The Australian Government has announced the extension and expansion of the Energy Bill Relief Fund for the 2024-25 fiscal year, committing an additional $3.5 billion to provide electricity bill rebates to all Australian households and eligible small businesses. This follows the $1.5 billion allocated in the previous year, reinforcing the government’s dedication to supporting Australians amid ongoing economic pressures.
The Energy Bill Rebate program is designed to alleviate the financial strain of electricity costs by offering direct rebates, which will be automatically applied to eligible electricity bills. The initiative covers a wide range of recipients, ensuring that all households across Australia benefit, along with providing significant support to small businesses that meet specific consumption criteria. State and territory governments play a key role in administering these rebates, ensuring that they are delivered seamlessly through electricity retailers.
Overview of the Energy Bill Rebates
General 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 access financial relief.
Automatic Application
For most households, the $300 annual rebate will be automatically applied to their electricity bills in quarterly installments of $75. Electricity providers will apply these rebates directly to customer accounts, making the process straightforward for most recipients.
Embedded Networks
Households living in embedded networks, such as those receiving electricity through a strata or landlord in apartment buildings, caravan parks, or retirement villages, are also eligible for the rebate. However, these households must apply for the rebate through their respective state or territory government. This ensures that even those in more complex billing arrangements receive the financial support they are entitled to.
Small Business Rebates
General Eligibility for Small Businesses
To qualify for the $325 annual rebate, small businesses must meet their state or territory’s definition of a ‘small customer,’ typically based on the business’s annual electricity consumption. Eligible businesses will automatically receive their rebate, just like households, streamlining the process.
Annual Electricity Consumption Thresholds
Eligibility for small business rebates is determined by specific electricity consumption thresholds, which differ by region. The thresholds for each state and territory are as follows:
- 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
Small businesses exceeding these thresholds will not qualify for the rebate.
Embedded Networks for Small Businesses
Small businesses within embedded networks, such as those in shopping centres, must meet their state’s small customer criteria. These businesses will need to apply for the rebate through their respective state or territory government, ensuring that all qualifying small businesses, regardless of their electricity arrangements, can access the rebate.
Rebate Amounts and Distribution
The Energy Bill Rebate aims to provide substantial relief by offering direct rebates on electricity bills, with most rebates being applied automatically for eligible recipients.
Household Rebates
Every Australian household is entitled to a $300 annual rebate, which will be distributed in four equal quarterly installments of $75 each, directly applied to electricity bills.
State-Specific Rebates
In addition to the federal rebate, some states provide extra assistance:
- Queensland: Residents will receive an additional $1,000 rebate, bringing the total annual rebate to $1,300. The $1,000 state rebate is paid upfront, while the $300 federal rebate is distributed in quarterly installments of $75.
- Western Australia: Residents will get an additional $400 rebate, bringing the total annual rebate to $700. The $400 state rebate will be paid in two installments of $350 each during the July-August and December-January billing cycles.
Small Business Rebates
Eligible small businesses will receive a $325 annual rebate, applied directly to their electricity bills in quarterly installments.
Energy Bill Rebate Claim and Distribution Process
Most households and small businesses will receive the rebate automatically, with electricity providers managing the process and ensuring the rebates are applied directly to customer accounts.
However, households and small businesses within embedded networks, such as those in apartment buildings or shopping centres, must apply for the rebate through their respective state or territory government. This ensures that even those with more complicated billing arrangements can access the financial support they are eligible for.
In Western Australia, households without accounts with Synergy or Horizon Power will need to apply for the rebate through RevenueWA, starting in July. This step is necessary to ensure that all eligible households, regardless of their electricity provider, receive the rebate.
This expanded and extended Energy Bill Relief Fund reflects the Australian Government’s continued commitment to supporting households and businesses by easing the financial burden of rising electricity costs.
