Rebate

Electricity rebates and concessions in Australia

Fact Checked Fact Checked

Energy rebates are offered in every Australian state and territory, and while thousands are eligible for these concessions, only a fraction of people utilise them.
If you’re struggling with the price of electricity, then consider whether you could be receiving a government discount on energy.

In the following article, Canstar Blue explores Australia’s current energy rebates and concessions.

Energy Bill Relief Fund 2024-25

Households nationwide will receive an energy bill relief payment from an extension to the Energy Bill Relief Fund, which was announced as part of the 2024 federal budget.

As of July 2024, all Australian households are set to receive $300 towards their energy bills. This payment will be allocated on a quarterly basis to customers’ accounts by their provider.

Those in embedded networks will need to apply for the relief payment through their state or territory government.

Eligible small businesses will receive a $325 relief payment that will be automatically applied to their energy bills.

Energy Bill Relief Fund 2023-24

Eligible households can claim a nationwide energy bill concession from the Energy Bill Relief Fund, which was allocated as part of the 2023 federal budget.

Eligible customers include:

  • Pensioners
  • Commonwealth Seniors Health Card holders
  • Families receiving income support, including the Family Tax Benefit A and B.

As of December 2023, qualifying customers in the ACT, Northern Territory, New South Wales, Queensland, South Australia, Victoria, Western Australia and Tasmania are set to receive up to $500 towards electricity or gas bills. Households in the Northern Territory will be eligible for relief payments of up to $350, Victorians can claim up to $250 and homes in the Australian Capital Territory can get $175.

These payments should be made directly to eligible customers electricity accounts. For further details, click on your state above.

Compare energy deals

Here are some sponsored deals from the retailers on our database that include a link to the retailer’s website for further details. These are products from referral partners†. These costs are based on the Ausgrid energy network in Sydney but prices may vary depending on your circumstances. This comparison assumes general energy usage of 3900kWh/year for a residential customer on a single rate tariff. Please use our comparison tool for a specific comparison in your area and to see other products in our database that may be available. Our database may not cover all deals in your area. As always, check all details of any plan directly with the retailer before making a purchase decision.

Here are some sponsored deals from the retailers on our database that include a link to the retailer’s website for further details. These are products from referral partners†. These costs are based on the Citipower network in Melbourne but prices may vary depending on your circumstances. This comparison assumes general energy usage of 4000kWh/year for a residential customer on a single rate tariff. Please use our comparison tool for a specific comparison in your area and to see other products in our database that may be available. Our database may not cover all deals in your area. As always, check all details of any plan directly with the retailer before making a purchase decision.

Here are some sponsored deals from the retailers on our database that include a link to the retailer’s website for further details. These are products from our referral partners†. These costs are based on the Energex network in Brisbane but prices may vary depending on your circumstances. This comparison assumes general energy usage of 4600kWh/year for a residential customer on a single rate tariff. Please use our comparison tool for a specific comparison in your area and to see other products in our database that may be available. Our database may not cover all deals in your area. As always, check all details of any plan directly with the retailer before making a purchase decision.

Here are some sponsored deals from the retailers on our database that include a link to the retailer’s website for further details. These are products from our referral partners†. These costs are based on the SA Power network in Adelaide but prices may vary depending on your circumstances. This comparison assumes general energy usage of 4000kWh/year for a residential customer on a single rate tariff. Please use our comparison tool for a specific comparison in your area and to see other products in our database that may be available. Our database may not cover all deals in your area. As always, check all details of any plan directly with the retailer before making a purchase decision.

New South Wales electricity rebates

New South Wales has multiple energy rebates for residential customers:

  • Low Income Household Rebate
  • Family Energy Rebate
  • Gas Rebate
  • Life Support Rebate
  • Medical Energy Rebate
  • Seniors Energy Rebate
  • Energy Accounts Payment Assistance Scheme.

Low Income Household Rebate

This is a concession for pensioners, seniors, veterans and households struggling to keep on top of their electricity bill. It involves an annual payment of $285 to eligible NSW residents.

Concession name Low Income Household Rebate
Rebate amount Up to $285 a year
Energy type Electricity
Eligibility requirements 1) Be a residential customer with a home electricity account and bill in your name. 2) Have one of the following: a Pensioner Concession Card, Health Care Card, or DVA gold card.

Low Income Household Rebate, NSW Government. Accurate as of May 2024. 

Family Energy Rebate

Low income families may be eligible for an annual electricity rebate of $180. If you also receive the Low Income Household rebate (above), the Family Energy rebate is capped at $20. Applications for the 2023-2024 rebate are now open, but close at 11pm on June 16, 2024.

Concession name Family Energy Rebate
Rebate amount Up to $180 a year
Energy type Electricity
Eligibility requirements 1) Have a home electricity account and bill in your name. 2) Have received the Family Tax Benefit last financial year
and lodged your tax return with the ATO. 3) Have finalised your entitlement for the FTB with Centrelink.

Family Energy Rebate, NSW Government. Accurate as of May 2024.

Medical Energy Rebate

The medical rebate assists customers if they, or someone living with them, is unable to self-regulate their body temperature. This is often associated with diseases like Parkinson’s and Multiple Sclerosis, however an independent diagnosis is required to confirm the person is unable to control their body temperature before receiving the rebate.

Concession name Medical Energy Rebate
Rebate amount Up to $285 a year
Energy type Electricity
Eligibility requirements 1) Hold a Pensioner Concession Card, Department of Veterans Affairs Card or Health Care Card. 2) Have been diagnosed with a condition that makes it difficult to self-regulate body temperature.

Medical Energy Rebate, NSW Government. Accurate as of May 2024.

Life Support Rebate

If an electricity customer or someone living with them requires life support, they may be eligible to have the energy costs of their life support equipment rebated. To receive this rebate, the life support machine must be from the government’s approved list. The value of the rebate will vary with different equipment. Please note customers will need to reapply for this rebate every two years.

Concession name Life Support Rebate
Rebate amount Up to $1,343 per retail (on-market) household, per financial year, depending on the equipment type.
Energy type Electricity
Eligibility requirements 1) A home electricity account and bill in your home. 2) The account holder or someone at the property has been assessed by a GP to verify use of life support equipment is required at their property.

Life Support Rebate, NSW Government. Accurate as of May 2024.

Gas Rebate

This rebate is essentially the gas equivalent of the low-income household electricity rebate. It provides pensioners, veterans and low-income natural gas and LPG customers with an annual rebate. Mains natural gas and LPG customers receive up to $110 per year, while those receiving LPG can claim $121.

Concession name Gas Rebate
Rebate amount Up to $110 a year
Energy type Natural gas or LPG
Eligibility requirements 1) You have a gas account at home or use more than 45 kg/88 L bottled LPG for household needs. 2) The gas account and bill must be in your name. 3) Account holder has one of the following: Pensioner Concession Card, Health Care card or DVA gold card.

Gas Rebate, NSW Government. Accurate as of May 2024.

Seniors Rebate

This rebate is available to self-funded retirees living in NSW. It offers a $200 rebate for retirees each financial year for their main place of residence.

Concession name Seniors Rebate
Rebate amount Up to $200 a year
Energy type Electricity
Eligibility requirements 1) Applicants must hold a current Commonwealth Seniors Health Card issued by either Services Australia or Department of Veterans’ Affairs. 2) Be a self-funded retiree residing in NSW

Seniors Energy Rebate, NSW Government. Accurate as of May 2024.

Energy Accounts Payment Assistance Scheme

This scheme is for those unable to pay their energy bill due to short-term financial hardship, crisis or emergency.

Concession name EAPA Scheme
Rebate amount Depends on individual case
Energy type Electricity and gas
Eligibility requirements 1) Have an open and unpaid energy bill. 2) Be in short-term financial crisis.

Energy Accounts Payment Assistance Scheme, NSW Government. Accurate as of May 2024.

New South Wales electricity prices

Here are some of the cheapest published deals from the retailers on our database that include a link to the retailer’s website for further details. These are products from referral partners†. These costs are based on the Ausgrid network in Sydney but prices may vary depending on your circumstances. This comparison assumes general energy usage of 3900kWh/year for a residential customer on a single rate tariff. Please use our comparison tool for a specific comparison in your area and to see other products in our database that may be available. Our database may not cover all deals in your area. As always, check all details of any plan directly with the retailer before making a purchase decision. The next three tabs feature products exclusively from AGL, EnergyAustralia and Origin.

Here are the AGL Energy plans on our database for NSW. These are products from a referral partner†. These costs are based on the Ausgrid network in Sydney but prices may vary depending on your circumstances. This comparison assumes general energy usage of 3900kWh/year for a residential customer on a single rate tariff. Please use our comparison tool for a specific comparison in your area and to see other products in our database that may be available. Our database may not cover all deals in your area. As always, check all details of any plan directly with the retailer before making a purchase decision.

Here are the EnergyAustralia plans on our database for NSW. These are products from a referral partner†. These costs are based on the Ausgrid network in Sydney but prices may vary depending on your circumstances. This comparison assumes general energy usage of 3900kWh/year for a residential customer on a single rate tariff. Please use our comparison tool for a specific comparison in your area and to see other products in our database that may be available. Our database may not cover all deals in your area. As always, check all details of any plan directly with the retailer before making a purchase decision.

Here are the Origin Energy plans on our database for NSW. These are products from a referral partner†. These costs are based on the Ausgrid network in Sydney but prices may vary depending on your circumstances. This comparison assumes general energy usage of 3900kWh/year for a residential customer on a single rate tariff. Please use our comparison tool for a specific comparison in your area and to see other products in our database that may be available. Our database may not cover all deals in your area. As always, check all details of any plan directly with the retailer before making a purchase decision.

Queensland electricity rebates

The state government provides a number of electricity and gas rebates to Queensland residential customers:

  • Electricity and Natural Gas Rebate
  • Cost of Living Rebate
  • Electricity Life Support Concession
  • Medical Cooling and Heating Rebate
  • Home Energy Emergency Assistance Scheme

Electricity and Natural Gas Rebate

The Queensland government gives a yearly payment to seniors, pensioners and veterans. It includes a rebate on both electricity and gas for any customer holding a Pensioner Concession Card, Queensland Seniors Card, DVA card and anyone with asylum-seeker status.
Note: some applicants will only be eligible for the electricity rebate.

Concession name Electricity and Natural Gas Rebate
Rebate amount $372.20 (electricity); $86.75 (gas)
Energy type Electricity and natural gas
Eligibility requirements 1) Applicants must have one of the following: Queensland Seniors card, Pensioner Concession card, Health Care, Low Income Health and Ex-Carer Allowance (child) card*, DVA gold card and receive the appropriate pensions, asylum-seeker status (must provide ImmiCard details)*.

* Electricity rebate only.

Pensioner’s Rebate, QLD Government. Accurate as of May 2024. 

2024-25 Cost of Living Rebate

Residential electricity account holders who are separately charged for their energy bill, including customers on embedded networks. Customers must also be connected to the electricity grid (exceptions are available for some households, including Ergon Energy customers).
Note: this rebate is a revised version of the 2023-24 Cost of Living Rebate.

Concession name 2024-25 Cost of Living Rebate
Rebate amount $1,000
Energy type Electricity
Eligibility requirements 1) Account holders who are separately charged for their energy bill, including customers on embedded networks. 2) Must also be connected to the electricity grid (exceptions are available for some households, including Ergon Energy customers).

Cost of Living Rebate, QLD Government. Accurate as of May 2024. 

2023-24 Cost of Living Rebate

Eligible Queenslanders can claim up to $700 off the cost of energy bills in 2023-2024 through a rebate partially funded by the Australian Government’s Energy Relief Bill Fund. The scheme is available to all Queensland households; if you receive the above Queensland Electricity Rebate, you will automatically receive a $700 Cost of Living Rebate as a quarterly bill credit. Almost all other households will be eligible for a lower $550 rebate, which will again be applied automatically as a bill credit each quarter.

Concession name 2023-24 Cost of Living Rebate
Rebate amount $700 for low-income/vulnerable households, $550 for all others
Energy type Electricity
Eligibility requirements 1) Be a customer or resident of on-supplied scheme. 2) Be Separately metered and charged for electricity use. 3) Have one of the following: Queensland Seniors card, Pensioner Concession card, Health Care, Low Income Health, Ex-Carer Allowance (child) or DVA gold card, asylum-seeker status (must provide ImmiCard details)

Cost of Living Rebate, QLD Government. Accurate as of May 2024. 

Electricity Life Support Concession

The Queensland government provides a rebate to customers suffering a serious illness which forces them to rely on a home-based oxygen concentrator or kidney dialysis machine. If you receive this concession, you will also receive special care in the event of power outages.
Note: for the oxygen concentrator concession customers may need to also hold a Pensioner Concession, Health Care or Queensland Seniors Card.

Concession name Electricity Life Support Concession
Rebate amount $975.60 per year for each oxygen concentrator; or $653.34 per year for each kidney dialysis machine
Energy type Electricity
Eligibility requirements 1) Applicants with with free oxygen concentrators received through the Medical Aids Subsidy Scheme (MASS) . 2) Meet the criteria determined by MASS. 3) Applicants with kidney dialysis machines must receive free home-based kidney dialysis machine from a Queensland Health hospital.

Life Support Concession, QLD Government. Accurate as of May 2024. 

Medical Cooling and Heating Rebate

Customers suffering with a chronic condition which is aggravated by changes in temperature, (including Multiple Sclerosis, autonomic system dysfunction or a skin inflammatory condition) may be eligible for an annual rebate on their electricity bill.

Note: customers will need to reapply for this rebate every two years.

Concession name Medical Cooling and Heating Electricity Concession Scheme
Rebate amount Up to $720 once every 2 years
Energy type Electricity
Eligibility requirements 1) Be a Queensland resident requiring cooling or heating to stop medical symptoms from getting worse. 2) Have an air conditioning or heating unit at home. 3) Hold a DVA Pensioner Concession or Health Care card.

Medical Cooling and Heating Concession, QLD Government. Accurate as of May 2024.

Home Energy Emergency Assistance Scheme

Customers experiencing problems paying their electricity or reticulated natural gas bills due to an emergency or a short-term financial crisis within the past 12 months.

Concession name Home Energy Emergency Assistance Scheme
Rebate amount $479.03 per year
Energy type Electricity or natural gas
Eligibility requirements 1) The electricity account and bill must be in your name. 2) Hold a concession card or earn equal to or less than the Australian government’s maximum income rate for part-age pensioners. 3) Be on your energy provider’s hardship program or payment plan.

Home Energy Emergency Assistance Scheme, QLD Government. Accurate as of May 2024.

Queensland electricity prices

Here are some of the cheapest published deals from the retailers on our database that include a link to the retailer’s website for further details. These are products from referral partners†. These costs are based on the Energex network in Brisbane but prices may vary depending on your circumstances. This comparison assumes general energy usage of 4600kWh/year for a residential customer on a single rate tariff. Please use our comparison tool for a specific comparison in your area and to see other products in our database that may be available. Our database may not cover all deals in your area. As always, check all details of any plan directly with the retailer before making a purchase decision. The next three tabs feature products exclusively from AGL, EnergyAustralia and Origin.

Here are the AGL Energy plans on our database for SEQ. These are products from a referral partner†. These costs are based on the Energex energy network in Brisbane but prices may vary depending on your circumstances. This comparison assumes general energy usage of 4600kWh/year for a residential customer on a single rate tariff. Please use our comparison tool for a specific comparison in your area and to see other products in our database that may be available. Our database may not cover all deals in your area. As always, check all details of any plan directly with the retailer before making a purchase decision.

Here are the EnergyAustralia plans on our database for SEQ. These are products from a referral partner†. These costs are based on the Energex network in Brisbane but prices may vary depending on your circumstances. This comparison assumes general energy usage of 4600kWh/year for a residential customer on a single rate tariff. Please use our comparison tool for a specific comparison in your area and to see other products in our database that may be available. Our database may not cover all deals in your area. As always, check all details of any plan directly with the retailer before making a purchase decision.

Here are the Origin Energy plans on our database for SEQ. These are products from a referral partner†. These costs are based on the Energex network in Brisbane but prices may vary depending on your circumstances. This comparison assumes general energy usage of 4600kWh/year for a residential customer on a single rate tariff. Please use our comparison tool for a specific comparison in your area and to see other products in our database that may be available. Our database may not cover all deals in your area. As always, check all details of any plan directly with the retailer before making a purchase decision.

Victorian electricity rebates

Victoria has a number of electricity and gas rebates. Rather than paying a fixed amount each year, Victorian rebates pay a percentage of your annual bill. This could possibly help you save hundreds of dollars on power each year. Victoria’s rebates are the following:

  • Annual Electricity Concession
  • Excess Electricity Concession
  • Non-Mains Energy Concession
  • Excess Gas Concession
  • Medical Cooling Concession
  • Life Support Concession
  • Winter Gas Concession

Annual Electricity Concession

This rebate is for Victorian pensioners, seniors, veterans and low-income earners. It provides concession card holders with an annual rebate on electricity, equivalent to 17.5% of their bill.
Note: this rebate does not apply to the first $171.60 and cuts off at $3,563 of the annual bill.

Concession name Annual Electricity Concession
Rebate amount 17.5% of your total bill after discounts and credits
Energy type Electricity
Eligibility requirements 1) The account holder must have one of the following: a Pensioner Concession card, Health Care card or Veterans’ Affairs Gold card.

Annual Electricity Concession, Victorian Government. Accurate as of May 2024. 

Excess Electricity Concession

Pensioners, seniors, veterans and low-income earners who experience unexpectedly high annual electricity costs can apply for a 17.5% concession, calculated after retailer discounts and solar credits are deducted. This rebate is currently available to eligible customers whose electricity bills totaled more than $3,563 for the annual period.

Concession name Excess Electricity Concession
Rebate amount 17.5% of your total bill after discounts and credits
Energy type Electricity
Eligibility requirements 1) The account holder with annual electricity costs above $3,563 must have one of the following: a Pensioner Concession card, Health Care card or Veterans’ Affairs Gold card.

Excess Electricity Concession, Victorian Government. Accurate as of May 2024. 

Non-Mains Energy Concession

If you don’t rely on grid electricity or mains natural gas, you may be entitled to the non-mains energy concession to help cover your annual costs. Non-mains sources of energy include LPG, firewood, heating oil, generator fuel and electricity accessed through an embedded network. The rebate value depends on how much has been spent on energy that year.

Note: a separate rebate is paid for each energy fuel type. Special conditions apply for firewood and generator fuel concessions.

Concession name Non-Mains Energy Concession
Rebate amount $55 for spending from $100 to $318.99
$168 for spending from $319 to $957.99
$279 for spending from $958 to $1,593.99
$398 for spending from $1,594 to $2,274.99
$509 for spending from $2,275 to $2,910.99
$619 for spending $2,911 and above.*A separate rebate is paid for each energy type used.
Energy type Non-mains energy: LPG, wood for heating, cooking or boiling hot water, heating oil, electricity accessed via an embedded network, generator fuel.
Eligibility requirements 1) The account holder must have one of the following: a Pensioner Concession card, Health Care card or Veterans’ Affairs Gold card.

Non-Mains Energy Concession, Victorian Government. Accurate as of May 2024. 

Excess Gas Concession

Concession card holders may be entitled to an excess gas concession, provided their winter gas costs exceeded $2,067 in the May to October 2023 period. This rebate is available to pensioners, health care card owners and veterans.

Concession name Excess Gas Concession
Rebate amount 17.5% of your total bill after discounts and credits
Energy type Gas
Eligibility requirements 1) The gas account holder with winter gas costs above $2,067 must have one of the following: a Pensioner Concession card, Health Care card or Veterans’ Affairs Gold card.

Excess Gas Concession, Victorian Government. Accurate as of May 2024. 

Medical Cooling Concession

Electricity account customers with a specific medical condition can apply for a 17.5% concession that can be added to the annual electricity concession (totaling 35%). Pre-approved conditions include Lymphoedema, Motor Neurone Disease, Multiple Sclerosis, Parkinson’s Disease, Post-polio Syndrome/Poliomyelitis or Fibromyalgia.

Note: applies to electricity usage and service costs between November 1 and April 30.

Concession name Medical Cooling Concession
Rebate amount 17.5% of usage and service charges after discounts and credits
Energy type Electricity
Eligibility requirements 1) The account holder must have one of the following: a Pensioner Concession card, Health Care card or Veterans’ Affairs Gold card. 2) The account holder or household member must have a medical condition that affects their ability to self-regulate temperature.

Medical Cooling Concession, Victorian Government. Accurate as of May 2024. 

Life Support Concession

Concession card holders who use a life support system at home could be entitled to the life support concession.

Note: this rebate only applies to oxygen concentrators, haemodialysis machines and intermittent peritoneal dialysis machines.

Concession name Life Support Concession
Rebate amount 1,880 kilowatt hours (470 kilowatt hours per quarter) of electricity annually, calculated using the general tariff of your electricity retailer.
Energy type Electricity and water
Eligibility requirements 1) The account holder must have one of the following: a Pensioner Concession card, Health Care card or Veterans’ Affairs Gold card. 2) The account holder or household member must use an approved life support machine that uses 1,880 kilowatt hours of electricity and more annually.

Life Support Concession, Victorian Government. Accurate as of May 2024. 

Winter Gas Concession

This rebate helps pensioners and low-income families deal with the dreaded winter heating bill. Concession card holders that use mains natural gas can receive a concession of 17.5% off their gas bill, so long as it’s under $2,067 for the winter period (May 1 to October 31).

Note: the concession does not apply to the first $62.40 of the six-month winter period bills.

Concession name Winter Gas Concession
Rebate amount 17.5% of your total bill after discounts and credits
Energy type Natural gas
Eligibility requirements 1) The gas account holder must have one of the following: a Pensioner Concession card, Health Care card or Veterans’ Affairs Gold card.

Winter Gas Concession, Victorian Government. Accurate as of May 2024.

Victorian electricity prices

Here are some of the cheapest published deals from the retailers on our database that include a link to the retailer’s website for further details. These are products from referral partners†. Costs are based on the Citipower network in Melbourne but prices may vary depending on your circumstances. This comparison assumes general energy usage of 4000kWh/year for a residential customer on a single rate tariff. Please use our comparison tool for a specific comparison in your area and to see other products in our database that may be available. Our database may not cover all deals in your area. As always, check all details of any plan directly with the retailer before making a purchase decision. The next three tabs feature products exclusively from AGL, EnergyAustralia and Origin.

Here are the AGL Energy plans on our database for Victoria. These are products from a referral partner†. These costs are based on the Citipower network in Melbourne but prices may vary depending on your circumstances. This comparison assumes general energy usage of 4000kWh/year for a residential customer on a single rate tariff. Please use our comparison tool for a specific comparison in your area and to see other products in our database that may be available. Our database may not cover all deals in your area. As always, check all details of any plan directly with the retailer before making a purchase decision.

Here are the EnergyAustralia plans on our database for Victoria. These are products from a referral partner†. These costs are based on the Citipower network in Melbourne but prices may vary depending on your circumstances. This comparison assumes general energy usage of 4000kWh/year for a residential customer on a single rate tariff. Please use our comparison tool for a specific comparison in your area and to see other products in our database that may be available. Our database may not cover all deals in your area. As always, check all details of any plan directly with the retailer before making a purchase decision.

Here are the Origin Energy plans on our database for Victoria. These are products from a referral partner†. These costs are based on the Citipower energy network in Melbourne but prices may vary depending on your circumstances. This comparison assumes general energy usage of 4000kWh/year for a residential customer on a single rate tariff. Please use our comparison tool for a specific comparison in your area and to see other products in our database that may be available. Our database may not cover all deals in your area. As always, check all details of any plan directly with the retailer before making a purchase decision.

South Australian electricity rebates

South Australia also has energy rebates which are worth investigating for households struggling to pay their bills. Here are the concessions on offer:

  • Energy Bill Concession
  • Medical Heating and Cooling Concession
  • Cost of Living Concession
  • Energy Discount Offer
  • Residential Park Resident Concession
  • Home Dialysis Electricity Concession.

Energy Bill Concession

The South Australian government has a catch-all rebate for pensioners, seniors, veterans and low-income earners. It is a $263.15 rebate to cover both electricity and gas (ie: if you have both electricity and gas, the rebate remains at $263.15).

Concession name Energy Bill Concession
Rebate amount $263.15 to cover both electricity and gas
Energy type Electricity, natural gas and LPG
Eligibility requirements 1) The account holder must have an eligible concession card or receive payments from Centrelink. 2) Cannot have a housemate earning more than $3,000 annually, unless they are on a government allowance or are the account holder’s spouse or dependent.

Energy Bill Concession, SA Government. Accurate as of May 2024. 

Medical Heating and Cooling Concession

If a bill payer or someone living at the property suffers a condition that makes them unable to regulate their body temperature, the South Australian government offers a rebate to help with the cost of cooling and/or heating.

Concession name Medical Heating and Cooling Concession
Rebate amount $263.15 for both electricity and gas
Energy type Electricity, natural gas and LPG
Eligibility requirements 1) The account holder must be diagnosed with a condition that makes it difficult to regulate body temperature. 2) Have the condition signed off by a doctor. 3) Hold an eligible Pensioner Concession, Health Care or DVA Gold card. 4) Use heating or cooling at home for medical purposes.

Medical Concession, SA Government. Accurate as of May 2024. 

Cost of Living Concession

The cost of living concession is to ease the cost of basic utilities like water, gas, medical bills and electricity. You can apply for this concession even if you’re receiving the Energy Bill Concession. Applications need to be submitted by December 31 to be eligible for the following financial year.

Concession name Cost of Living Concession
Rebate amount Homeowners – $243.90
Homeowner retirees with seniors health card – $122
Tenants – $122
Energy type Electricity, natural gas and other utilities
Eligibility requirements 1) The account holder must hold one of the following: a Pensioner Concession, DVA, Health Care or Seniors card. 2) Receive appropriate Centrelink payment. 3) Meet and prove requirements for low income. 4) Cannot reside with anyone earning more than the low income provisions (except spouse, dependent or someone on Centrelink or DVA payments).

Cost of Living Concession, SA Government. Accurate as of May 2024.

Energy Discount Offer

The Energy Discount Offer gives Origin Energy customers discounts who already receive the standard energy concession.

Note: this offer is different to the energy concession.

Concession name Energy Discount Offer
Rebate amount 17% off electricity usage and supply charges
11% off natural gas usage and supply charges
Energy type Electricity and natural gas
Eligibility requirements 1) The account holder must have an account with Origin Energy.

Energy Discount Offer, SA Government. Accurate as of May 2024.

Residential Park Resident Concession

This concession is available to those who live in a residential or caravan park. It is a single, combined concession to help with utilities.

Concession name Residential Park Resident Concession
Rebate amount Up to $622.85 a year for dwelling owners who pay for water, sewerage and energy*
Up to $409.45 a year for tenants who pay for water and energy**Paid quarterly
Energy type Electricity, gas, water and sewerage
Eligibility requirements 1) The account holder must have one of the following: a Pensioner Concession, Health Care, Low Income or Veterans’ Affairs Gold card or receive an eligible Centrelink payment. 2) Occupy the place of residence.

Residential Park Resident Concession, SA Government. Accurate as of May 2024.

Home Dialysis Electricity Concession

This concession is available to those receiving kidney dialysis due to kidney disease.

Concession name Home Dialysis Electricity Concession
Rebate amount $165 annually
Energy type Electricity
Eligibility requirements 1) Must have a home dialysis treatment approved by an eligible doctor.

Home Dialysis Electricity Concession, SA Government. Accurate as of May 2024. 

South Australian electricity prices

Here are some of the cheapest published deals from the retailers on our database that include a link to the retailer’s website for further details. These are products from referral partners†. These costs are based on the SA Power network in Adelaide but prices may vary depending on your circumstances. This comparison assumes general energy usage of 4000kWh/year for a residential customer on a single rate tariff. Please use our comparison tool for a specific comparison in your area and to see other products in our database that may be available. Our database may not cover all deals in your area. As always, check all details of any plan directly with the retailer before making a purchase decision. The next three tabs feature products exclusively from AGL, EnergyAustralia and Origin.

Here are the AGL Energy plans on our database for South Australia. These are products from a referral partner†. These costs are based on the SA Power network in Adelaide but prices may vary depending on your circumstances. This comparison assumes general energy usage of 4000kWh/year for a residential customer on a single rate tariff. Please use our comparison tool for a specific comparison in your area and to see other products in our database that may be available. Our database may not cover all deals in your area. As always, check all details of any plan directly with the retailer before making a purchase decision.

Here are the EnergyAustralia plans on our database for South Australia. These are products from a referral partner†. These costs are based on the SA Power network in Adelaide but prices may vary depending on your circumstances. This comparison assumes general energy usage of 4000kWh/year for a residential customer on a single rate tariff. Please use our comparison tool for a specific comparison in your area and to see other products in our database that may be available. Our database may not cover all deals in your area. As always, check all details of any plan directly with the retailer before making a purchase decision.

Here are the Origin Energy plans on our database for South Australia. These are products from a referral partner†. These costs are based on the SA Power network in Adelaide but prices may vary depending on your circumstances. This comparison assumes general energy usage of 4000kWh/year for a residential customer on a single rate tariff. Please use our comparison tool for a specific comparison in your area and to see other products in our database that may be available. Our database may not cover all deals in your area. As always, check all details of any plan directly with the retailer before making a purchase decision.

ACT electricity rebates

Much like the other states, the ACT also has electricity rebates and programs for struggling households that are worth considering. Here are the concessions on offer in ACT:

  • Utilities Concession
  • Home Energy Support Program
  • Heating and Cooling Upgrade
  • Sustainable Household Scheme

Utilities Concession

This concession covers electricity, natural gas, water and sewerage for pensioners, veterans and low-income households in the ACT.

The ACT’s Utilities Concession is an annual concession to the amount of $750. A one-off $50 bonus payment is available on this concession for the 2023-2024 financial year.

Concession name Utilities Concession
Rebate amount Up to $750.
Summer Rate (November to May): 95.071c/day
Winter Rate (June to October): 357.843c/day
Energy type Electricity, natural gas, water and sewerage
Eligibility requirements 1) The account holder must have one of the following: a Pensioner Concession card, Health Care card or Veterans’ Affairs Gold card.

Utilities Concession, ACT Government. Accurate as of May 2024. 

Home Energy Support Program

The Home Energy Support Program allows eligible ACT homeowners to cash in on rebates up to $5,000 to help install energy efficient products. Installations covered under this rebate include rooftop solar, reverse cycle heating and cooling, hot water pumps, electric stovetops and ceiling insulation.

Note: residents will also need to attend a free online Everyday Climate Choices workshop to be eligible.

Concession name Home Energy Support Program
Rebate amount Up to $2,500 for rooftop solar, up to $2,500 for all other upgrades
Energy type Electricity and solar
Eligibility requirements 1) Must be a home owner. 2) Must hold a Pensioner Concession or DVA card and have a property with an Unimproved Value at or below $750,000 for freestanding homes/dual occupancies, and $300,000 for unit titled multi-story apartments.

Home Energy Support Program, ACT Government. Accurate as of May 2024.

Heating and Cooling Upgrade

The heating and cooling upgrade program provided by ActewAGL gives eligible customers a rebate of $1000. This program helps applicants to upgrade from gas heating to reverse-cycle air conditioning while also offering $500 credit on customers’ electricity bills over three years.

Concession name Heating and Cooling Upgrade
Rebate amount Up to $2,500 for rooftop solar
Up to $2,500 for all other upgrades
Energy type Electricity and gas
Eligibility requirements 1) Must be a home owner. 2) Must hold a Pensioner Concession or DVA card and have a property with an Unimproved Value at or below $750,000 for freestanding homes/dual occupancies, and $300,000 for unit titled multi-story apartments.

Heating and Cooling Upgrade, ACT Government. Accurate as of May 2024.

Sustainable Household Scheme

Eligible customers can borrow between $2,000 to $15,000 to invest in energy-efficient goods.

Concession name Sustainable Household Scheme
Rebate amount $15,000 per eligible household
– Either through $15,000 in zero interest loans or
– Through $10,000 in zero interest loans + $5,000 in rebates
Energy type Energy-efficient products
Eligibility requirements 1) Must be a home owner, or have a current driving license if applying for a loan for an EV. 2) Must meet the scheme’s eligibility criteria plus Brighte’s lending criteria including a free one-hour live workshop.

Sustainable Household Scheme, ACT Government. Accurate as of May 2024. 

Western Australia electricity rebates

Western Australia offers a few rebates to help cover electricity and gas costs for vulnerable households. These include:

  • Household Electricity Credit
  • Household and Small Business Electricity Credit
  • Energy Concession Extension Scheme
  • Energy Assistance Payment
  • Dependent Child Rebate
  • Air Conditioning Rebate

Household and Small Business Electricity Credit

As part of the 2024-35 state budget, the Western Australian government announced a one-off credit to reduce electricity bills for eligible small business and residential customers.

Concession name Household and Small Business Electricity Credit
Rebate amount $400
Energy type Electricity
Eligibility requirements 1) Be a WA resident with an active electricity account.

Household and Small Business Electricity Credit, WA Government. Accurate as of May 2024.

Household Electricity Credit

The Household Electricity Credit is available to all households in WA. This is worth a total of $400 although some households may be eligible for more.

Note: applications for this credit have closed.

Concession name Household Electricity Credit
Rebate amount $500 for households receiving the Energy Concession Extension Scheme, $400 for all others
Energy type Electricity
Eligibility requirements 1) Be a WA resident with an active electricity account.

Household Electricity Credit, WA Government. Accurate as of May 2024.

Energy Concession Extension Scheme

This scheme includes the Energy Assistance Payment and can also include the Dependent Child Rebate and/or the Air Conditioning Rebate.

Concession name Energy Concession Extension Scheme
Rebate amount $500 for households receiving the Energy Concession Extension Scheme, $400 for all others
Energy type Electricity
Eligibility requirements 1) The account holder must have one of the following: a Pensioner Concession card, Health Care card, Commonwealth Seniors or Veterans’ Affairs Gold card. Western Australian Seniors card is not eligible. 2) The account holder must have an energy account with a supplier other than: Synergy, Horizon Power, BHP or Rio Tinto. 3) Tenants must be residing in property or have a lease for more than three months. 4) Energy costs must be reasonably based.

Energy Concession Extension Scheme, WA Government. Accurate as of May 2024. 

Energy Assistance Payment

The Energy Assistance Payment is a payment to assist financially vulnerable households with meeting their energy usage costs. This is paid annually to the amount of $326.33. Customers cannot be billed directly by the state’s providers – Synergy or Horizon Power – if they wish to receive this rebate.

Note: those who receive the Energy Assistance Payment may also be eligible for the Dependent Child Rebate and Air Conditioning Rebate.

Concession name Energy Assistance Payment
Rebate amount $326.33
Energy type Electricity
Eligibility requirements 1) Must reside in the home. 2) Must not be billed directly by Horizon Power or Synergy. 3) The account holder must have one of the following: an eligible Pensioner Concession, Health Care, Seniors or DVA Gold card.

Energy Assistance Payment, WA Government. Accurate as of May 2024. 

Tasmanian electricity rebates

Tasmania also has a few rebates to help cover electricity and gas costs for vulnerable households, particularly when it comes to heating expenses. These include:

  • Annual Electricity Concession
  • Heating Allowance
  • Life Support Concession
  • Medical Heating or Cooling Concession

Annual Electricity Concession

The Annual Electricity Concession provides a daily discount to eligible customers to help offset the cost of their home power usage.

Concession name Annual Electricity Concession
Rebate amount 172.434 cents per day
Energy type Electricity
Eligibility requirements 1) The account holder must have an eligible Pensioner Concession, Health Care, Seniors or DVA Gold card.

Annual Electricity Concession, Tasmanian Government. Accurate as of May 2024. 

Heating Allowance

Tasmania’s Heating Allowance is a two-part payment designed to help pensioners with their winter heating costs between May and September. Once approved, residents do not need to re-apply again for this allowance every year.

Note: if a single pensioner has more than $1,750 in cash assets and married/de facto pensioners have more than $2,750 they are ineligible.

Concession name Heating Allowance
Rebate amount Up to $56 per year (two $28 payments)
Energy type Electricity
Eligibility requirements 1) The account holder must have an eligible Pensioner Concession or Services Australia card. 2) The account holder must also receive one of the following: Age Pension payment, Carer payment, Disability Support pension, Parenting payment or Service pension.

Heating Allowance, Tasmanian Government. Accurate as of May 2024.

Life Support Concession

The life support concession is a daily discount for customers who use or live with a user of a life support system. Daily rebates include:

  • Oxygen concentrator – 127.806 cents
  • Peritoneal dialysis machine – 94.825 cents
  • Haemodialysis machine – 94.825 cents
  • Chronic positive pressure and airways regulator – 45.350 cents
  • Continuous positive airways pressure machine – 45.350 cents
  • Respirator (iron lung) – 169.033 cents
  • Combination oxygen concentrator and chronic positive pressure and airways regulator – 173.156 cents
  • Phototherapy machine – 240.845 cents
  • Left ventricular assist device – 45.350 cents.
Concession name Life Support Concession
Rebate amount Up to 240.845 cents per day
Energy type Electricity
Eligibility requirements 1) The account holder must have an approved life support system at home or live with someone using a life support system.

Life Support Concession, Tasmanian Government. Accurate as of May 2024.

Medical Cooling or Heating Concession

This concession is a daily discount for those with a medical condition who require heating or cooling for themselves or someone at home.

Concession name Medical Cooling or Heating Concession
Rebate amount 51.648 cents per day
Energy type Electricity
Eligibility requirements 1) The account holder must have a Services Australia Pensioner, DVA Pensioner Concession or Services Australia Health Care card.

Medical Cooling or Heating Concession, Tasmanian Government. Accurate as of May 2024. 

Northern Territory electricity rebates

The Northern Territory has the least amount of electricity concessions in Australia. Vulnerable customers have the option of the following energy rebates:

  • Electricity Concession
  • Medical Support Allowance

Electricity Concession

The NT’s Electricity Concession can be applicable to a number of household types in the state, each with varying payments to suit their needs.

Note: residents may need to be a member of the NT Concession Scheme to be eligible for some concession types.

Concession name  Electricity Concession
Rebate amount Households (including prepaid meters): up to $1,200 per annum for electricity (8,000 kW)
Caravan parks or alternative energy: $1.274 per day
Energy type Electricity
Eligibility requirements 1) The account holder must be a member of the NT Concession Scheme or live in a registered caravan park. 2) Other conditions may apply for alternative energy or prepaid meters.

Electricity Concession, NT Government. Accurate as of May 2024.

Medical Support Allowance

This allowance is for a customer who goes beyond the concession cap and they or their dependent has a medical condition that directly affects electricity use.

Concession name  Medical Support Allowance
Rebate amount $154, applied once cap is exceeded
Energy type Electricity
Eligibility requirements 1) The account holder must be responsible for paying electricity bill.

Medical Support Allowance, NT Government. Accurate as of May 2024. 

How can I reduce my power bill?

Comparing energy retailers is the best way to reduce energy bills and save money. Canstar Blue strives to help consumers make the most informed decision possible. To see if you could save on energy, check out Canstar Blue’s customer satisfaction ratings and free price comparison tool below.

Image credits: bmphotographer/shutterstock.com

Katrina Hasdell
Energy Content Producer
Katrina Hasdell is an Energy Content Producer at Canstar Blue, where she covers Australia’s retail energy market. Katrina is dedicated to providing consumers with easy-to-read information on their energy options so they can get better deals on electricity, solar power and more.

Share this article