As Australians face ongoing cost-of-living pressures, understanding the available energy bill relief and support mechanisms is critical. For 2026, the landscape of government assistance has shifted, with the previous universal federal Energy Bill Relief Fund largely concluding. The primary focus for households and small businesses seeking assistance has now moved to targeted state and territory concessions, alongside enduring incentives for energy efficiency upgrades.
While the Australian Government’s universal Energy Bill Relief Fund, which provided up to $150 in energy bill rebates for the first half of the 2025-26 financial year, ceased on 31 December 2025 for most customers, some embedded network customers may still be able to apply for past payments until 30 June 2026. There is currently no new universal federal energy rebate confirmed for the 2026 calendar year for standard households. This means that electricity bills arriving from January 2026 onwards are the first to fully reflect retail prices without this federal offset.
However, significant support remains available through various state and territory government programs, as well as ongoing federal initiatives for energy efficiency and renewable energy adoption. Additionally, energy retailers offer hardship programs as a crucial safety net.
State and Territory Energy Rebates & Concessions (2026)
All Australian states and territories continue to offer a range of ongoing concessions and rebates, primarily targeting eligible concession card holders. Eligibility often depends on holding a concession card (e.g., Pensioner Concession Card, Health Care Card) and being the primary account holder. For more specific eligibility details, refer to our guide on Centrelink Energy Rebates Australia 2026: Your Guide to Expanded Eligibility & Automatic Bill Relief.
Here’s a state-by-state breakdown of key concessions for 2026:
| State/Territory | Key Energy Concessions (2026) | Eligibility & Amount |
|---|---|---|
| New South Wales (NSW) | Low Income Household Rebate | Up to $285 per year off electricity bills for retail customers, or $313.50 for embedded network customers. |
| Family Energy Rebate | Up to $180 per year for eligible families with dependent children who received Family Tax Benefit in 2024-25. Applications close 15 June 2026. | |
| Seniors Energy Rebate | $200 per year for self-funded retirees with a Commonwealth Seniors Health Card, paid directly to their bank account. | |
| Medical Energy Rebate, Life Support Rebate, Gas Rebate | Ongoing support for eligible households with specific medical needs or natural gas accounts (Gas Rebate up to $110 per year). | |
| Victoria (VIC) | Annual Electricity Concession | 17.5% discount off electricity usage and service costs (after the first $171.60/year), for eligible concession card holders. |
| Winter Gas Concession | 17.5% discount on gas usage and supply charges (after the first $62.40 for the winter period, 1 May to 31 October). | |
| Excess Electricity/Gas Concessions | Continues 17.5% discount for very high annual electricity bills (over $3,895.13) or winter gas bills (over $2,499.14). | |
| Medical Cooling Concession, Life Support Concession | Targeted support for eligible concession card holders with medical needs. | |
| Utility Relief Grant Scheme (URGS), Non-Mains Energy Concession | Up to $650 per utility every two years for hardship, and $57-$650 annually for non-mains energy users. | |
| Queensland (QLD) | Electricity Rebate | $386.34 per year (GST inclusive) for eligible pensioners, seniors, and concession card holders. |
| Medical Cooling and Heating Electricity Concession Scheme | Up to $522.09 per year (GST inclusive) for eligible applicants with medical needs, paid directly to bank account. | |
| Reticulated Natural Gas Rebate | For eligible concession card holders. | |
| South Australia (SA) | Energy Bill Concession | Up to $281.78 per year, indexed annually, for eligible concession card holders or those on a fixed income. |
| SA Concessions Energy Discount Offer (SACEDO) | Eligible concession card holders with Origin Energy can receive 20% off electricity usage and supply, 15% off gas usage and supply, and 40% off a 45kg LPG cylinder for 12 months. This offer runs until at least 2029. | |
| Medical Heating and Cooling Concession | For eligible low-income households with medical conditions. | |
| Emergency Electricity Payment Scheme (EEPS) | Assists customers in financial hardship with electricity debt, or at risk of disconnection. | |
| Western Australia (WA) | Energy Assistance Payment (EAP) | $326.33 per year (2025–26 rate) for eligible concession card holders, paid in instalments. |
| Cost of Living Rebate (CoLR) | $104.90 in 2026 for WA Seniors Card holders. | |
| Dependent Child Rebate | $146.84 per child, per year (2025–26) for concession households with dependent children. | |
| Tasmania (TAS) | Annual Electricity Concession | Approximately $645.56 per year ($1.76866 per day) for eligible low-income retail customers, or a one-off payment for embedded network customers. |
| Heating Allowance | $56 per year (paid twice) for Pensioner Concession Card holders. | |
| Medical Cooling or Heating Concession, Life Support Concession | Daily discounts for concession households with medical needs or life support equipment. | |
| Australian Capital Territory (ACT) | Electricity, Gas and Water Rebate | Up to $800 per year for eligible concession card holders, calculated daily. |
| Life Support Rebate | $150 for 2025-26, applied as a daily rate. | |
| Northern Territory (NT) | NT Concession Scheme – Electricity | Up to $1,200 per year in electricity concessions (capped at 8,000 kWh) for eligible concession card holders. |
| Medical Support Allowance | $154 allowance for those exceeding the concession cap due to medical criteria. |
South Australia remains Australia’s most expensive state for electricity, averaging AUD $1,580 per year, while the ACT has the lowest average annual bill at AUD $1,310 (as of April 2026).
Federal Government Initiatives Beyond Direct Bill Relief
While universal direct bill relief has largely ceased, the federal government continues to support energy affordability through other mechanisms:
- Small-scale Renewable Energy Scheme (STCs): This scheme provides an upfront discount on eligible rooftop solar PV systems. 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. A 6.6kW system can still attract a federal rebate of approximately $1,800 to $3,200, depending on your location zone and the STC market price.
- Cheaper Home Batteries Program: This program offers an upfront discount on eligible small-scale battery systems, typically around 30%. For example, a 10 kWh battery system in Perth could see a total rebate package of approximately $4,410 before 1 May 2026, combining federal and state incentives.
- Centrelink Energy Supplement and Pension Supplement: The Energy Supplement is an extra payment for recipients of certain government payments to help with energy costs. Eligibility may be restricted to existing recipients. The Pension Supplement also helps cover everyday living costs, including utilities.
Energy Retailer Hardship Programs
All energy retailers operating under the National Energy Retail Law are required to have hardship policies in place to assist customers experiencing payment difficulties. These programs can offer:
- Payment plans: Flexible arrangements to pay off arrears or manage ongoing bills.
- Energy audits and advice: Guidance on reducing energy consumption.
- Access to government concessions: Assistance in applying for state and territory rebates.
- Payment extensions: Temporary deferral of bill due dates.
- Referral to financial counselling: Free and independent advice.
If you are struggling to pay your energy bills, contact your retailer immediately to discuss your options. Do not wait until disconnection notices arrive.
Proactive Steps to Reduce Your Energy Bills in 2026
Beyond direct relief, adopting energy-efficient practices and technologies offers the most sustainable path to lower bills. Many states offer programs for upgrades, sometimes at no cost for eligible households.
Consider these actions:
- Switch to energy-efficient appliances: Upgrading older, inefficient appliances can significantly reduce consumption. Look for products with high energy star ratings. For hot water, Best Heat Pump Hot Water Systems in Australia 2026: Costs, Rebates & Buyer’s Guide can provide substantial savings, often with state rebates of up to $1,000 or more (e.g., in VIC and NSW).
- Improve home insulation: Proper insulation in ceilings, walls, and floors can drastically cut heating and cooling costs. South Australia’s Retailer Energy Productivity Scheme (REPS) supports upgrades like ceiling insulation.
- Install solar panels and batteries: While federal STC rebates have seen adjustments, solar remains a strong investment for long-term savings. Batteries further enhance savings by allowing you to store and use your own generated power, reducing reliance on the grid during peak times. Read our guide on Australia’s Top Energy-Efficient Home Upgrades 2026: Maximise ROI as Electricity Bills Soar This Winter.
- Compare energy plans: Regularly compare offers from different retailers to ensure you are on the most competitive plan for your usage patterns. The Victorian Default Offer (VDO) provides a benchmark for fair pricing in Victoria.
- Understand your usage: Monitor your energy consumption through smart meters or online tools provided by your retailer to identify areas for reduction.
Bottom Line
While the universal federal energy bill relief has concluded for most Australians in 2026, a robust network of targeted state and territory concessions, coupled with federal incentives for energy efficiency and renewable energy, continues to provide crucial support. Eligible households and small businesses should proactively investigate and apply for all available state-specific rebates and concessions. Simultaneously, investing in energy-efficient upgrades such as solar PV, home batteries, and heat pump hot water systems offers the most impactful long-term strategy for managing and reducing energy costs in Australia’s evolving energy market.