Aussie Households to Receive $1,300 Energy Bill Rebate in 2024 The Australian Government has announced a major expansion of the Energy Bill Relief Fund for the 2024-25 fiscal year, allocating $3.5 billion to provide electricity bill rebates for households and eligible small businesses This initiative builds on.
the previous year’s $1.5 billion investment and reflects the government’s ongoing commitment to easing the financial burden on its citizens amid rising costs.
The Energy Bill Relief Fund aims to reduce the financial strain of electricity expenses by offering direct rebates, which will be automatically applied to electricity bills This broad-reaching initiative ensures that every Australian household benefits,
with additional support provided to small businesses meeting certain consumption criteria The initiative will be managed by state and territory governments, which will work with electricity retailers to distribute the rebates.
Overview of the Energy Bill Relief Fund
Who is Eligible for the Energy Bill Relief
Households – All Australian households are eligible for the Energy Bill Relief Fund, including those in remote or non-self-governing territories This ensures that every household across the nation can access financial relief through the initiative.
Automatic Rebates – Most households will automatically receive a $300 annual rebate, paid in four quarterly instalments of $75 Electricity providers will apply the rebates directly to customer bills, making the process simple and straightforward.
Embedded Networks – Households living in embedded networks, such as those in caravan parks, apartment buildings, or retirement villages, are also eligible for the rebate These households must apply through their state or territory government to access the rebate.
Small Business Eligibility
Small businesses can also benefit from the Energy Bill Relief Fund To qualify for the $325 annual rebate, small businesses must meet the state or territory’s definition of a ‘small customer.
which is based on annual electricity consumption Eligible small businesses will receive their rebates automatically, just like households.
Annual Electricity Consumption Thresholds – Eligibility for small businesses is based on specific annual electricity consumption thresholds, which vary by state and territory Below are the thresholds for each region.
- 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 be eligible for the rebate.
Small Business Rebates in Embedded Networks
Small businesses in embedded networks, such as those located in shopping centres, are also eligible for the rebate, provided they meet their state or territory’s small customer criteria These businesses must apply for the rebate through their state or territory government.
Rebate Amounts and Distribution Process
The Energy Bill Relief Fund aims to offer substantial financial relief for both households and small businesses through direct rebates applied to electricity bills In most cases, rebates will be distributed automatically.
Household Rebates – Every Australian household is entitled to a $300 annual rebate This will be distributed in four equal quarterly payments of $75, applied directly to electricity bills.
State-Specific Additional Rebates
In addition to the federal rebate, certain states offer extra rebates to further assist residents.
- Queensland – Residents will receive an additional $1,000 state rebate, bringing the total annual rebate to $1,300 The $1,000 state rebate is paid upfront, while the $300 federal rebate will be divided into quarterly payments of $75.
- Western Australia – Residents will receive an additional $400 state rebate, bringing the total annual rebate to $700 The $400 state rebate is paid in two instalments of $350 each during the July-August and December-January billing cycles.
Small Business Rebates – Eligible small businesses will receive a $325 annual rebate, distributed in four equal quarterly payments, directly applied to their electricity bills.
Rebate Claim and Distribution Process
For most households and small businesses, the rebate will be automatically applied to their electricity accounts Electricity providers will ensure that the rebates appear on bills without requiring customers to take any action.
Embedded Networks – Households and small businesses within embedded networks, such as those living in caravan parks or operating in shopping centres, must apply through their state or territory government to receive the rebate.
Western Australia – Households without an account with Synergy or Horizon Power must apply for the rebate through RevenueWA starting in July This step ensures that all eligible households, regardless of their electricity provider, receive the rebate.
This comprehensive support initiative helps alleviate the financial strain of rising electricity costs, ensuring that both households and small businesses can benefit from much-needed financial relief.
