the recent Canstar Consumer Pulse Report revealed electricity bills are in the top three of financial concerns for Aussies in 2025, after housing and grocery costs.
While there are still two quarters of the federal energy rebate remaining, households are encouraged to get ahead and switch to a provider offering a cheaper plan on the same network.
Analysis from Canstar Blue shows that if households on a variable rate offer switch providers they could save up to $424 – more than the total federal rebate being offered.
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| Potential savings on annual electricity costs | ||||
| State | Distributor | Average annual cost | Cheapest annual cost | Potential savings |
| NSW | Ausgrid | $1,596 | $1,299 | $297 |
| Endeavour Energy | $1,969 | $1,598 | $371 | |
| Essential Energy | $2,269 | $1,935 | $334 | |
| VIC | Citipower | $1,326 | $1,057 | $269 |
| Jemena | $1,487 | $1,176 | $311 | |
| Powercor | $1,526 | $1,227 | $299 | |
| Ausnet Services | $1,740 | $1,356 | $384 | |
| United Energy | $1,403 | $1,104 | $299 | |
| QLD | Energex | $1,923 | $1,499 | $424 |
| SA | SA Power Networks | $2,120 | $1,748 | $372 |
| TAS | Tasnetworks | $1,240 | $1,166 | $74 |
| ACT | Evoenergy | $2,242 | $1,848 | $394 |
| Source: www.canstarblue.com.au – 29/01/2025. Based on single-rate, market offer electricity plans on Canstar’s database; excluding solar-only plans. Annual costs calculated based on the estimated lowest possible price a representative customer would be charged in a year, assuming all conditions of discounts offered (if any) have been met. Representative customer based on the reference usage for NSW, Vic, QLD, ACT, and SA (per Victorian Default Offer for Vic, ICRC for ACT and AER for others) or the median usage in the Office of the Tasmania Regulator’s report, Typical Electricity Customers in Tasmania 2022 for TAS. | ||||
Canstar Blue data and insights director, Sally Tindall, says, “A lot of households have had their electricity bills in cruise control over the last six months, thanks to the state and federal government rebates.
“However, these rebates are temporary, and with the last of the subsidies set to dry up in the middle of this year, bill shock could well set in when the honeymoon comes to an abrupt end.
“Don’t just wait until the merry-go-round stops. Get ahead of the game by switching to a cheaper provider before the subsidies come to an end, or at the very least, to a cheaper plan with the same provider.
“Our research shows that a household could potentially save over $400 a year, depending on where they live, just by switching from an average priced plan to a more competitive one.
“Electricity is not an expense you want to set and forget because prices can and do change regularly, and while no one wants to commit to any more household admin than absolutely necessary, it’s worth remembering that electricity is one of the easiest bills to switch.
“Once you’ve decided on a new plan, it’s just a matter of filling out a form, and your new provider will do all of the hard work for you.”
To compare energy retailers, click on the Canstar Blue link below.
Image credit: https://www.shutterstock.com/g/nandovidal
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