As Australia moves through 2026, many households are seeking clarity on energy bill relief. The landscape of government support has shifted significantly, with the universal federal Energy Bill Relief Fund having largely concluded for households at the end of 2025. This means that from January 2026 onwards, the primary focus for managing electricity and gas costs has transitioned to state and territory-specific concessions and long-term energy efficiency investments.
This guide provides a comprehensive overview of the current energy bill support available to Australian consumers in 2026, detailing state-by-state rebates, ongoing federal incentives for solar and batteries, and practical strategies to reduce your energy consumption.
The Federal Energy Bill Relief Fund: A Recent History
The Australian Government’s Energy Bill Relief Fund played a significant role in easing cost-of-living pressures in previous financial years. Households received up to $300 in the 2024-25 financial year. This was followed by an additional $150 (delivered as two $75 instalments) for the first half of the 2025-26 financial year, specifically from 1 July to 31 December 2025. For most households, these automatic credits ceased to be applied to electricity accounts from January 2026.
Eligible small businesses also received up to $150 in relief during the same period (July-December 2025).
While there is currently no new universal federal energy rebate confirmed for the 2026 calendar year for standard households, specific federal programs continue to support renewable energy uptake and energy efficiency.
State and Territory Energy Concessions & Rebates 2026
With the shift away from universal federal relief, state and territory governments are now the primary source of direct bill concessions. Eligibility often depends on holding a concession card (e.g., Pensioner Concession Card, Health Care Card) and being the primary account holder. For detailed eligibility criteria, always refer to your respective state or territory government website. You can also explore specific Centrelink-related energy support through our guide: Centrelink Energy Rebates Australia 2026: Your Guide to Expanded Eligibility & Automatic Bill Relief.
Here’s a breakdown of key state and territory concessions for 2026:
| State/Territory | Key Rebate/Concession Name | Amount (2026) |
|---|---|---|
| New South Wales (NSW) | Low Income Household Rebate: $285 per year (for retail customers) or $313.50 per year (for embedded network customers). Family Energy Rebate: Up to $180 per year for those receiving Family Tax Benefit in 2024-25 (applications close 15 June 2026). $20 for concession card holders. Seniors Energy Rebate: $200 annually for Commonwealth Seniors Health Card holders. Medical Energy Rebate: Up to $285 (retail) or $313.50 (embedded network) for specific medical needs. Life Support Rebate: Ongoing support for approved equipment. Gas Rebate: Up to $110 per year for eligible concession card holders. | |
| Victoria (VIC) | Annual Electricity Concession: 17.5% discount on usage and supply charges for eligible concession card holders. Medical Cooling Concession: 17.5% off summer bills (Nov-Apr) for eligible medical conditions. Life Support Concession: Daily discount based on equipment. Utility Relief Grant Scheme (URGS): Up to $650 per utility every two years for financial hardship (up to $1,300 if electricity is the only utility). Non-Mains Energy Concession: Annual rebate of $57-$650 for those relying on non-mains energy (e.g., firewood). | |
| Queensland (QLD) | Queensland Electricity Rebate: $386.34 per year for eligible Seniors Card, Pensioner Concession Card, Health Care Card, or DVA Veteran Gold Card holders. Medical Cooling and Heating Electricity Concession Scheme: $522.09 per year for eligible medical needs. Home Energy Emergency Assistance Scheme: One-off assistance up to $720 once every two years for low-income households in crisis. | |
| South Australia (SA) | Energy Concession: Up to $281.78 per year for eligible concession card holders or fixed income. SA Concessions Energy Discount Offer (SACEDO): 20% off electricity usage/supply, 15% off gas usage/supply, 40% off 45kg LPG cylinders for energy concession holders with Origin Energy (runs until at least 2029). | |
| Western Australia (WA) | General concessions available for eligible cardholders. Check the WA government website for specific 2026 details. Federal battery rebates can be stacked with some WA state incentives. | |
| Tasmania (TAS) | Annual Electricity Concession: Approximately $1.76866 per day (~$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. Life Support Concession: Daily discount. | |
| Australian Capital Territory (ACT) | General concessions available for low-income households. Check the ACT government website for specific 2026 details. | |
| Northern Territory (NT) | NT Concession Scheme – Electricity: Up to $1,200 per year (capped at 8,000 kWh) for eligible concession card holders. Medical Support Allowance: $154 allowance for those exceeding concession cap due to medical criteria. |
Beyond Bill Credits: Long-Term Energy Savings
Beyond direct bill relief, both federal and state governments offer incentives for energy efficiency upgrades and renewable energy installations, providing long-term savings on your energy bills. This proactive approach is crucial for sustainable cost reduction.
Federal Solar and Battery Incentives
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Small-scale Renewable Energy Scheme (STCs): This federal program provides an upfront discount on eligible rooftop solar PV systems. As of 1 January 2026, the deeming period for STCs reduced from 6 to 5 years, leading to a 15-20% reduction in the upfront discount for new solar panels. For example, a common 6.6kW solar system in 2026 typically costs between $5,000 and $8,500 after these rebates.
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Cheaper Home Batteries Program (Federal Battery Rebate): Launched on 1 July 2025, this program offers an upfront discount on eligible home battery systems. Significant changes took effect from 1 May 2026: the rebate value shifted from approximately $300 per usable kWh to around $244 per usable kWh, and a tiered structure was introduced. The full rate applies to the first 14 kWh of battery capacity, with reduced rates for larger systems (e.g., 60% for capacity between 15-28 kWh, and no incentive for systems over 50 kWh). This means a 14 kWh battery (like a Tesla Powerwall) could receive approximately $3,400 in rebate. Home battery systems in 2026 typically range from $6,000 to $26,000 before rebates.
“As of 1 May 2026, the federal battery rebate is worth about $244 per usable kWh for most standard home batteries, with the full rate applying to the first 14 kWh of capacity.”
State Energy Efficiency Programs
Many states offer programs to encourage energy-efficient upgrades:
- NSW Energy Savings Scheme (ESS): Provides upfront discounts on products like heat pump hot water systems (ranging from $190-$670) and energy-efficient air conditioners.
- Victorian Energy Upgrades (VEU) program: Offers discounts on a wide range of upgrades, including LED lighting, efficient heating/cooling systems (e.g., up to $1,610 off for reverse-cycle air conditioners, potentially saving $460 annually on bills; or up to $5,530 off for replacing a ducted gas heater, saving $1,140 annually).
- Victorian Solar Homes Program (Hot Water Rebate): Provides up to $1,000 off eligible heat pump or solar hot water systems, increasing to up to $1,400 for locally made products. This is stackable with VEU and federal STCs. Learn more in our guide: Best Heat Pump Hot Water Systems in Australia 2026: Costs, Rebates & Buyer’s Guide.
- SA Retailer Energy Productivity Scheme (REPS): From 2026, REPS is more targeted, offering discounted energy-efficient upgrades (e.g., air conditioning, heat pump hot water, insulation, battery/VPP participation) primarily to Priority Group households.
- Tasmanian Energy Saver Loans: Offers up to $10,000 for energy efficiency upgrades.
- Queensland Battery Booster Program: Expected to save up to $336 per kWh on a new solar battery, translating to around $3,360 for a 10 kWh system. Queensland also offers interest-free loans for solar and storage.
- NT Home & Business Battery Scheme: While currently to be monitored for reopening, this scheme has previously offered significant battery grants of up to $12,000.
These programs make investments in energy-efficient appliances and renewable energy systems more accessible, leading to substantial long-term savings. For more strategies on reducing your electricity expenditure, refer to our comprehensive guide: How to Cut Your Electricity Bill This Winter in Australia 2026: Strategies After Federal Rebates End.
Practical Steps for Australians
- Check State Eligibility: Visit your state or territory government’s energy or concessions website to determine your eligibility for specific rebates. Many require you to hold a concession card or meet income thresholds.
- Contact Your Retailer: Your energy retailer can often provide information on available concessions and, in many cases, apply them directly to your bill.
- Explore Energy Efficiency: Investigate upgrades like heat pump hot water systems, efficient air conditioning, and insulation. The upfront costs are often offset by state and federal incentives and significant long-term bill reductions.
- Consider Solar and Batteries: With federal and state incentives, installing solar panels and battery storage can drastically reduce your reliance on grid electricity and provide substantial savings. Ensure you use an accredited installer and approved products.
- Compare Energy Plans: Regularly compare electricity and gas plans from different retailers to ensure you are on the most competitive tariff for your usage patterns.
Bottom Line
While the universal federal energy bill relief of previous years has concluded for most of 2026, significant support remains available for Australian households. The emphasis has shifted to targeted state and territory concessions for eligible cardholders, coupled with robust federal and state incentives for long-term energy efficiency upgrades and renewable energy technologies like solar and batteries. By proactively researching and applying for these programs, and investing in energy-saving solutions, Australians can effectively manage and reduce their energy costs in 2026 and beyond.