For Australian households and businesses grappling with persistently high energy costs, understanding the current landscape of government support in 2026 is crucial. While the federal “Energy Bills Relief Act” and its associated universal payments provided significant temporary assistance in previous periods, broad-based direct federal bill relief for most households concluded on 31 December 2025. From January 2026 onwards, most households no longer receive automatic federal credits on their electricity accounts.
The focus has now decisively shifted towards targeted state and territory concessions for eligible households, alongside enduring federal incentives for energy efficiency upgrades and renewable energy technologies. However, there’s also positive news on the horizon, with the Australian Energy Regulator (AER) forecasting a drop in Default Market Offer (DMO) prices for residential customers on standing offers by 1.3% to 10.1% from 1 July 2026, depending on the region.
Understanding the Energy Bills Relief Fund in 2026
The National Energy Bill Relief Fund, which delivered direct federal energy bill relief, provided a total of AUD $300 to households in the 2024-25 financial year, followed by an additional AUD $150 (issued in two $75 instalments) for the first half of the 2025-26 financial year. These payments concluded on 31 December 2025 for most households. Consequently, there is no new universal federal energy rebate confirmed for the 2026 calendar year for standard households.
However, some specific federal support continued for small businesses and households in embedded networks. Eligible small businesses received up to $150 in energy bill rebates from 1 July 2025 to the end of 2025, automatically applied to electricity bills in two $75 quarterly instalments. For those in embedded networks (e.g., apartment buildings, caravan parks), applications for any remaining federal Bill Relief payments for the 2025-26 financial year might still be open through relevant state service portals until 30 June 2026.
State and Territory Energy Concessions and Rebates (2026)
While universal federal relief has largely ceased, all Australian states and territories continue to offer a range of ongoing concessions and rebates. Eligibility typically depends on holding an eligible concession card (e.g., Pensioner Concession Card, Health Care Card, Department of Veterans’ Affairs Gold Card) and being the primary account holder at your principal place of residence. From 1 July 2026, new AEMC rules will require energy retailers to proactively ask consumers about their eligibility for concessions and provide relevant information.
Here’s a state-by-state breakdown of key concessions for 2026:
New South Wales (NSW)
NSW offers several targeted concessions:
- Low Income Household Rebate: Up to $285 per year for retail customers, or $313.50 per year for embedded network customers, credited quarterly.
- Family Energy Rebate: Helps families with dependent children, with applications for the 2024-25 financial year open until 15 June 2026.
- Seniors Energy Rebate: $200 per household, per financial year, for self-funded retirees holding a valid Commonwealth Seniors Health Care Card.
- Medical Energy Rebate & Life Support Rebate: Ongoing support for eligible concession card holders with specific medical needs or approved life support equipment.
- NSW Gas Rebate: Up to $110 per year for concession card holders with natural gas accounts.
Beyond direct bill relief, NSW also offers a Virtual Power Plant (VPP) incentive for eligible batteries and a Solar for Apartment Residents grant.
Victoria (VIC)
Victoria provides a comprehensive suite of concessions:
- Annual Electricity Concession: A 17.5% discount off electricity usage and service costs, applied after other discounts and solar credits. It does not apply to the first $171.60 of the annual bill.
- Winter Gas Concession: Offers a 17.5% discount on gas usage and supply charges during the winter months (1 May to 31 October), after the first $62.40 for the period.
- Excess Electricity/Gas Concessions: Continues the 17.5% discount once annual electricity costs exceed $3,895.13 (from 1 Dec) or gas costs exceed $2,499.14 (May-Oct period).
- Medical Cooling Concession & Life Support Concession: Ongoing support for eligible households with specific medical needs or life support equipment.
- Non-Mains Energy Concession: An annual rebate between $57 and $650 for eligible concession card holders using non-mains energy sources like firewood or LPG. Rebates for the 2026 calendar year open in July 2026.
The Victorian Power Saving Bonus for new applications closed on 31 March 2026.
For more detailed information on Victorian concessions, refer to our guide: Victorian Energy Concessions for Pensioners 2025 2026 in Australia: Complete Guide
Queensland (QLD)
Queensland offers significant support for eligible households:
- Queensland Electricity Rebate: $386.34 per year (GST inclusive), credited quarterly, for eligible seniors, pensioners, and concession card holders.
- Medical Cooling and Heating Electricity Concession Scheme: Provides $522.09 per year (including GST) to eligible applicants with medical conditions requiring heating or cooling.
South Australia (SA)
SA residents can access:
- Energy Bill Concession: Up to $281.78 per year, indexed annually.
- Medical Heating and Cooling Concession: For eligible low-income households with medical conditions requiring specific heating or cooling.
- SA Concessions Energy Discount Offer (SACEDO): A new agreement with Origin Energy provides eligible concession card holders with 20% off electricity usage and supply charges, 15% off gas usage and supply charges, and 40% off a 45kg LPG cylinder for 12 months. This offer runs until at least 2029.
- Retailer Energy Productivity Scheme (REPS): This state government scheme helps South Australians cut energy bills through free or discounted upgrades, such as insulation and hot water systems. Priority households may receive upgrades at no cost.
Western Australia (WA)
WA offers various ongoing concessions:
- Energy Assistance Payment: $377 for eligible households.
- Up to $500 in Energy rebates for eligible households.
- WA Residential Battery Scheme: Provides a rebate of up to $1,300 for Synergy customers (Perth metro and SWIS grid) or up to $3,800 for Horizon Power customers (regional areas), plus no-interest loans up to $10,000 for eligible households installing home battery systems.
Tasmania (TAS)
Tasmanian households can access several concessions:
- Annual Electricity Concession: Offers $1.76866 per day (approximately $645.56 annually) for eligible retail customers, or a once-off payment of $645.56 for embedded network customers in 2025-26.
- Heating Allowance: $56 per year for Pensioner Concession Card holders.
- Medical Cooling or Heating Concession: Approximately $513.70 per year for eligible concession card holders with medical needs.
Australian Capital Territory (ACT)
ACT residents have access to:
- Electricity, Gas and Water Rebate: An annual concession amount of $800 for the 2025-26 financial year. This is calculated daily, with a higher winter rate (approx. 381.699 cents per day from 1 June to 31 October) and a lower summer rate (approx. 101.887 cents per day from 1 November to 31 May).
- Life Support Rebate: An annual rebate of $150 for 2025-26, applied as a daily rate (approx. 41.096 cents per day) for households with approved life support equipment.
Northern Territory (NT)
The NT offers significant concessions for electricity costs:
- NT Concession Scheme – Electricity: Eligible concession card holders can receive up to $1,200 per year in electricity concessions, capped at 8,000 kWh.
- Medical Support Allowance: A $154 allowance for those exceeding the concession cap due to medical criteria.
Beyond Direct Relief: Long-Term Savings Strategies
With the cessation of broad federal bill relief, long-term strategies for reducing energy consumption and embracing renewable energy are more important than ever. These initiatives often come with their own incentives.
1. Embrace Solar PV and Batteries
Investing in rooftop solar PV and battery storage remains one of the most effective ways to reduce long-term energy bills. While federal STC (Small-scale Technology Certificates) rebates saw a 15-20% reduction from 1 January 2026 due to changes in the deeming period, they still offer a significant upfront discount.
For a typical 6.6kW solar system, expect to pay between AUD $5,000 and $8,500 after federal rebates in 2026. Adding a 10kWh battery can bring the total cost for a solar-plus-battery system to between $13,000 and $22,000 after federal rebates.
- Federal Cheaper Home Batteries Program: This program provides an upfront discount of around 30% on eligible small-scale battery systems. This can be stacked with state-specific battery rebates, such as those in WA. Note that the federal STC component for batteries saw a reduction of approximately $67 per kWh on 1 May 2026, meaning acting before this date maximised savings.
For more information on solar and battery financing, see: Best Solar Panel & Home Battery Financing Options in Australia 2026: Loans, PPAs & Green Mortgages Explained
2. Energy Efficiency Upgrades
Many states offer programs that provide discounts on energy-saving products and installations. These upgrades offer lasting reductions in your energy consumption.
- Insulation & Draught Proofing: Effective ceiling insulation, draught sealing around doors and windows, and proper pipe insulation can significantly cut heating and cooling costs. The Victorian Energy Upgrades (VEU) Program offers point-of-sale discounts on insulation, with ceiling insulation rebates expanding to all eligible residential homes from 1 October 2026.
- Efficient Appliances: Upgrading to energy-efficient appliances, particularly hot water systems and air conditioners, can yield substantial savings.
- Heat Pump Hot Water Systems: These systems are up to three times more efficient than traditional electric or gas systems. VIC and NSW offer rebates of up to $1,000 (50% of purchase price, capped) which can be combined with federal STCs.
For detailed guidance on reducing heating bills, consult: Winter is Coming: How to Slash Your Australian Heating Bills in 2026 as Energy Rebates End and Best Heat Pump Hot Water Systems in Australia 2026: Costs, Rebates & Buyer’s Guide
3. Switch Energy Providers
Regularly comparing energy plans is crucial. The AER’s Default Market Offer acts as a safety net and a reference price, but competitive market offers are often cheaper. The AER encourages consumers to use its Energy Made Easy website to find the best offer.
“Power prices on Australia’s east coast are predicted to fall from July because of increased output from wind generation and batteries, and falling electricity contract prices, with potential savings up to $1,320 for some small businesses.”
4. Smart Energy Management
Utilising smart plugs, timers, and AI-powered energy management systems can help optimise energy usage, especially for homes with solar and batteries. This allows you to maximise self-consumption and take advantage of time-of-use tariffs. Consider exploring: Best AI Energy Management Systems for Australian Homes with Solar & Batteries in 2026: Maximise Savings and Self-Consump
Key Energy-Efficient Products and Their Costs (2026)
Choosing the right products can significantly impact your energy bills. Here’s a comparison of common energy-efficient upgrades:
| Product Category | Example Models (Indicative) | Typical Installed Cost (AUD, after rebates where applicable) | Key Benefits |
|---|---|---|---|
| Solar PV System | Jinko Tiger Neo, Trina Vertex S+ | $5,000 - $8,500 (6.6kW system) | Reduced electricity bills, increased home value, carbon emissions reduction |
| Home Battery Storage | Tesla Powerwall 2, LG Chem RESU | $13,000 - $22,000 (10kWh system with 6.6kW solar) | Maximize solar self-consumption, backup power, peak demand shaving |
| Heat Pump Hot Water | Rheem MPi-325, Sanden Eco Plus | $2,500 - $4,500 (after state/federal rebates) | Up to 3x more efficient than electric, lower running costs |
| Reverse Cycle A/C | Daikin Cora, Mitsubishi Electric AP | $2,000 - $5,000 (split system, depending on capacity) | Efficient heating and cooling, dehumidification |
| Ceiling Insulation | Bradford Gold Batts, Knauf Earthwool | $1,000 - $3,000 (for average home) | Reduced heat loss/gain, improved comfort, lower HVAC usage |
Note: Prices are estimates and can vary based on location, installer, specific product features, and current rebate availability. Always obtain multiple quotes.
How to Access Energy Bill Support
- Check Eligibility: Review the criteria for federal and state concessions and rebates. These often require specific concession cards. You can typically find detailed information on your state’s government website (e.g., Service NSW, Victorian Department of Families, Fairness and Housing, SA.GOV.AU, Queensland Government, Service Tasmania, Service WA, ACT Government, NT Government).
- Contact Your Retailer: For most ongoing concessions, your energy retailer is the first point of contact. They can apply the discount directly to your bill. Ensure your concession card details match your account.
- Apply Online/Via Service Centres: Some rebates, especially for embedded network customers or specific programs, may require direct application through state government portals (e.g., Service NSW, Service Victoria, Service Tasmania, Service Queensland, Service WA, ACT Government).
- Seek Financial Counselling: If you are experiencing financial hardship, contact a financial counsellor or your energy retailer’s hardship program. They can offer advice and connect you with emergency relief schemes like Victoria’s Utility Relief Grant Scheme or SA’s Emergency Electricity Payment Scheme.
Bottom Line
While the universal federal energy bill relief has concluded for most Australian households in 2026, significant support remains available through targeted state and territory concessions and federal incentives for energy-efficient upgrades. Proactive engagement is key: understand your eligibility for state-specific rebates, explore opportunities to invest in solar and energy-efficient appliances, and regularly compare energy plans to ensure you are on the most competitive tariff. The forecast decline in Default Market Offer prices from July 2026 offers a welcome reprieve, but long-term savings will come from strategic energy management and efficiency improvements. Don’t wait for bill shock; investigate and act on the available support today to take control of your energy costs.