The Australian Government has rolled out a comprehensive $3.5 billion initiative, the Energy Bill Relief Fund, aimed at alleviating the financial strain of high energy costs for households and small businesses across the nation. This follows the previous year’s commitment of $1.5 billion, demonstrating a continued effort to address cost of living pressures amidst rising energy prices.
Who is eligible for energy bill relief under the extension in 2024-25
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Households: Every household in Australia with an active electricity account is entitled to receive an annual rebate of $300. This relief will be distributed in quarterly installments of $75 directly on electricity bills throughout the 2024-25 financial year.
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Small Businesses: Eligible small businesses, defined by their electricity consumption (must be under certain thresholds set by states and territories), will receive a $325 rebate. This will also be applied in quarterly installments of $81.25 on electricity bills.
Households
Find out how energy bill relief for households works in your state or territory, including in embedded networks:
Small businesses
Find out how energy bill relief for small businesses works in your state or territory, including in embedded networks:
To receive the rebate, refer to the process in your state or territory (see website links above).
Electricity Retailer Fact Sheet: Households and Embedded Network Customers (PDF 179 KB)
Q&As: Households and Embedded Network Customers (PDF 166 KB)
How It Works
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Automatic Application: For most, the rebate is automatically applied by your electricity retailer. If you have an electricity account on the relevant census date, you will see the credit on your next bill or as soon as practicable after that date.
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For Embedded Networks:
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Households: If you’re part of an embedded network, like those in apartment blocks, retirement villages, or caravan parks, the process might vary. Typically, your network operator will apply for the rebate on your behalf, ensuring you receive your credit either through your electricity bill or directly if you’re in an embedded network.
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Small Businesses: Small businesses within embedded networks, like those in shopping centers, should check with their state or territory government for specific application procedures, as eligibility might depend on annual electricity consumption thresholds.
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Rebate Schedule
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Quarter
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Households Credit
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Small Businesses Credit
|
Census Date
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|---|---|---|---|
|
1
|
$75
|
$81.25
|
31 July 2024
|
|
2
|
$75
|
$81.25
|
1 October 2024
|
|
3
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$75
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$81.25
|
1 January 2025
|
|
4
|
$75
|
$81.25
|
1 April 2025
|
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No Action Required for Most: Generally, you won’t need to do anything to receive this relief. However, if the credit does not appear on your bill, contact your electricity provider.
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State and Territory Administration: Each state and territory administers this rebate in partnership with the Commonwealth, ensuring that the funds are distributed efficiently to consumers.
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Existing Concessions: This rebate is supplementary to any existing state or territory concessions you might already be receiving, aimed at providing even more relief.
Why This Matters
This initiative not only helps ease immediate cost pressures but also supports economic stability by allowing more disposable income for consumers and small businesses, potentially boosting local economies. It’s part of broader efforts to manage energy costs, promote energy efficiency, and transition towards a more sustainable energy future.
For further inquiries or if you haven’t received your rebate by the expected dates, contact your local electricity retailer or visit the official Energy Bill Relief Fund website for more detailed information tailored to your region.
Officially Link Find out more about state and territory rebates schemes.