The Australian Government has unveiled an expanded Energy Bill Relief Fund for the 2024–25 fiscal year, allocating $3.5 billion to assist households and eligible small businesses with their electricity expenses. This initiative builds upon the previous year’s $1.5 billion commitment, reflecting the government’s dedication to alleviating cost-of-living pressures.
Overview of the Energy Bill Relief Fund
The Energy Bill Relief Fund aims to provide direct financial relief by offering rebates applied directly to electricity bills. This approach ensures that beneficiaries receive timely assistance without the need for extensive application processes.
Rebate Details for Households
- Eligibility: All Australian households with an active electricity account are eligible for a $300 annual rebate. This includes residents in external and non-self-governing territories, ensuring nationwide coverage.
- Distribution: The rebate is distributed in four quarterly instalments of $75 each, automatically credited to electricity bills. Households do not need to take any action to receive this benefit.
- Embedded Networks: Households within embedded networks—such as those in caravan parks, apartment complexes, or retirement villages—are also eligible. However, these residents must apply through their respective state or territory government to receive the rebate.
Rebate Details for Small Businesses
- Eligibility: Small businesses classified as ‘small customers’ based on their state’s annual electricity consumption thresholds qualify for a $325 annual rebate. The specific thresholds are:State/TerritoryConsumption ThresholdNew South Wales (NSW)100 MWhVictoria (VIC)40 MWhQueensland (QLD)100 MWhSouth Australia (SA)160 MWhTasmania (TAS)150 MWhAustralian Capital Territory (ACT)100 MWhNorthern Territory (NT)160 MWhWestern Australia (WA)50 MWh
- Distribution: Eligible small businesses will receive the rebate in quarterly instalments, automatically applied to their electricity bills.
- Embedded Networks: Small businesses operating within embedded networks, such as those in shopping centers, must apply for the rebate through their state or territory government.
State and Territory Specific Additional Rebates
Some states offer additional rebates to further support their residents:
- Queensland: An extra $1,000 rebate is provided, bringing the total annual relief to $1,300. The state rebate is paid upfront, while the federal rebate is distributed quarterly.
- Western Australia: Residents receive an additional $400 rebate, totaling $700 annually. The state rebate is paid in two instalments during the July–August and December–January billing cycles.
Application Process
- Automatic Application: For most households and small businesses, rebates are automatically applied by electricity providers, requiring no further action from customers.
- Embedded Networks: Residents and businesses within embedded networks must apply through their state or territory government to receive the rebate.
- Western Australia Specifics: Households without an account with Synergy or Horizon Power need to apply through RevenueWA starting in July.
Who is eligible for the Energy Bill Relief Fund?
All Australian households with an active electricity account and small businesses meeting specific consumption thresholds are eligible.
How will I receive the rebate?
For most, the rebate is automatically applied to electricity bills in quarterly instalments.
What if I live in an embedded network?
Residents and businesses in embedded networks must apply through their state or territory government to receive the rebate.
