Managing energy bills in Australia is becoming increasingly important in 2026 — with rising costs and changes in program eligibility, staying on top of rebates and support schemes is a smart move. Across different states and territories, households may be eligible for financial relief, credits or rebates on their electricity (and sometimes gas) bills, making a real difference in managing cost‑of‑living pressure.
This guide outlines which rebates are available by state, how to quickly find the ones relevant to you, and how to apply step‑by‑step. Whether someone is a pensioner, a tenant in an apartment, or living in a stand‑alone home, this walkthrough aims to simplify the process and help maximize eligibility.
What are energy rebates and why 2026 matters
Energy rebates are government‑backed credits or reductions applied to a household’s utility bills — most often electricity, sometimes gas. They are designed to ease financial strain from high energy prices, particularly for low‑income households, seniors, renters, tenants in embedded networks, and other vulnerable groups.
With the federal budget and state programs for 2025–26 expanding relief (for example the Energy Bill Relief Fund offering up to $150 per household in two instalments). Because many programs have deadlines, eligibility rules and state‑specific conditions, knowing precisely what each state offers is crucial.
Key takeaway: Even if a household is on a usual income support payment or paying an energy bill in a rented property, they could qualify for a rebate. It costs nothing to check and may unlock savings.
National overview: What the federal government offers
Before diving into state details, it’s worth noting the national baseline support that applies most broadly.
Through the Energy Bill Relief Fund (EBRF), the Australian Government extended relief until December 2025—households and eligible small businesses receive up to $150 applied to their electricity account in two instalments of $75.
Typically, this is automatic for most households with an active electricity account, meaning no separate application for basic eligibility in many cases.
However, state and territory rebates layer on top of the federal support and may require separate applications, particularly for embedded networks (apartments, retirement villages) or for gas bills.
Thus, households should treat the federal rebate as a baseline, and then explore their state‑specific opportunities for additional relief.
State‑by‑State Quick Finder & How to Apply
New South Wales (NSW)
Available rebates:
Low Income Household Rebate: ~$285 per year for concession card holders.
Gas Rebate: Up to ~$110 for eligible concession card holders.
Seniors Energy Rebate: ~$200 annually for Commonwealth Seniors Health Card holders.
Family Energy Rebate: For households receiving Family Tax Benefit and meeting criteria.
Life Support Rebate: Up to ~$1,343 per year (retail customers) for those using approved life‑support equipment.
How to apply:
Check your electricity or gas account and confirm if you are a retail or embedded network customer.
If you hold a valid Pensioner Concession Card, Health Care Card, Low Income Health Care Card or Veteran Gold Card, you may qualify.
Some rebates can be applied online or via form through your retailer (especially for embedded networks).
Tip: If renting in an apartment or retirement village, verify whether you’re on a separately metered account and whether your network is embedded — this may change the process.
Victoria (VIC)
Available rebates:
Under the EBRF: up to $150 in two instalments of $75 from 1 July 2025 for households.
Additional state‑based concessions (details vary) for eligible term‑card holders and business customers in specific networks.
How to apply:
Most residential customers receive the credit automatically via their electricity retailer if they hold an active domestic account.
If in an embedded network (e.g., strata, retirement village), applications may be required via the Victorian Energy Compare website between 1 July and 30 Sept 2025.
Tip: Keep an eye on your next bill — the rebate will usually appear as a distinct item “Australian Government Energy Relief” or similar.
Western Australia (WA)
Available rebate:
Household Electricity Credit: Eligible households may apply for a $150 credit under the WA Government regime.
Application deadlines apply (for 2025 credit, by 31 March 2026).
How to apply:
Visit the WA Online Services Portal and lodge your application.
If you were registered on the Energy Concession Extension Scheme (ECES) on 30 Sept 2025, you may receive the payment automatically; otherwise, you need to apply.
Tip: If you are a tenant and the electricity is included in your rent (no separate meter), you may not be eligible — check your property’s billing arrangement.
See Also: Rent Assistance 2026 Australia: Rates, Eligibility & How to Claim
Queensland (QLD), South Australia (SA), Tasmania (TAS), ACT, NT
These states and territories also offer energy rebates or are covered under the national EBRF credit. For example:
The national rebate of $150 applies in Queensland, SA and other jurisdictions via partner retailers.
In SA and other states, you may have access to additional local schemes (e.g., life‑support, embedded‑network specific rebates) — always check the state government’s energy department website for “Rebates, grants & schemes”.
How to apply:
Most states apply the federal credit automatically if you hold an active account.
For other state‑specific rebates (e.g., for seniors, low‑income households, life support) you’ll often fill a form, supply evidence of a concession card or medical certificate, and send it to your retailer or the state department.
Tip: Use the “Find an energy rebate” tool (eg. NSW’s page) or similar state‑level tool to check your eligibility.
Key Eligibility Criteria & Important Details
Active electricity account: You must hold a current electricity account in your name at the property. Most rebates exclude accounts where electricity is included in rent and not separately metered.
Concession cards / income test: Many rebates are available only to holders of Pensioner Concession Cards, Health Care Cards, Low Income Health Care Cards or Veteran Gold Cards.
Embedded networks vs regular retail markets: Apartments, retirement villages or properties where electricity is supplied under an embedded network often have different application processes.
Deadline dates: Some programs require application by a certain date (e.g., WA’s deadline 31 March 2026).
Single‑household‑account rule: If your electricity account covers more than one property or you move mid‑billing cycle, only one rebate may apply.
Non‑taxable: The rebates are not considered taxable income, so they do not increase your assessable income.
Important tip: Always read the small print on your state’s rebate page or call your retailer. Conditions vary subtly between states and over time.
How to Apply: Step‑By‑Step General Guide
Check your electricity account — confirm your name on the account, the retailer, and whether you’re classified under a regular retail network or embedded network.
Visit your state energy rebate page — look up your state’s official website (e.g., NSW’s “Find an energy rebate” tool) and view all rebate types available.
Confirm your eligibility — check if you hold the requisite concession card, qualify under income threshold, or meet special conditions (e.g., life support equipment).
Ensure you meet key dates and documentation — some rebates require you to lodge before a deadline; others are automatic. Collect documents such as your concession card, account details, medical certificates (if needed).
Lodge your application (if required) — for many rebates you may call your retailer, fill an online form, or mail a paper application. In some cases (embedded network) you may apply via a portal rather than automatic credit.
Check your next bill — after approval you should see a line item credit or deduction labelled “Energy Relief”, “Government Rebate” etc. If you don’t see it, contact your retailer.
Keep records — keep a copy of your application and evidence (accounts, certificates) for at least 12 months, in case the retailer or government audits your eligibility.
Strategies to maximize savings
If you hold a concession card, always check all rebate types available (low-income rebate, senior rebate, medical energy rebate) — sometimes households qualify for several at once.
If renting, especially in an apartment or strata building, check if you’re on the building’s embedded network. If yes, the rebate process may differ and may require application.
Review your next few bills after expected credit dates (1 July, 1 Oct, etc) so you don’t miss the rebate. If it doesn’t appear, contact your retailer promptly.
Consider reviewing your energy usage habits alongside rebates: taking advantage of time‑of‑use tariffs or solar feed‑in can reduce your base bill, making rebates more impactful.
Stay aware of state‑specific changes — programs evolve, new rebates appear, application windows may open/close (especially 2026 onwards).
What changed for 2026 and how to stay ahead
The national EBRF rebate ($150) is set for the 2025–26 extension.
Some states are adjusting or phasing out older programs, so households should review annually rather than assume past eligibility stays identical.
Embedded network customers (renters in strata, apartments, retirement villages) are increasingly being incorporated or included in rebate programs, but sometimes with different processes.
Rising energy costs and regulatory changes mean rebates may evolve further — keeping contact details with your retailer up‑to‑date ensures you receive notifications.
Call to Action
Don’t leave money on the table — take 10 minutes today to check your electricity account, locate your state’s rebate page, and confirm your eligibility for 2026‑specific energy rebates.
If you found this guide helpful, share it with friends, family or neighbours who may also benefit — especially renters, seniors or low‑income households.
Have questions or experiences to share (successful claims, issues with embedded networks, etc)? Comment below — your story may help someone else navigate the process.
Conclusion
Energy rebates in Australia for 2026 offer a timely opportunity to ease household bills — but only if eligible individuals act. By understanding the national baseline support (such as the $150 federal credit) and the state‑specific programs, households can ensure they don’t miss out on meaningful relief. Knowing how to apply, which criteria apply, and when your next bill will show the credit makes all the difference.
When used alongside good energy‑saving habits and staying alert to program changes, these rebates aren’t merely a small bonus — they can be an important component of managing rising costs and improving household financial resilience in 2026. Don’t wait: explore your state’s rebate options today and claim what’s available.
People Also Love: Family Tax Benefit 2026: Who Qualifies & How to Apply Online
