For many Australian households, the automatic federal energy bill relief credits that provided up to $150 in the latter half of 2025 have concluded. As of 1 January 2026, no new universal federal energy credits are in place, meaning electricity bills now reflect full retail prices without this Commonwealth offset. However, substantial financial support remains available through state and territory-specific energy concession schemes, offering eligible Australians hundreds, and in some cases over a thousand, dollars in annual savings. These targeted programs are now the primary avenue for ongoing energy bill relief in 2026 and typically require active application rather than automatic crediting.
This guide outlines the key state and territory energy concessions available in 2026, detailing eligibility, benefit amounts, and how to apply.
The Shift from Federal to State-Based Relief
The federal Energy Bill Relief Fund, which provided automatic credits of up to $300 in 2024-25 and a further $150 (two $75 instalments) in the second half of 2025, officially ended on 31 December 2025. This means that bills issued from January 2026 onwards no longer include these automatic reductions.
ABS data shows that by March 2026, after rebates were used up, electricity costs were 25.4% higher year-on-year.
While the Australian Energy Regulator (AER) has proposed Default Market Offer price reductions of 1.3% to 10.1% by region from 1 July 2026, this may only partially offset the loss of federal credits for many households. The onus is now squarely on eligible households to understand and claim the state-based concessions they are entitled to. For a broader understanding of how Australia’s energy support landscape has evolved, see our guide on Navigating Australia’s Energy Bill Relief and Support in 2026: A Comprehensive Guide.
State and Territory Energy Concessions for 2026
Eligibility for state concessions typically hinges on holding an eligible concession card, such as a Pensioner Concession Card, Health Care Card, or a Department of Veterans’ Affairs (DVA) Gold Card. Specific requirements and amounts vary significantly by jurisdiction.
Here’s a breakdown by state and territory:
| State/Territory | Main Electricity Concession (2026) | Annual Value (approx.) | Key Eligibility | Application Method |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| NSW | Low Income Household Rebate | Up to $285 (retail), $313.50 (embedded) | Pensioner Concession Card, Health Care Card, DVA Gold Card, Low Income Health Care Card | Via electricity retailer or Service NSW |
| Family Energy Rebate | Up to $180 (retail), $198 (embedded) | Families receiving Family Tax Benefit | Service NSW (annual application) | |
| Seniors Energy Rebate | $200 | Commonwealth Seniors Health Card | Service NSW (annual application) | |
| VIC | Annual Electricity Concession | 17.5% off usage & service costs (after discounts) | Pensioner Concession Card, Health Care Card, DVA Gold Card | Register with electricity retailer |
| Winter Gas Concession | 17.5% off gas bills | Same as above | Register with gas retailer | |
| QLD | Electricity Rebate | $399.47 (2026-27) | QLD Seniors Card, Pensioner Concession Card, Health Care Card, DVA Gold Card, ImmiCard | Register with electricity retailer |
| Reticulated Natural Gas Rebate | $96.45 (2026-27) | Same as above for gas account | Register with gas retailer | |
| SA | Energy Bill Concession | Up to $291.27 (from July 2026) | Pensioner Concession Card, Veteran Gold Card, Low Income Health Care Card, Commonwealth Seniors Health Card | SA.GOV.AU ConcessionsSA |
| Cost of Living Concession | $270.60 (2026-27) | Eligible card holders, Centrelink payment recipients, low-income | SA.GOV.AU ConcessionsSA | |
| WA | Energy Assistance Payment (EAP) | $326.33 (2025-26) | Pensioner Concession Card, Health Care Card, DVA Card | Via electricity retailer or ECES |
| Dependent Child Rebate | $146.84 per child (2025-26) | ECES registered families with dependent children | Via retailer or ECES | |
| TAS | Annual Electricity Concession | $1.84347/day (approx. $673/year from July 2026) | Pensioner Concession Card, Health Care Card, DVA Gold Card, ImmiCard, Tasmanian Concession Card | Via electricity retailer or Service Tasmania |
| ACT | Electricity, Gas and Water Rebate | $800 (2026-27) | Pensioner Concession Card, Low Income Health Care Card, Health Care Card, Veteran Gold Card (TPI, War Widow) | Via electricity retailer (ActewAGL) or ACT Revenue Office |
| NT | Electricity Concession | Up to $1,200 (for 8,000 kWh) | Members of NT Concession Scheme | Provide membership number to Jacana Energy or Power and Water Corporation |
Note: Amounts are for the 2026 calendar year or 2026-27 financial year where specified, and are subject to change. Always confirm current details with the relevant state/territory government authority.
Additional State-Specific Support and Upgrades
Beyond direct bill concessions, some states offer programs for energy efficiency upgrades or targeted assistance:
- NSW Home Energy Saver Program: While not a direct bill concession, this program offers eligible households (income under $80,000 or concession card holders) an upfront discount of up to $4,000 for energy-saving upgrades like rooftop solar and batteries. Zero-interest loans up to $15,000 are also available for households with combined taxable incomes up to $210,000. This is a significant opportunity to reduce long-term energy costs. For more details on home electrification, refer to our guide Electrify Your Home in 2026: Real Costs, Rebates & Savings Up to $15,000+.
- Victoria’s Non-Mains Energy Concession: Provides annual payments from $58 to $666 based on spending for LPG, firewood, heating oil, embedded network electricity, or generator fuel.
- South Australia Concessions Energy Discount Offer (SACEDO): Eligible SA concession customers can access special discounts from Origin Energy, including 20% off electricity usage and supply charges, and 15% off gas usage and supply charges.
- Western Australia Residential Battery Scheme: Offers rebates up to $1,300 for Synergy customers and up to $3,800 for Horizon Power customers for installing approved battery storage systems. This can often be combined with the federal Cheaper Home Batteries Program.
How to Claim Your Concessions
The most critical step is to actively apply for these concessions, as most are not automatically applied after the federal relief ended.
- Check Eligibility: Review the specific eligibility criteria for your state or territory, focusing on the concession cards you hold (e.g., Pensioner Concession Card, Health Care Card, DVA Gold Card, Commonwealth Seniors Health Card, or state-specific Seniors Cards).
- Gather Documentation: Have your concession card details, recent energy bills (electricity and/or gas), and potentially bank account details ready. For medical concessions, a medical practitioner’s certificate will be required.
- Contact Your Retailer or State Authority:
- For many electricity and gas concessions, you will need to contact your energy retailer directly and provide them with your concession card details. They will then apply the concession as a credit to your bill.
- Some rebates, particularly for self-funded retirees or one-off assistance, may require applying through a state government portal like Service NSW, Service Tasmania, SA.GOV.AU/ConcessionsSA, or the ACT Revenue Office.
- If you are an embedded network customer (e.g., in a caravan park, apartment building, or retirement village where you pay your strata or building manager), the application process may differ, often requiring direct application to a state authority like Service NSW or Service Tasmania.
- Reapply Annually (if required): Some schemes, like the NSW Family Energy Rebate and Seniors Energy Rebate, require annual reapplication.
Do not assume your rebate will be automatically applied. A quick call or online application can ensure you receive the financial support you are entitled to. For a comprehensive overview of all available rebates and how they stack, consult our full Your 2026 Guide: Claim Up To $15,000 in Energy Rebates Across Australia.
Bottom Line
The end of universal federal energy bill relief means a more proactive approach is required for Australian households seeking to reduce their energy costs in 2026. State and territory governments continue to offer significant concessions, ranging from $200 in NSW to up to $1,200 annually in the NT, for eligible low-income households, pensioners, and concession card holders. It is crucial to identify the schemes applicable to your circumstances, understand their specific eligibility criteria, and complete the necessary application steps through your energy retailer or relevant state government portal. By taking these actions, you can continue to access valuable financial relief and mitigate the impact of rising energy prices. Don’t leave money on the table – claim your entitlements.