For Australian households and small businesses grappling with rising energy costs in 2026, it’s crucial to understand the current landscape of support. The broad-based federal Energy Bills Relief Fund, which provided universal direct credits to electricity bills, largely concluded on 31 December 2025 for most households. While these specific federal payments are no longer active, significant state and territory concessions, along with ongoing federal incentives for energy-efficient upgrades, continue to offer substantial financial support for managing utility costs.

This guide outlines the current (as of May 1, 2026) energy bill relief measures, state-specific rebates, and long-term strategies to reduce your utility expenses across Australia.

The Shift from Universal Federal Relief

The Australian Government’s Energy Bill Relief Fund provided a total of $300 to households in the 2024-25 financial year, followed by an additional $150 (delivered in two $75 instalments) for the first half of the 2025-26 financial year, ending on 31 December 2025. This means that from January 2026 onwards, most households will no longer see these automatic credits applied to their electricity accounts. There is currently no new universal federal energy rebate confirmed for the 2026 calendar year for standard households.

However, some specific federal support for small businesses continued, with a $150 rebate (two $75 quarterly instalments) for eligible businesses during the 2025-26 financial year, applied automatically for most, or requiring manual application for embedded networks by 30 June 2026.

Understanding Your Current Energy Costs in 2026

Energy prices have continued to trend upward modestly across most states in 2026, with year-on-year increases ranging from 2.9% to 5.1%. Knowing the average costs can help you benchmark your own bills. Average quarterly electricity bills vary significantly by state and household size.

In March 2026, the average quarterly electricity bill in Australia was approximately $399, with gas bills near $229.

Here’s a snapshot of average quarterly electricity bills by state (as of April 2026):

State/TerritoryAverage Quarterly Electricity Bill
New South Wales$445 - $452
Victoria$368 - $378
Queensland$432 - $456
South Australia$384 - $433
Western Australia$274
Tasmania$446
ACT$382 - $382.51

Source: Finder Consumer Sentiment Tracker, April 2026; Canstar Pulse Survey, March 2026; EcoFlow AU, March 2026; EnergyPlans, April 2026

Average annual gas bills range from approximately $417 in Queensland to over $595 in South Australia, largely due to heating demands.

State and Territory Energy Rebates & Concessions (2026)

While federal universal relief has 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.

New South Wales (NSW)

NSW offers several targeted concessions:

  • Low Income Household Rebate: Eligible concession card holders can receive $285 per year off their electricity bill.
  • Family Energy Rebate: For those who received Family Tax Benefit in the 2024-25 financial year, applications are open until 15 June 2026.
  • Energy Savings Scheme (ESS) & Peak Demand Reduction Scheme (PDRS): Provides discounts on energy efficiency retrofits. As of 1 April 2026, PDRS offers streamlined Virtual Power Plant (VPP) incentives, with up to six years of incentives upfront for connecting an eligible battery to a VPP.
  • Federal Solar & Battery Incentives: NSW homeowners primarily rely on the federal Small-scale Renewable Energy Scheme (STCs) for solar panel discounts and the federal Cheaper Home Batteries Program for battery storage.

Victoria (VIC)

Victoria has robust energy efficiency and renewable energy incentives:

  • Victorian Energy Upgrades (VEU) Program: Offers point-of-sale discounts on a wide range of energy-saving products, including LED lighting, efficient heating/cooling systems, and insulation. From 1 October 2026, ceiling insulation rebates will expand to all eligible residential homes.
  • Solar Victoria Rebates: For eligible owner-occupiers, rebates are available for solar panels (up to A$1,400) and heat pump or solar hot water systems (up to $1,000, or $1,400 for Australian-made products). These can be stacked with federal STCs and VEU discounts. Eligibility includes a combined household taxable income under $210,000 and property value under $3 million.
  • Federal Battery Rebate: Victorian homes can access the federal Cheaper Home Batteries Program via STCs.

Queensland (QLD)

Queensland provides direct bill relief and solar incentives:

  • Electricity Rebate: Pensioners, seniors, and Health Care Card holders can receive $386.34 per year.
  • Medical Cooling and Heating Electricity Concession Scheme: Provides $522.09 per year to eligible applicants with medical needs.
  • Solar for Renters Rebate: Landlords can claim a rebate of up to $3,500 for installing solar on rental properties (tiered by system size).
  • Federal Solar & Battery Incentives: QLD households benefit from the federal STC scheme for solar and the Cheaper Home Batteries Program for batteries.

South Australia (SA)

SA focuses on concessions and Virtual Power Plant (VPP) integration:

  • SA Concessions Energy Discount Offer (SACEDO): Eligible concession card holders who sign up with Origin Energy can receive 20% off electricity usage and supply, 15% off gas usage and supply, and 40% off 45kg LPG cylinders. This offer runs until at least 2029.
  • Retailer Energy Productivity Scheme (REPS): Requires energy retailers to help households achieve savings, with a focus on Priority Group households. Appliance rebates under REPS are currently limited.
  • VPP Incentives: SA is a leader in VPP integration, offering additional cash rebates or significant ongoing tariff discounts for joining an approved VPP.
  • Federal Battery Rebate: SA households can access federal battery rebates via STCs.

Western Australia (WA)

WA offers state-specific battery and solar export incentives:

  • WA Residential Battery Scheme: Provides a rebate of up to $1,300 for Synergy customers or $3,800 for Horizon Power customers (for a 10 kWh battery), plus interest-free loans up to $10,000 for eligible households (income under $210,000). Mandatory VPP enrolment is required.
  • Distributed Energy Buyback Scheme (DEBS): Rewards households for exporting solar energy to the grid, with a peak rate of 10c/kWh (3pm–9pm) for Synergy customers.
  • Federal Solar & Battery Incentives: WA homeowners also access the federal STC scheme for solar and the Cheaper Home Batteries Program.

Tasmania (TAS)

Tasmania provides several concessions for low-income households:

  • Annual Electricity Concession: Offers $1.76866 per day (approximately $645.56 annually) for eligible low-income customers.
  • 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.
  • Energy Saver Loans: Up to $10,000 for energy efficiency upgrades.

Australian Capital Territory (ACT)

The ACT focuses on low-interest loans for sustainable upgrades:

  • Sustainable Household Scheme: Provides low-interest loans up to $15,000 for products such as EV chargers, induction cooktops, and ceiling insulation.
  • Federal Solar & Battery Incentives: ACT residents can access federal STCs for solar and the Cheaper Home Batteries Program.

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.
  • NT Home and Business Battery Scheme: (CLOSED) This scheme has reached its funding allocation and is closed to new grants.
  • Federal Solar & Battery Incentives: NT residents benefit from the federal STC rebate for solar panels (e.g., $2,800-$3,200 for a 6.6kW system) and the federal Cheaper Home Batteries Program.

Federal Incentives for Energy-Efficient Upgrades (Ongoing)

Beyond direct bill relief, federal programs continue to support long-term energy savings through renewable energy and efficiency upgrades:

  • 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 for new solar panels. It’s advisable to act early in the year to maximise remaining certificate value. For more, read our guide: How to Choose a Solar Installer in Australia 2026: Accreditation, Warranties & Avoiding Scams

  • Cheaper Home Batteries Program: This federal program provides an upfront discount on eligible home battery systems. As of today, 1 May 2026, the rebate structure has shifted to a tiered model with reduced values. Previously, it offered around $300-$372 per kWh. Now, it drops to $244 per kWh for the first 14 kWh, with further reductions for larger capacities. Homeowners considering a battery installation should be aware of this change. For details on financing, see: Best Solar Panel & Home Battery Financing Options in Australia 2026: Loans, PPAs & Green Mortgages Explained

Strategies for Long-Term Energy Bill Reduction

With the winding down of universal federal relief, proactive measures to reduce consumption are more critical than ever. Here are actionable steps:

  • Compare Energy Plans Regularly: Don’t stick with an outdated plan. Use government comparison websites like Energy Made Easy to find the best electricity and gas deals in your area. Even small savings per kWh can add up annually.

  • Invest in Energy-Efficient Appliances: Upgrading old appliances can significantly reduce consumption. Look for high Energy Rating labels. For instance, replacing an old electric hot water system with a heat pump can reduce total household energy use by up to 30%. Explore options in our guide: Best Heat Pump Hot Water Systems in Australia 2026: Costs, Rebates & Buyer’s Guide

  • Maximise Solar Self-Consumption: If you have solar panels, consider adding a battery to store excess daytime generation for use during peak evening hours when grid electricity is most expensive. This can significantly reduce your reliance on the grid.

  • Improve Home Insulation and Draught Sealing: Proper insulation in ceilings, walls, and floors, along with sealing gaps around windows and doors, can drastically cut heating and cooling costs. These systems account for about 40% of a household’s electricity usage. Read more here: Australia’s Top Energy-Efficient Home Upgrades 2026: Maximise ROI as Electricity Bills Soar This Winter

  • Optimise Heating and Cooling: Set your thermostat efficiently (e.g., 24-26°C in summer, 18-20°C in winter). Using smart thermostats or AI energy management systems can automate this and learn your usage patterns for optimal savings. For more winter saving tips: How to Cut Your Electricity Bill This Winter in Australia 2026: Strategies After Federal Rebates End

  • Consider Electrification: Transitioning away from natural gas for heating and cooking can offer long-term savings, especially with the increasing availability of rebates for electric alternatives like induction cooktops and heat pump hot water systems.

Bottom Line

While the universal federal Energy Bills Relief Fund has concluded for most Australian households in 2026, significant opportunities for managing and reducing utility costs remain. The focus has shifted to targeted state and territory concessions for eligible households, alongside federal incentives for long-term energy efficiency and renewable energy upgrades. Homeowners should actively research state-specific rebates and consider investments in solar, batteries, and energy-efficient appliances, particularly given the impending reduction in federal battery rebates from today, May 1, 2026. Proactive engagement with energy comparison sites and a commitment to energy-saving habits are now more critical than ever to control your household budget.