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Energy Concessions and Rebates in Australia: What You Can Claim in 2025
Struggling with energy bills? Here's a guide to the concessions and rebates available to Australian households in 2025.
Energy bills are a significant expense for Australian households, but many people don鈥檛 realise they may be eligible for government concessions and rebates. In 2025, there are numerous programs available to help reduce the cost of electricity and gas. Here鈥檚 what you can claim.
Federal Energy Relief
Energy Bill Relief Fund
In 2025, the federal government is providing direct energy bill relief to eligible households:
- Amount: Up to $300 credit applied directly to electricity bills
- Eligibility: Automatically applied to eligible households鈥攏o application required
- Timing: Credits are applied in quarterly instalments throughout the financial year
This relief is designed to help households cope with rising energy costs and is available regardless of income for most residential customers.
State-by-State Concessions
Energy concessions vary by state and territory. Here鈥檚 what鈥檚 available:
New South Wales
- Low Income Household Rebate: $285/year off electricity bills for eligible concession card holders
- Gas Rebate: $110/year for eligible households using mains gas
- Family Energy Rebate: $180/year for families with dependent children receiving Family Tax Benefit A or B
- Medical Energy Rebate: $285/year for households with members requiring energy-intensive medical equipment
Victoria
- Annual Electricity Concession: Up to 17.5% off electricity bills for concession card holders
- Winter Gas Concession: 17.5% off gas bills during winter months
- Non-Mains Energy Concession: For households not connected to mains electricity or gas
- Medical Cooling Concession: For households with members who have medical conditions requiring cooling
Queensland
- Electricity Rebate: $372/year for eligible concession card holders
- Reticulated Natural Gas Rebate: $77.52/year for gas customers
- Home Energy Emergency Assistance Scheme (HEEAS): One-off assistance for households in financial hardship
South Australia
- Energy Concession: Up to $249.60/year off electricity bills
- Medical Heating and Cooling Concession: Additional rebate for eligible medical conditions
- Cost of Living Concession: Broader cost-of-living support including energy costs
Western Australia
- Energy Assistance Payment: $305.25/year for eligible concession card holders
- Dependent Child Rebate: Additional $305.25 for households with dependent children
- Air Conditioning Rebate: For households with members with eligible medical conditions
Tasmania
- Annual Electricity Concession: $596/year for eligible households
- Heating Allowance: Additional winter heating assistance
ACT
- Utilities Concession: Up to $750/year for eligible households
- Sustainable Household Scheme: Interest-free loans for energy-efficient upgrades
Northern Territory
- Pensioner and Carer Concession Scheme: Rebates for eligible pensioners and carers
Who Is Eligible?
Eligibility for most concessions is based on holding one of these cards:
- Pensioner Concession Card
- Health Care Card
- Commonwealth Seniors Health Card
- DVA Gold Card
- Some state-specific concession cards
Additionally, some rebates target:
- Families with dependent children
- People with medical conditions requiring energy-intensive equipment
- Households experiencing financial hardship
How to Apply
Automatic Concessions
Many concessions are applied automatically if:
- Your energy retailer has your concession card details on file
- You鈥檝e registered with your state鈥檚 concession scheme
Action: Contact your energy retailer and provide your concession card number. They鈥檒l apply eligible rebates to your bill.
Application-Based Rebates
Some rebates require a separate application:
- Medical rebates often require a doctor鈥檚 certificate
- Hardship assistance programs require application through your retailer or state agency
Action: Check your state government鈥檚 energy concessions page or contact your retailer for application forms.
Hardship Programs
If you鈥檙e struggling to pay your energy bills, additional help is available:
- Retailer hardship programs: All energy retailers must offer hardship programs with payment plans and support.
- Energy ombudsman: If you鈥檙e in dispute with your retailer, your state鈥檚 energy ombudsman can help.
- Financial counselling: Free financial counsellors can help you manage debts and access available support.
Tips for Maximising Concessions
- Register with your retailer: Ensure your concession card details are on file so rebates are applied automatically.
- Check eligibility annually: Concession programs change. Review what鈥檚 available each year.
- Combine multiple rebates: You may be eligible for several concessions simultaneously.
- Ask your retailer: If you鈥檙e struggling, ask about hardship programs and payment plans.
- Check state programs: Your state may offer additional one-off grants or emergency assistance.
Real-World Example
Margaret, a pensioner in Brisbane, was paying $1,200 per year for electricity. After registering her Pensioner Concession Card with her retailer, she received the Queensland Electricity Rebate ($372), plus the federal Energy Bill Relief ($300). Her effective annual cost dropped to $528鈥攁 saving of $672.
The Bottom Line
Don鈥檛 leave money on the table. In 2025, there are substantial energy concessions and rebates available to eligible Australians. Check your eligibility, register your concession card with your retailer, and apply for any additional programs you qualify for. A few minutes of effort could save you hundreds of dollars a year.