For many Australian households and small businesses, navigating the landscape of energy bill relief and support can be complex. In 2026, while direct, universal federal energy bill credits from the ‘Energy Bill Relief Fund’ have largely concluded, significant state and territory-specific support programs, alongside federal incentives for energy-efficient upgrades, remain active.
This guide outlines the current support available across Australia, focusing on what you can claim now and how to implement long-term strategies to reduce your energy costs.
Federal Energy Bill Relief: What Happened in 2025-26?
The Australian Government’s ‘Energy Bill Relief Fund’ provided direct bill credits to households and eligible small businesses. In the 2025-26 Budget, this fund was extended for six months, offering up to $150 in energy bill rebates to Australian households and eligible small businesses from 1 July 2025 to 31 December 2025. These rebates were typically applied automatically to electricity bills in two $75 quarterly instalments.
However, from January 2026 onwards, most households no longer receive these automatic federal credits. The focus has decisively shifted towards state and territory government schemes and broader incentives for energy-efficient upgrades to provide ongoing support and lower long-term energy costs. This means actively seeking out state-specific programs and investing in your home’s energy efficiency is more critical than ever. For further strategies to manage your bills in the absence of broad federal rebates, refer to our guide: How to Cut Your Electricity Bill This Winter in Australia 2026: Strategies After Federal Rebates End.
State and Territory Energy Rebates in 2026
Each state and territory offers a unique suite of concessions and rebates, often targeting low-income households, concession card holders, or those with specific medical needs. Eligibility criteria vary, so it’s essential to check with your state or territory energy department or retailer.
| State/Territory | Key Rebates & Support (2026) | Eligibility & Amount (Approx.) |
|---|---|---|
| New South Wales (NSW) | Low Income Household Rebate | Up to $285/year (retail customers), $313.50/year (embedded network) for Pensioner, Health Care, DVA Gold Card holders. |
| Family Energy Rebate | For families with dependent children, specific income thresholds apply. | |
| Seniors Energy Rebate | $200/year for self-funded retirees with a Commonwealth Seniors Health Care Card. | |
| Medical Energy Rebate | For households with medically required energy equipment. | |
| NSW Gas Rebate | Up to $110/year for eligible concession card holders. | |
| Victoria (VIC) | Annual Electricity Concession | 17.5% discount on electricity usage and supply for eligible concession card holders. |
| Medical Cooling Concession | 17.5% discount on summer electricity bills (Nov-Apr) for medically necessary cooling. | |
| Life Support Concession | Daily discount based on approved equipment for concession card holders. | |
| Utility Relief Grant Scheme (URGS) | Up to $650 per utility every two years for households in temporary financial hardship. | |
| Solar Victoria Rebates | Up to $1,400 for solar panels (plus interest-free loan up to $1,400), up to $1,400 for Australian-made heat pump hot water systems (or $1,000 for standard, capped at 50% of cost). | |
| Victorian Energy Upgrades (VEU) | Upfront discounts on heat pumps, efficient air conditioners (savings $210-$2,940), insulation, LED lighting. | |
| Queensland (QLD) | Queensland Electricity Rebate | $386.34/year for eligible concession card holders. |
| Medical Cooling & Heating Concession | $522.09/year for concession households with a qualifying medical condition. | |
| Home Energy Emergency Assistance Scheme | Up to $720 every two years for households in short-term financial hardship. | |
| Climate Smart Energy Savers Rebate | $800 (standard) or $1,000 (low-income) for eligible energy-efficient appliances like heat pumps. | |
| Solar for Renters Rebate | Up to $3,500 for landlords installing solar on rental properties. | |
| South Australia (SA) | SA Concessions Energy Discount Offer (SACEDO) | 20% off electricity usage/supply, 15% off gas usage/supply with Origin Energy for eligible concession card holders. |
| Retailer Energy Productivity Scheme (REPS) | Discounts for efficient hot water systems. Appliance rebates (e.g., up to $606 for fridges/freezers/heat pump dryers) were available but some providers are not accepting 2026 applications. | |
| City of Adelaide Solar PV Rebate | Up to $1,000 for 1.5-<10kW systems, up to $2,500 for 10-<20kW, up to $5,000 for >20kW, for concession card holders, tenants, strata. | |
| Western Australia (WA) | Energy Assistance Payment (EAP) | $326.33/year (2025-26 rate) for eligible concession card holders. |
| Dependent Child Rebate | $146.84/child/year (2025-26) for ECES households. | |
| Air Conditioning Rebate (Cooling Concession) | $77.62 – $327.50/year (zone-dependent) for ECES households in hot/remote areas with medical needs. | |
| Cost of Living Rebate (CoLR) | $104.90 (2026) for WA Seniors Card holders. | |
| Residential Battery Scheme | Up to $1,300 for Synergy customers, up to $3,800 for Horizon Power customers. | |
| Tasmania (TAS) | Annual Electricity Concession | $1.76866/day (approx. $645.56 annually for 2025-26) for eligible low-income customers. |
| Heating Allowance | $56/year for Pensioner Concession Card holders. | |
| Medical Cooling or Heating Concession | Approx. $513.70/year for concession card holders with medical needs. | |
| Energy Saver Loans | Up to $10,000 for energy efficiency upgrades. | |
| Australian Capital Territory (ACT) | Utilities Concession | Varies for eligible concession card holders. |
| Solar for Low Income Households | Specific programs for solar installation. | |
| Northern Territory (NT) | NT Concession Scheme – Electricity | Up to $1,200/year (capped at 8,000 kWh) for eligible concession card holders. |
| Medical Support Allowance | $154 allowance for exceeding concession cap due to medical criteria. |
Long-Term Savings: Investing in Energy Efficiency
Beyond direct bill relief, the most impactful way to manage energy costs in 2026 and beyond is through strategic energy efficiency upgrades. Federal and state incentives continue to support these investments.
Solar Panels and Batteries
Rooftop solar remains a powerful tool for reducing electricity bills. The federal Small-scale Renewable Energy Scheme (SRES) provides an upfront discount via Small-scale Technology Certificates (STCs), which are typically handled by your installer and reduce your initial purchase cost. This value decreases annually until the scheme ends in 2030, so acting sooner yields greater savings.
- A typical 6.6kW solar system costs between $5,000 and $6,000 in most Australian states after STC rebates in 2026. In Perth, this range is $4,200-$6,800.
- A 10kW system generally costs $8,000-$10,500.
Pairing solar with a home battery significantly enhances self-consumption and offers greater energy independence. The federal Cheaper Home Batteries Program, which commenced July 1, 2025, provides a rebate of up to AU$336 per kilowatt-hour (kWh) of usable capacity in 2026, though tiered reductions applied from 1 May 2026.
Combined solar and battery systems (e.g., 6.6kW solar with a 10kWh battery) typically range from $13,000 to $22,000 after federal rebates.
Several states offer additional battery incentives:
- Western Australia’s Residential Battery Scheme provides up to $1,300 for Synergy customers (Perth metro) or up to $3,800 for Horizon Power customers (regional WA) for a 10 kWh system.
- Queensland offers interest-free loans of up to $10,000 for home battery storage.
- South Australia has seen battery rebates up to $17,500 for eligible installations.
- Victoria offers an interest-free loan of up to $1,400 for solar panel installations, which can include battery costs.
Choosing a reputable installer is crucial for system performance and warranty. For guidance, see: How to Choose a Solar Installer in Australia 2026: Accreditation, Warranties & Avoiding Scams.
Heat Pump Hot Water Systems
Heat pump hot water systems (HPHWS) are a highly efficient alternative to traditional electric or gas hot water heaters, capable of reducing hot water energy costs by 60-70%.
- The national average cost for an HPHWS is around $4,527 in April 2026, including federal STCs and installation.
- Federal STCs for heat pumps typically range from $800 to $1,500, depending on efficiency and location.
State rebates often stack with federal incentives:
- Victoria: The VEU program offers upfront discounts, which can be combined with the Solar Victoria Hot Water Rebate of up to $1,000 (or $1,400 for Australian-made systems), capped at 50% of the purchase price. Total out-of-pocket expenses in Victoria can drop to between $2,667 and $4,073.
- New South Wales: The Energy Savings Scheme (ESS) provides discounts, such as up to $640 when replacing an electric water heater with a heat pump. Combined with federal STCs, total rebates can range from $1,200 to $2,500.
- Queensland: The Climate Smart Energy Savers Rebate offers $800 (standard) or $1,000 (low-income) for eligible households.
Leading models in 2026 include the Stiebel Eltron SHP-O300 (recognised for durability and performance), Rheem Ambiheat 270, and Sanden Eco® Plus (known for quiet operation and high STCs). For a detailed comparison, see: Best Heat Pump Hot Water Systems in Australia 2026: Costs, Rebates & Buyer’s Guide.
Energy-Efficient Appliance Upgrades
Replacing old, inefficient appliances can lead to significant long-term savings. Several states offer rebates for high-star rated products:
- Queensland offers rebates for 4-star rated washing machines ($200), refrigerators ($250), and air conditioners ($300).
- Victoria’s VEU program provides discounts for upgrades like energy-efficient air conditioners (saving $340-$730), LED lighting, and insulation.
- South Australia’s REPS previously offered appliance rebates, but some providers are not accepting applications for 2026.
Choosing appliances with higher energy star ratings, such as a 6kWh energy-efficient air conditioning system, can lead to rebates ranging from $340 to $560, and replacing an old unit could qualify for $440 to $730.
Bottom Line
While the universal federal energy bill relief of previous years has phased out for direct automatic payments in 2026, substantial support remains available through targeted state and territory government programs. Households and small businesses should proactively investigate specific rebates and concessions in their region, particularly if they hold concession cards or meet low-income criteria. Crucially, the long-term solution to rising energy costs lies in investing in energy-efficient upgrades such as solar panels, home batteries, and heat pump hot water systems, which continue to be supported by federal STCs and a variety of state-based incentives. Taking advantage of these programs now can significantly reduce your energy bills for years to come.