As Australian households and small businesses navigate persistent energy cost pressures in 2026, understanding the available support is crucial. While the broad-based federal Energy Bill Relief Fund, which provided universal direct credits to electricity bills, largely concluded on 31 December 2025 for most households, significant state and territory concessions, alongside ongoing federal incentives for energy-efficient upgrades, continue to offer substantial financial assistance. This guide details the current landscape of energy bill relief across Australia, how to access it, and proactive strategies to reduce your utility bills long-term.
The Federal Energy Bill Relief Fund: What Happened in 2025 and What’s Next for 2026
The Australian Government’s Energy Bill Relief Fund provided direct support to households and eligible small businesses during the 2024-25 and the first half of the 2025-26 financial years. For households, this meant up to $150 in energy bill rebates from 1 July 2025 to 31 December 2025, delivered in two $75 quarterly instalments. This universal federal relief for households has now largely concluded, meaning most households will not see these automatic credits applied to their electricity accounts from January 2026 onwards.
Eligible small businesses also received a $150 rebate from the Energy Bill Relief Fund in the 2025-26 financial year, typically applied in quarterly instalments of $75. For embedded network businesses, applications for this payment closed on 30 June 2026.
As of May 2026, there is no new universal federal energy rebate confirmed for the 2026 calendar year for standard households. This shifts the focus firmly onto state and territory-specific concessions and long-term energy efficiency improvements.
State and Territory Energy Rebates & Concessions (2026)
While universal federal relief for households has largely ceased, targeted state and territory programs remain vital for eligible households and businesses. Eligibility often depends on holding a concession card (e.g., Pensioner Concession Card, Health Care Card) and being the primary account holder. Here’s a state-by-state breakdown of key concessions for 2026:
New South Wales (NSW)
NSW offers several ongoing rebates for eligible residents. The Low Income Household Rebate provides up to $285 per year off electricity bills for retail customers, credited quarterly. For self-funded retirees holding a Commonwealth Seniors Health Card, the Seniors Energy Rebate offers $200 annually. Households with specific medical needs may be eligible for the Medical Energy Rebate (up to $285 for retail customers or $313.50 for embedded network customers) or the Life Support Rebate. A Gas Rebate of up to $110 per year is also available for eligible concession card holders. Applications for the Family Energy Rebate, for those who received Family Tax Benefit in the 2024-25 financial year, are open until 15 June 2026.
Victoria (VIC)
Victoria provides a robust suite of concessions. The Annual Electricity Concession offers a 17.5% discount on electricity usage and service costs (after the first $171.60 per year) for eligible concession card holders. Similarly, the Winter Gas Concession provides a 17.5% discount on gas usage and supply charges (after the first $62.40 for the winter period, May 1 to October 31). Additional support includes the Excess Electricity/Gas Concessions, Medical Cooling Concession, and Life Support Concession. Households facing temporary financial hardship may access the Utility Relief Grant Scheme (URGS), offering up to $650 per utility every two years, or $1,300 if electricity is the only utility. Note that the $100 Power Saving Bonus for new applications closed on 31 March 2026.
Queensland (QLD)
Queensland residents with eligible concession cards can receive the Queensland Electricity Rebate of $386.34 per year (GST inclusive). The Medical Cooling and Heating Electricity Concession Scheme provides $522.09 per year (including GST) for those with specific medical conditions. Emergency support is available through the Home Energy Emergency Assistance Scheme, offering up to $720 once every two years for low-income households in financial crisis.
South Australia (SA)
South Australia’s Energy Concession assists low-income households with electricity bills. For those already receiving the standard energy concession, the SA Concessions Energy Discount Offer (SACEDO) with Origin Energy provides additional discounts: 20% off electricity usage and supply charges, 15% off gas usage and supply charges, and 40% off the local price of a 45kg LPG cylinder for 12 months.
Western Australia (WA)
Eligible concession card holders in WA can receive the Energy Assistance Payment (EAP), which is $326.33 per year for the 2025-26 rate. The Dependent Child Rebate offers an additional $146.84 per child, per year (2025-26) for Energy Concession Extension Scheme (ECES) households. For those in hot or remote areas, an Air Conditioning Rebate ranging from $77.62 to $327.50 per year is available. WA Seniors Card holders may also qualify for the Cost of Living Rebate (CoLR), providing $104.90 in 2026.
Tasmania (TAS)
Tasmania’s Annual Electricity Concession offers $1.76866 per day (approximately $645.56 per year) for retail customers. Embedded network customers receive $645.56 as a once-off annual payment. A Heating Allowance of $56 per year is available for Pensioner Concession Card holders. The Medical Cooling or Heating Concession provides approximately $513.70 per year. Additionally, the Tasmanian Government’s Renewable Energy Dividend program has provided a $250 credit for all households and $300 for small businesses, expected to be distributed before the end of the current financial year (June 2026).
Australian Capital Territory (ACT)
While specific, broad ACT energy rebates for 2026 were not prominently found in recent announcements beyond federal programs, the ACT generally has the lowest average annual electricity bills at $1,310. Residents should check the ACT Government website for any targeted concessions or utility relief programs based on income or specific needs.
Northern Territory (NT)
Members of the NT Concession Scheme can claim up to $1,200 per year for electricity, capped at 8000 kWh, for their main place of residence.
“As of May 2026, the Australian Government’s universal Energy Bill Relief Fund for households has largely concluded, shifting the focus to robust state and territory-specific concessions and long-term energy efficiency strategies.”
For a detailed overview of Centrelink-related energy support, refer to our guide: Centrelink Energy Rebates Australia 2026: Your Guide to Expanded Eligibility & Automatic Bill Relief.
Understanding Your Energy Bill in 2026
Average electricity bills in Australia continue to vary significantly by state and household size. As of 2026, the national average annual bill is approximately $1,424. South Australia typically faces the highest average annual bills at $1,580, while the ACT has the lowest at $1,310.
| Household Size | Average Annual Electricity Bill (AUD) |
|---|---|
| 1 person | $1,377 |
| 2 people | $1,664 |
| 3 people | $2,058 |
| 4 people | $2,350 |
| 5+ people | $2,676 - $3,226 |
Quarterly electricity bills can range from $274 in Western Australia to $456 in Queensland. These figures highlight the importance of understanding your consumption and seeking out available relief.
Proactive Strategies to Reduce Your Bills Long-Term
With direct federal bill relief for households largely concluded, focusing on long-term energy efficiency upgrades and smarter energy management is more critical than ever.
1. Invest in Energy-Efficient Upgrades
Many states offer incentives for upgrading to more efficient appliances and systems. Consider:
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Heat Pump Hot Water Systems: These systems are significantly more efficient than traditional electric storage heaters. In April 2026, the national average installed cost (including federal STCs) is around $4,527. Prices vary by state, for example, approximately $4,191 in QLD, $4,405 in VIC, $4,815 in NSW, and $6,118 in TAS. State rebates can further reduce out-of-pocket expenses; in Victoria or NSW, this could bring costs down to between $2,667 and $4,073. Popular models include the Aquatech Heat Pump, EvoHeat EVO270, iStore Heat Pumps, and Sanden Eco Plus. Running costs are typically $150-$300 per year, a substantial saving over conventional electric systems. Learn more in our detailed guide: Best Heat Pump Hot Water Systems in Australia 2026: Costs, Rebates & Buyer’s Guide.
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Solar Panels & Home Batteries: Federal Small-scale Technology Certificates (STCs) continue to provide an upfront discount on solar installations. Some states offer additional incentives. South Australia, for instance, has solar panel rebates that can reduce residential system costs by up to $10,000 and battery rebates up to $17,500. In WA, the Residential Battery Scheme offers up to $1,300 for Synergy customers or $3,800 for Horizon Power customers, combined with the federal Cheaper Home Batteries Program which provides approximately $3,700 for a 10 kWh battery system (though tiered reductions apply from 1 May 2026). Queensland’s Battery Booster Program can save approximately $3,360 on a 10 kWh battery.
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Victorian Energy Upgrades (VEU) Program: This program offers discounts on a wide range of energy-saving products, including LED lighting replacements, efficient heating and cooling, and insulation.
2. Compare Energy Plans Regularly
Energy prices and offers fluctuate. Regularly comparing plans from different retailers can lead to significant savings. Websites like EnergyMadeEasy (federal) and state-specific comparison sites (e.g., Victorian Energy Compare) are valuable tools.
3. Adopt Smarter Energy Habits
Simple changes in daily behaviour can impact your bills. This includes using appliances during off-peak hours (if on a Time-of-Use tariff), optimising heating and cooling, and addressing draughts in your home. For more strategies, see: Australia’s Top Energy-Efficient Home Upgrades 2026: Maximise ROI as Electricity Bills Soar This Winter.
Bottom Line
While the national universal energy bill relief for households concluded at the end of 2025, a diverse range of state and territory government concessions and energy efficiency incentives remain available in 2026. Australians should actively investigate their eligibility for these programs, particularly if they hold concession cards or are experiencing financial hardship. Beyond direct bill relief, investing in energy-efficient upgrades like heat pump hot water systems, solar panels, and home batteries, coupled with regular energy plan comparisons and mindful consumption, represents the most effective long-term strategy for managing and reducing household energy costs in 2026 and beyond.