The Australian Government has expanded the Energy Bill Relief Fund for the 2024-25 fiscal year, with a significant investment of $3.5 billion.
This initiative will offer electricity bill rebates to all households and eligible small businesses across the nation, building on the $1.5 billion allocated in the previous year.
This move underscores the government’s commitment to alleviating the financial strain on citizens during challenging economic times.
Rebate Amounts and Distribution
The Energy Bill Rebate is designed to ease the financial burden of electricity costs by providing direct rebates that will automatically be applied to electricity bills.
This initiative will support all Australian households and certain small businesses, ensuring they benefit from the relief.
State and territory governments will play a crucial role in administering these rebates, working alongside electricity retailers to ensure smooth delivery.
Eligibility for Households
The Energy Bill Relief Fund is available to all Australian households, including those in external and non-self-governing territories.
This broad eligibility ensures that every household across the country can receive financial assistance.
- Automatic Rebates: Most households will automatically receive the $300 annual rebate, distributed in four quarterly instalments of $75 each. Electricity providers are responsible for applying these rebates directly to customer accounts, minimizing the need for households to take action.
- Embedded Networks: Households in embedded networks, such as those residing in apartment buildings, retirement villages, or caravan parks, will also be eligible for the rebate. However, these households must apply through their respective state or territory government to ensure they receive the support they are entitled to.
Eligibility for Small Businesses
Small businesses can qualify for a $325 annual rebate, provided they meet the criteria of a ‘small customer’ as defined by their state or territory.
This classification is generally based on the business’s annual electricity consumption.
- Consumption Thresholds: Each state and territory has set specific consumption thresholds for small business eligibility:
- New South Wales (NSW): 100 MWh
- Victoria (VIC): 40 MWh
- Queensland (QLD): 100 MWh
- South Australia (SA): 160 MWh
- Tasmania (TAS): 150 MWh
- Australian Capital Territory (ACT): 100 MWh
- Northern Territory (NT): 160 MWh
- Western Australia (WA): 50 MWh
Businesses that exceed these thresholds will not be eligible for the rebate.
- Embedded Networks for Small Businesses: Small businesses within embedded networks, such as those in shopping centres, must also meet the small customer criteria and apply for the rebate through their state or territory government.
State-Specific Additional Rebates
Several states have introduced additional rebates to further support their residents:
- Queensland: Residents will receive an additional $1,000 rebate, bringing the total annual rebate to $1,300. The state rebate is paid upfront, while the $300 federal rebate is distributed quarterly.
- Western Australia: Residents will receive an additional $400 rebate, bringing the total annual rebate to $700. This state rebate will be paid in two instalments of $350 each during the July-August and December-January billing cycles.
How the Rebate Process Works
In most cases, the rebates will be automatically applied to electricity accounts, eliminating the need for most households and small businesses to take action.
However, households and businesses within embedded networks, such as those in apartment buildings, caravan parks, or shopping centres, must apply for the rebate through their respective state or territory government.
- Western Australia: Households without an account with Synergy or Horizon Power will need to apply for the rebate through RevenueWA starting in July.
- This step ensures that all eligible households, regardless of their electricity provider, receive their rebate.
