Is There Federal Energy Bill Relief in 2026?
No. The Australian Government's Energy Bill Relief Fund (EBRF) concluded on 31 December 2025. Households should not expect new automatic federal credits on electricity bills from 2026.
The government directs consumers to existing state and territory rebate and concession schemes for ongoing support. See the official Energy Bill Relief Fund page for historical program details.
Energy Bill Relief Fund Timeline
| Period | Program | Household support | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2024–25 FY | Energy Bill Relief Fund | Up to $300 (quarterly credits) | Ended |
| 1 Jul – 31 Dec 2025 | EBRF extension | Up to $150 (typically $75/quarter) | Ended 31 December 2025 |
| 2024–25 FY | EBRF (small business) | Up to $325 | Ended |
| 1 Jul – 31 Dec 2025 | EBRF extension (small business) | Up to $150 | Ended |
| 2026 onwards | State/territory programs | Varies by jurisdiction | Current — check eligibility |
What Energy Rebates Are Available Now?
Ongoing assistance is primarily through state and territory schemes. Eligibility typically depends on concession-card status, income, household circumstances and your energy retailer.
| State/Territory | Major assistance types | Who may qualify | Official check |
|---|---|---|---|
| NSW | Low Income Household Rebate, Energy Accounts Payment Assistance, Life Support Rebate | Concession card holders, hardship customers | energy.gov.au |
| Victoria | Annual Electricity Concession, Utility Relief Grant, Energy Assistance Program | Concession card holders, hardship households | energy.gov.au |
| Queensland | Electricity and gas rebates for seniors and concession holders | Eligible concession card holders | energy.gov.au |
| WA | Energy Concession Extension Scheme, Hardship Utility Grant Scheme | Concession card holders, hardship customers | energy.gov.au |
| SA | Energy bill concessions, medical heating and cooling concession | Concession card holders | energy.gov.au |
| Tasmania | Annual electricity/heating allowances, Life Support Discount | Concession card holders | energy.gov.au |
| ACT | Utilities Concession, Energy Bill Relief (historical EBRF via territory) | Concession card holders | energy.gov.au |
| NT | Cost of Living Concession, utilities payment scheme | Concession card holders, low-income households | energy.gov.au |
Amounts and eligibility change. Always verify current rules on energy.gov.au or your state government website before applying.
Victoria $100 Power Saving Bonus
The Victorian Government's $100 Power Saving Bonus (fifth round) closed to new applications on 31 March 2026. This round targeted eligible concession card holders.
- Status: Closed to new applications (as of 31 March 2026)
- Amount: $100 per eligible household (fifth round)
- Other Victorian help: Annual Electricity Concession, Utility Relief Grant Scheme, Energy Assistance Program
Do not assume the $100 bonus is still open — check current Victorian Government energy assistance pages for active programs.
Who Can Get Energy Bill Assistance?
- Pensioners and concession card holders (varies by card type and state)
- Health Care Card and Commonwealth Seniors Health Card holders
- Low-income households meeting program thresholds
- Veterans with eligible concessions
- Households in financial hardship (retailer hardship + government grants)
- Some small businesses — separate state programs may apply
Holding a concession card does not automatically qualify you for every rebate. Each program has specific rules.
How to Apply for an Energy Rebate
- Identify your state or territory
- Search energy.gov.au/rebates for current programs
- Check eligibility (concession card, income, hardship criteria)
- Gather documents (concession card, recent bill, ID)
- Apply via the official channel — state website or your energy retailer
- Confirm the credit appears on your bill or account
Many concessions are applied automatically by retailers once you register your concession card. Others require a separate application.
Cannot Pay Your Energy Bill?
- Contact your retailer first — payment plans and hardship policies are required under national energy retail rules
- Ask about hardship programs and whether concessions apply to your account
- Check state/territory emergency utility relief grants
- Compare energy plans via government comparison tools
- Dispute resolution — state energy ombudsman if you cannot resolve issues with your retailer
Bill Relief vs Rebates vs Concessions
| Type | What it means |
|---|---|
| Bill relief | Government-funded credit or reduction on energy bills (e.g. historical EBRF) |
| Rebate | Payment or credit based on eligibility criteria |
| Concession | Ongoing discount for eligible groups (pensioners, concession card holders) |
| Hardship assistance | Support for customers struggling to pay — via retailer or government grants |
| Energy-efficiency incentive | Helps reduce future usage costs (not a direct bill credit) |
How to Reduce Your Energy Bill
- Compare energy plans and switch if a better deal is available
- Register eligible concessions with your retailer
- Understand your usage — identify high-consumption appliances
- Improve heating/cooling efficiency and insulation
- Use energy-efficient appliances where practical
- Ask your retailer about payment plans before bills become unmanageable
Related: Commonwealth Rent Assistance · Rental affordability · Centrelink payments
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there an energy bill rebate in Australia in 2026?
The Commonwealth Energy Bill Relief Fund ended on 31 December 2025. There is no universal federal energy credit in 2026. Check state and territory rebates, concessions and hardship programs via energy.gov.au.
Has the Australian Government energy bill relief ended?
Yes. The Energy Bill Relief Fund ended on 31 December 2025. The final extension provided up to $150 for households from 1 July to 31 December 2025.
When did the Energy Bill Relief Fund end?
31 December 2025. The final quarterly instalment under the federal program was applied by that date. No new EBRF credits apply from January 2026.
What was the $150 energy bill rebate?
The 2025 extension of the Energy Bill Relief Fund provided up to $150 for eligible households ($75 per quarter in most states) from 1 July to 31 December 2025, on top of the $300 provided in 2024–25.
What energy rebates are available in Australia?
Current assistance depends on your state or territory, concession-card status, income and circumstances. Use the energy.gov.au rebates finder to check programs in your area.
Is the Victorian $100 energy rebate still available?
No. The fifth round of the Victorian $100 Power Saving Bonus closed to new applications on 31 March 2026. Other Victorian concessions and hardship programs may still apply.
Who qualifies for energy bill assistance?
Eligibility varies by program. Common categories include pensioners, concession-card holders, low-income households, veterans and customers in financial hardship. Each scheme has its own rules.
How do I apply for an energy rebate?
Some rebates are applied automatically by your retailer; others require an application through your state government or energy retailer. Check the official program page for your jurisdiction.
What help is available if I cannot pay my electricity bill?
Contact your energy retailer about payment plans and hardship programs. Check state concessions and the Utility Relief Grant (Victoria) or equivalent schemes. The energy.gov.au website lists options.
Do pensioners get an energy bill rebate?
Pensioners may qualify for state/territory electricity and gas concessions if they hold eligible concession cards. Amounts and rules differ by jurisdiction — verify on your state government website.
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Written by AussieSalary Experts
Editorial Team
Compiled by industry experts with the best knowledge in Australian taxation, superannuation, and public sector compensation.
Read our Editorial Policy →✓ Fact-Checked & Verified
This guide is verified directly against primary Australian legislative sources, including the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) rates, Fair Work Ombudsman awards, and federal agency EAs.
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