New Energy Bill Reform – Starting June 1, the Australian Government is introducing a major energy bill relief reform, offering a $1300 energy bill rebate for millions of eligible households and small businesses. This initiative comes as part of the government’s broader effort to tackle the rising cost of living and ease the pressure from high electricity and gas prices.
The rebate will be applied automatically to eligible accounts through participating energy retailers, with no manual application required for most consumers. However, understanding eligibility, how the rebate is applied, and when it kicks in is crucial to ensure households and businesses get the benefit.
What Is the New Energy Bill Reform?
The federal government, in collaboration with state and territory administrations, has introduced a $1300 one-time rebate on electricity bills, starting from June 1, 2025. This measure is part of the National Energy Bill Relief initiative and is funded under the 2025-26 Federal Budget to reduce inflationary pressure and support low- and middle-income Australians.
Key Highlights:
- Rebate Amount: Up to $1300 per household and varying amounts for eligible small businesses
- Effective From: June 1, 2025
- Applied By: Energy retailers via automatic bill credits
- Purpose: To combat rising electricity costs and ease inflation effects
Who Is Eligible for the Energy Rebate?
Eligibility for the $1300 energy rebate depends on a few key factors, including the type of energy account held, income levels, and government concession status.
Eligible Categories Include:
- Pensioner Concession Card holders
- Health Care Card holders
- Low-income households registered with state programs
- Commonwealth Seniors Health Card holders
- Families receiving Family Tax Benefit A or B
- Small businesses under a certain energy usage threshold
Ineligible Categories:
- Households earning above specified income thresholds
- Commercial entities not categorized as small businesses
- Unregistered residential properties
Eligibility Summary Table:
| Category | Eligibility Status | Rebate Amount | Automatic Credit |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pensioners | Eligible | $1300 | Yes |
| Low-income Households | Eligible | $1300 | Yes |
| Small Businesses (Low Energy Use) | Eligible | Varies | Yes |
| High-income Households | Not Eligible | N/A | No |
| Unregistered Energy Accounts | Not Eligible | N/A | No |
| Family Tax Benefit A/B Recipients | Eligible | $1300 | Yes |
| Seniors with Commonwealth Health Card | Eligible | $1300 | Yes |
What If You’re Not Sure About Eligibility?
You can contact your state’s energy assistance department or check with your energy retailer.
Departmental Contact List for Rebate Inquiries:
| State/Territory | Contact Number | Official Website |
|---|---|---|
| New South Wales | 13 77 88 | www.nsw.gov.au/energy-rebate |
| Victoria | 1300 658 521 | www.energy.vic.gov.au/households |
| Queensland | 13 QGOV (13 74 68) | www.qld.gov.au/energy-bill-support |
| South Australia | 1800 307 758 | www.sa.gov.au/energy-rebate |
| Western Australia | 13 13 53 | www.wa.gov.au/energy-subsidy |
| Tasmania | 1300 135 513 | www.tas.gov.au/energy-support |
| Australian Capital Territory | 13 22 81 | www.act.gov.au/rebate |
| Northern Territory | 1800 777 704 | www.nt.gov.au/energy-concession |
How Will the Rebate Be Applied?
The energy rebate will be applied automatically as a bill credit on your electricity account over the course of several billing periods. In most states, the rebate will be split quarterly (i.e., $325 every 3 months) unless otherwise stated.
Sample Disbursement Table:
| Quarter | Rebate Amount Applied |
|---|---|
| June – August | $325 |
| Sept – November | $325 |
| Dec – February | $325 |
| March – May | $325 |
Note: Some energy retailers may apply the full rebate upfront if the billing cycle aligns with state policies.
How to Claim the Rebate If Not Automatically Applied?
If you believe you’re eligible but do not see the rebate on your bill, follow these steps:
Centrelink New $320 Winter Allowance for Pensioners Arriving by May 2025 – What Aussie's Should Know
- Contact your energy provider with your concession details
- Check whether your account is registered as a residential property
- Provide supporting documentation (concession card, tax benefit status, etc.)
- If unresolved, escalate to your state’s energy ombudsman
Energy Ombudsman Contact Reference:
| State | Ombudsman Contact |
|---|---|
| NSW | 1800 246 545 |
| Victoria | 1800 500 509 |
| Queensland | 1800 662 837 |
| WA | 1800 754 004 |
| SA | 1800 665 565 |
When Will You See the Rebate?
Rebate credits are expected to start appearing on energy bills from the first billing cycle after June 1, 2025. Households should monitor their bills and ensure the credits appear accordingly.
Tips to Ensure Rebate Is Applied:
- Check your latest energy bill for ‘Federal Rebate’ or ‘Bill Relief Credit’ label
- Confirm that your concession details are up to date with your provider
- Switch to a participating energy retailer if yours is non-compliant
Common FAQs: New Energy Bill Reform
Q1. Will I receive the rebate as a cash payment?
No. The rebate is applied directly to your energy bill as a credit.
Q2. Do I need to apply online?
Not usually. If your energy provider has your concession status, the rebate is automatic.
Q3. What if I change energy providers mid-year?
The remaining balance of the rebate can be transferred if the new provider is eligible.
Q4. What if my bill is less than the rebate amount?
The credit will roll over to your future bills until exhausted.
Q5. Do off-grid households qualify?
Only grid-connected households with registered retailers are eligible.
Important Notes for Small Businesses:
Eligible small businesses will receive a pro-rated rebate depending on energy usage. Businesses must:
- Be classified under low consumption brackets
- Hold an active ABN
- Be connected to the national electricity grid
Conclusion of New Energy Bill Reform
The $1300 energy bill rebate offers timely relief to Australian households and small businesses dealing with high utility bills. With automatic credits, broad eligibility, and zero paperwork for most recipients, this scheme is a major step forward in cost-of-living support. However, consumers should ensure their concession details are updated, and contact their provider or state agency if discrepancies arise.
