For Australian households and businesses grappling with persistently high utility costs in 2026, clarity on government assistance is crucial. The widely discussed federal “Energy Bills Relief Act” and its associated universal payments, while providing significant temporary support in previous periods, have concluded their broad direct bill relief. As of 1 January 2026, the broad-based federal energy bill credits are no longer automatically applied to electricity accounts for most households. The focus has decisively shifted towards targeted state and territory concessions, alongside enduring federal incentives for energy efficiency upgrades.

This guide outlines the current landscape of energy bill support in Australia for 2026, detailing what relief is available, who is eligible, and proactive steps you can take to manage your utility expenses.

The End of Universal Federal Energy Bill Relief

The National Energy Bill Relief Fund, which delivered direct, universal federal energy bill relief to households and eligible small businesses, concluded its payments on 31 December 2025. While there was an extension of $150 (issued in two $75 instalments) for households and eligible small businesses for the first half of the 2025-26 financial year (July 1 to December 31, 2025), there is no new universal federal energy rebate confirmed for the 2026 calendar year for standard households. This cessation means that electricity bills arriving between January and April 2026 are the first to fully reflect retail prices without this federal offset.

Current Energy Price Landscape in 2026

Australian electricity prices are generally climbing again in 2026. The Australian Energy Regulator (AER) confirmed retail increases of up to 9.7% for households and 8.5% for small businesses across the country for the 2025-26 period. However, the AER’s draft Default Market Offer (DMO) for 2026-27, with a final decision expected by 26 May 2026 and effective 1 July 2026, proposes potential electricity price reductions across all regulated regions: New South Wales, South East Queensland, and South Australia.

The AER’s draft DMO for 2026-27 suggests residential prices could fall by between 1.3% and 10.1%, and small business prices by between 7.6% and 21.2%, depending on the region.

Despite potential DMO reductions from July, wholesale electricity spot prices in the National Electricity Market (NEM) averaged $73/MWh in Q1 2026, a 12% year-on-year drop. Yet, South Australia was an exception, recording a 33% increase to an average of $88/MWh due to volatility events. This highlights that regional differences and market volatility remain significant factors for energy consumers.

State and Territory Energy Concessions 2026

While universal federal relief has ceased, all Australian states and territories continue to offer a range of ongoing concessions and rebates. These schemes primarily target eligible concession card holders.

New South Wales (NSW)

NSW offers several targeted rebates for eligible households:

  • 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: For those who received Family Tax Benefit in the 2024-25 financial year, applications are open until 15 June 2026. This offers $180 for non-concession card holders and $20 for concession card holders.
  • Seniors Energy Rebate: $200 per household, per financial year, for self-funded retirees holding a valid Commonwealth Seniors Health Care Card.
  • Medical Energy Rebate: For eligible concession card holders with specific medical needs.
  • Life Support Rebate: For households with approved life support equipment.
  • NSW Gas Rebate: Up to $110 per year for concession card holders with natural gas accounts.

Victoria (VIC)

Victoria provides a comprehensive suite of concessions, with around $566 million in concessions to be provided in 2026-27, saving eligible households an average of around $629.

  • 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.
  • Excess Electricity Concession: Continues the 17.5% discount once annual electricity costs exceed $3,895.13 (from 1 Dec 2024, reviewed annually).
  • Winter Gas Concession: A 17.5% discount on gas charges during the winter period (1 May to 31 October), not applied to the first $62.40 of bills.
  • Excess Gas Concession: A 17.5% discount on gas charges above $2,499.14 during the winter period.
  • Medical Cooling Concession: For eligible concession card holders with specific medical conditions requiring cooling.
  • Life Support Concession: For households using approved life support equipment.
  • Non-Mains Energy Concession: For concession card holders sourcing non-mains energy (e.g., firewood, LPG). Up to $650 for each utility type every 2 years for those experiencing hardship.

Queensland (QLD)

Eligible Queensland households can receive the Electricity Rebate of $386.34 per year. Regional Queensland Tariff 11 customers saw a 3.8% increase in regulated prices, adding roughly $72 per year to a standard bill in 2025-26.

South Australia (SA)

SA residents can access:

  • Energy Bill Concession: Up to $281.78 per year, indexed annually, for eligible low or fixed-income households.
  • Medical Heating and Cooling Concession: For eligible low-income households with medical conditions requiring heating or cooling.
  • South Australian Concessions Energy Discount Offer (SACEDO): A new agreement with Origin Energy (until at least 2029) 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.

Western Australia (WA)

WA offers targeted support:

  • Energy Assistance Payment (EAP): $326.33 per year (2025–26 rate) or $342.85 per year (from Synergy) for WA residents with a Pensioner Concession Card, Health Care Card, or DVA card.
  • Dependent Child Rebate: $146.84 per child, per year (2025–26) for eligible concession households with dependent children.
  • Air Conditioning Rebate (Cooling Concession): $77.62–$327.50 per year (varies by zone) for eligible concession households in hot or remote areas.
  • Cost of Living Rebate (CoLR): $104.90 was provided in 2025 for WA Seniors Card holders.

Tasmania (TAS)

Tasmanian households can access:

  • Annual Electricity Concession: Provides a daily discount of 176.866 cents per day to eligible customers.
  • Heating Allowance: A payment of $56 per year, paid in two $28 instalments.
  • Medical Cooling or Heating Concession: A daily discount for eligible customers with medical conditions requiring cooling or heating.

Australian Capital Territory (ACT)

The ACT continues its Sustainable Household Scheme, offering low-interest loans up to $15,000 for energy-efficient products like EV chargers, induction cooktops, and ceiling insulation. General utilities concessions are also available for eligible cardholders.

Northern Territory (NT)

The NT provides specific incentives such as a $450 per kWh rebate (up to $6,000) for battery installations. General power and water concessions are available for eligible cardholders.

Eligibility and How to Apply

Most state and territory energy concessions require you to hold an eligible concession card, such as a Pensioner Concession Card, Health Care Card, or Department of Veterans’ Affairs Gold Card. For many, the rebates are automatically applied to your electricity bill if your retailer has your concession card details. However, some schemes may require you to apply directly through your state or territory government’s services website or your energy retailer. It is crucial to verify your eligibility and application process for each specific rebate you believe you qualify for. You can find more information on general Centrelink energy rebates in Australia for 2026.

Long-Term Savings: Energy Efficiency and Renewables

Beyond direct bill relief, several federal and state programs continue to support long-term energy savings through renewable energy and efficiency upgrades. Investing in these can significantly reduce your reliance on the grid and mitigate future price increases. For broader strategies, consider our guide on How to Cut Your Electricity Bill This Winter in Australia 2026: Strategies After Federal Rebates End.

Solar Panels

The federal Small-scale Renewable Energy Scheme (SRES) provides an upfront discount on eligible rooftop solar PV systems through Small-scale Technology Certificates (STCs). However, as of 1 January 2026, the deeming period for STCs reduced from 6 to 5 years, resulting in a 15-20% reduction in the upfront discount for new solar panels.

A typical 6.6kW solar system installed in Sydney (Zone 3) in 2026 could receive around $1,840 (based on 46 STCs at $40/STC), with installers typically applying this as a point-of-sale discount. STC values reduce annually, so installing sooner generally provides better rebate outcomes.

Home Batteries

The federal Cheaper Home Batteries Program continues to offer an upfront discount on eligible home battery systems. However, as of 1 May 2026, the rebate structure has shifted to a tiered model with reduced values.

Previously, the rebate was approximately $300 per kWh of battery capacity. From 1 May 2026, it drops to $244 per kWh for the first 14 kWh, with further reductions for larger capacities (60% for 15-28 kWh, and 15% for over 28 kWh). For a standard 10 kWh home battery, this means a federal rebate of approximately $2,440 after May 1, 2026, a loss of $560 compared to earlier in the year.

Some states also offer additional battery incentives. For example, WA’s Residential Battery Scheme provides up to $1,300 for Synergy customers or $3,800 for Horizon Power customers (for a 10 kWh battery), which can be combined with federal rebates. NSW offers incentives for batteries connected to Virtual Power Plants (VPPs). Explore financing options in our guide: Best Solar Panel & Home Battery Financing Options in Australia 2026: Loans, PPAs & Green Mortgages Explained.

Energy-Efficient Home Upgrades

  • Heat Pump Hot Water Systems: Replacing an old electric resistance or gas hot water system with an energy-efficient heat pump can attract state-based Energy Savings Scheme (ESS) rebates. In NSW, these can be worth $300–$1,000+. For more information, see our guide: Best Heat Pump Hot Water Systems in Australia 2026: Costs, Rebates & Buyer’s Guide.
  • Insulation: Victoria’s Energy Upgrades (VEU) Program will expand ceiling insulation rebates to all eligible residential homes from 1 October 2026, offering a discount of approximately $1,500 (halving the typical $3,000 cost).
  • Efficient Heating/Cooling: Replacing old air conditioning systems with high-efficiency reverse-cycle units can attract ESS rebates in NSW, reducing costs by $200–$1,200.

Bottom Line

In 2026, the landscape of energy bill relief in Australia has shifted significantly from broad federal support to more targeted state and territory concessions. While the universal federal rebates have ceased, eligible households, particularly those with concession cards, can still access substantial financial assistance. Beyond direct relief, federal programs continue to incentivise long-term energy savings through solar panel and home battery installations, albeit with adjusted rebate values. Proactively investigating state-specific concessions and investing in energy-efficient upgrades are the most effective strategies for Australian consumers to manage their energy costs this year and into the future.