Who is eligible
Most energy rebates are tied to a concession card (Pensioner Concession Card, Health Care Card, or DVA Gold Card). If you hold one, you are likely entitled to an ongoing electricity concession — you usually just need to give your retailer your card details for it to appear on your bill.
The exact schemes and amounts are set by each state and territory and change year to year, so always confirm current details on your state government energy site. The list below is a starting point, not financial advice.
By state (typical schemes)
- NSW
- Low Income Household Rebate, Family Energy Rebate, Gas Rebate, Life Support Rebate, and the Energy Accounts Payment Assistance (EAPA) vouchers for bill crises.
- VIC
- Annual Electricity Concession (a percentage off usage for concession-card holders), Utility Relief Grant Scheme, and the state Power Saving Bonus when offered.
- QLD
- Electricity Rebate and Reticulated Natural Gas Rebate for concession-card holders; Home Energy Emergency Assistance Scheme.
- SA
- Energy Bill Concession for eligible concession-card holders, paid annually.
- ACT
- Utilities Concession applied across energy and other utilities for eligible households.
- TAS
- Annual Electricity Concession and the Heating Allowance for eligible concession-card holders.
Hardship programs
If you are struggling to pay, every retailer is required by law to offer a hardship program — payment plans, extensions, and protection from disconnection. Ask for it by name ("I would like to go on your hardship program"). It is a right, not a favour.