The Australian government has expanded its Energy Bill Relief Fund, allocating $3.5 billion for the 2024-25 fiscal year to help households and small businesses manage rising electricity costs.
This follows last year’s $1.5 billion program and now offers eligible Australians up to $300 in rebates.
If you’re wondering whether you qualify and how to claim your rebate, here’s everything you need to know.
$300 Annual Energy Bill Rebate
The Energy Bill Rebate provides direct financial assistance to Australian households and eligible small businesses by reducing electricity bills.
- Rebates are automatically applied for most eligible recipients.
- State and territory governments manage the program with electricity providers.
- Households in embedded networks (e.g., apartments, caravan parks) can apply manually through their state or territory government.
Eligibility
For Households
All Australian households are eligible, including those in non-self-governing territories.
- Automatic Application: A $300 annual rebate is applied directly to electricity bills in four quarterly installments of $75 each.
- Embedded Networks: If your electricity is billed through a third party (e.g., retirement villages, apartment complexes), you must apply manually through your state or territory government.
For Small Businesses
Small businesses can receive a federal rebate of $325 annually, provided they meet the following criteria:
- Electricity Usage Limits:
- 100 MWh annually in New South Wales
- 50 MWh annually in Western Australia
- Limits vary by state; businesses exceeding these are ineligible.
- Embedded Networks: Businesses not billed directly must apply through their state or territory government.
Rebate Amounts Breakdown
For Households
| Rebate Type | Amount | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Federal Rebate | $300 annually | Paid in four installments of $75 each. |
| Queensland Bonus | $1,000 annually | Paid upfront, bringing total rebate to $1,300. |
| Western Australia | $400 annually | Paid in two installments of $350 each. |
For Small Businesses
| Rebate Type | Amount | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Federal Rebate | $325 annually | Paid in four quarterly installments. |
How to Claim
Most households and businesses will have the rebate automatically applied to their electricity bills by their providers.
Application Process for Special Cases
For households and businesses without a direct electricity account, follow these steps:
- Apply through your state or territory government if you’re in an embedded network.
- Western Australia Residents: If your provider is not Synergy or Horizon Power, apply through RevenueWA starting in July 2025.
Why This Initiative Matters
The Energy Bill Relief Fund provides critical support to millions of Australians, offering:
- Economic Relief: Helps reduce electricity costs and ease financial stress.
- Equitable Access: Ensures nationwide availability, even for households in unique billing setups.
- Simple Process: Automatic application for most recipients reduces administrative hassle.
- Small Business Support: Helps businesses lower operating costs and stay competitive.
By investing in energy relief, the government is directly addressing cost-of-living pressures while reinforcing a commitment to affordable energy access for all Australians.
