Australian Energy Bill Relief: Complete Rebate Guide

Quick Overview: What You Need to Know

The Australian Government’s Energy Bill Relief Fund provides $150 in total rebates to help with rising electricity costs in 2025.

Key Facts

• Total Amount: $150 per household
• Payment Method: Two automatic credits of $75 each
• Payment Dates: July 2025 & October 2025
• Who’s Eligible: Nearly all Australian households and eligible small businesses
• How to Claim: Automatic for most - no action needed!

Who Is Eligible?

✅ Households

You’re eligible if:

• You receive an electricity bill in Australia
• You’re connected to the electricity grid
• You live in any Australian state, territory, or external territory

This includes:

• Homeowners
• Renters
• Public housing residents
• Regional and remote communities
• External territories (Norfolk Island, Christmas Island, Cocos Islands)

✅ Small Businesses

You’re eligible if:

• Your business meets your state/territory definition of “small customer”
• Typically: Less than 100MWh of electricity consumption per year
• You receive electricity bills in your business name

State-Specific Thresholds:

Payment Schedule and Amounts

Households: $150 Total

Small Businesses: Check with Your State

Small business rebate amounts may vary by state. Contact your electricity retailer for specific details.

How to Claim Your Energy Bill Relief

Most Households: No Action Needed! 🎉

Embedded Networks: Manual Application Required

If you live in an embedded network (apartment, retirement village, caravan park), you’ll need to apply:

How the Rebate Appears on Your Bill

What to Look For

Your electricity bill will show the rebate as:

• “Australian Government Energy Bill Relief”
• “Energy Bill Relief Fund”
• “EBRF Credit”
• “National Energy Bill Relief”

Example Bill Breakdown

Previous Balance:                    $120.00
Current Charges:                     $280.00
Subtotal:                           $400.00
Energy Bill Relief Fund:            -$75.00
GST:                                 $32.50
-------------------------------------------
TOTAL DUE:                          $357.50

Frequently Asked Questions

General Questions

Is the energy rebate automatic? Yes! For most households connected to the grid, the rebate is automatically applied by your electricity retailer. You don’t need to apply.

Do I need to pay tax on this rebate? No, the Energy Bill Relief Fund rebate is not taxable income.

Can I get this rebate if I’m on a solar plan? Yes! All households with electricity connections are eligible, including those with solar panels or battery storage.

What if I have multiple properties? Each electricity connection/account is eligible for the rebate. If you own multiple properties with separate electricity accounts, each will receive the $150 rebate.

Payment Questions

When will I receive my energy bill relief?

• First payment ($75): July - September 2025
• Second payment ($75): October - December 2025

The exact timing depends on your billing cycle.

I didn’t receive my first payment. What should I do?

1. Check your electricity bill carefully - look for “Energy Bill Relief” line item
2. Contact your electricity retailer directly
3. Have your account number ready
4. Ask specifically about the Energy Bill Relief Fund credit

Does this replace my existing concessions? No! This rebate is in addition to any existing state-based concessions, pensioner discounts, or low-income rebates you already receive.

Eligibility Questions

I’m a renter. Am I eligible? Yes! As long as the electricity account is in your name, you’ll automatically receive the rebate.

What if I switch electricity providers? You’ll still receive your rebate. If you switch during the rebate period, your new provider will apply the remaining credit.

Are solar-only homes eligible? If you’re completely off-grid with no electricity connection, you’re not eligible. However, if you have solar but are still connected to the grid, you are eligible.

Can international students claim this? Yes, if you have an electricity account in your name in Australia, you’re eligible regardless of visa status.

Special Situations

I live in an apartment with one meter. How do I claim? If your building has an embedded network (one master meter), you need to apply through your state’s process. See the “Embedded Networks” section above.

I’m in a caravan park. Am I eligible? Yes, but you may need to apply separately if your park has an embedded network. Contact your park management or your state energy department.

What about retirement villages? If you receive your own electricity bill, the rebate is automatic. If electricity is included in your fees, contact your retirement village operator or apply through your state government.

What’s NOT Covered

❌ Gas bills - Only electricity bills are eligible ❌ Bottled gas (LPG) - Not covered ❌ Water bills - Not covered ❌ Off-grid properties - Must be connected to the grid

Additional Energy Support Available

State-Based Concessions

Beyond the federal Energy Bill Relief, many states offer additional help:

NSW

• Low Income Household Rebate: $230/year
• Family Energy Rebate: $180/year
• Life Support Rebate: $165/year

Victoria

• Annual Electricity Concession: $372.20/year
• Winter Energy Concession: $58.20
• Medical Cooling/Heating Concession: Up to $297.40

Queensland

• Electricity Rebate: $372.05/year (pensioners)
• Medical Cooling/Heating: $340.40/year
• Home Energy Emergency Assistance: $720 (crisis)

South Australia

• Cost of Living Concession: Varies
• Energy Bill Concession: Up to $287.35/year

Western Australia

• Energy Assistance Payment: $337/year
• Life Support Concession: Up to $493/year

Tasmania

• Annual Energy Concession: $346/year
• Heating Allowance: $98/year

ACT

• Utilities Concession: $750/year
• Not-for-Profit Concession: $350/year

Northern Territory

• Pensioner Concession: $360/year
• Remote Essential Services: Available

Hardship Programs

If you’re struggling to pay energy bills, contact your retailer about:

• Payment plans
• Bill extensions
• Energy audits
• Appliance upgrades
• Hardship grants

Energy Saving Tips to Maximize Your Rebate

Contact Information

Federal Government

• Website: energy.gov.au/energy-bill-relief-fund
• Phone: 1800 950 343

State Energy Departments

Energy Retailers (Major Providers)

• AGL: 131 245
• Origin Energy: 132 461
• Energy Australia: 133 466
• Red Energy: 131 806
• Simply Energy: 13 88 08

Timeline and Important Dates

Recent Changes and Updates

October 2025

• Second $75 payment now rolling out to households
• Over 10 million households have received first payment
• Application process streamlined for embedded networks

July 2025

• Program launched with first $75 payment
• Automatic application for most households
• Extended to all Australian territories

Resources and Support

Compare Energy Plans

• Energy Made Easy - Federal comparison tool
• Victorian Energy Compare - Victoria
• Energy Made Easy NSW - NSW

Financial Counselling

• National Debt Helpline: 1800 007 007 (free, confidential)
• Financial Counselling Australia: Find local services
• Lifeline Financial Counselling: 13 11 14

Energy Ombudsman Services

If you have unresolved disputes with your energy retailer:

• NSW: Energy & Water Ombudsman NSW - 1800 246 545
• VIC: Energy & Water Ombudsman Victoria - 1800 500 509
• QLD: Energy & Water Ombudsman Queensland - 1800 662 837
• SA: Energy & Water Ombudsman SA - 1800 665 565
• WA: Energy & Water Ombudsman WA - 1800 754 004
• TAS: Energy Ombudsman Tasmania - 1800 001 170
• ACT: Access Canberra - 13 22 81

Share This Guide

Help your friends and family save on energy bills by sharing this guide! Many Australians don’t know they’re automatically eligible for this $150 rebate.

Last Updated: October 2025 | Source: Australian Government Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water

This guide provides general information only. For personalized advice about your energy bill or rebate, contact your electricity retailer or state energy department directly.