Energy Bill Relief for Households and Small Businesses
As part of recognising that rising power bills are adding financial pressures, in July 2024, the Australian Government introduced a new initiative to provide energy bill relief for over 10 million households and around one million small businesses during the 2024 – 25 financial year.
Understanding how this relief is applied and whether you’re eligible can help you plan ahead and make the most of the available support. Here’s what you need to know.
Energy bill relief for households
Households with an active electricity account will receive up to $300 in credits, applied automatically to electricity bills in most cases. For most states, the credit will be split into four $75 instalments across the year, while Western Australian households will receive two $150 credits in July and December 2024.
If you have solar panels or a positive account balance, you’re still eligible to receive the credit. If you are moving houses or changing electricity retailers, as long as you have an active account on the census dates, your credits will follow you.
Energy bill relief for small businesses
Eligible small businesses will receive up to $325 in credits on their electricity bills. To qualify, your business must:
- Have an active electricity account
- Operate from a location that is not a residential address with a residential electricity tariff
- Meet the definition of a “small business” based on your state or territory’s energy usage criteria
For most states, credits will be applied as four instalments of $81.25, while Western Australian businesses will receive two $162.50 credits in July and December 2024. Victorian businesses will receive a single $325 credit.
Embedded networks
For households and small businesses in embedded networks, such as apartment buildings, caravan parks or shopping centres, the process may differ. Some states require embedded network customers to apply for a one-off payment instead of receiving automatic credits.
Credits began being distributed in July 2024, however the timing of their application depends on your billing cycle and location.
If you’re unsure about your eligibility, how the credits will be applied to your electricity or want to ensure you’re taking full advantage of the Energy Bill Relief, please contact Simmons Livingstone on 1800 618 800 or via email at admin@simmonslivingstone.com.au.
