The Australian Government has introduced an extension and expansion of the Energy Bill Relief Fund for the 2024-25 fiscal year, allocating a substantial $3.5 billion to provide electricity bill rebates to all households and eligible small businesses across.
Australia This builds upon the previous $1.5 billion commitment, reinforcing the government’s dedication to supporting citizens during challenging economic times.
The Energy Bill Rebate is intended to alleviate the financial burden of electricity costs by directly applying rebates to electricity bills This initiative benefits all households and small businesses that meet certain consumption criteria.
Additionally, state and territory governments play a vital role in overseeing the distribution of rebates through electricity retailers.
Rebate Amounts and Distribution
The rebates provided under this initiative aim to offer substantial financial assistance to households and small businesses The distribution process is straightforward, with rebates being automatically applied to electricity bills for eligible recipients.
Household Rebates
Every household across Australia is entitled to an annual rebate of $300, which will be distributed in four quarterly instalments of $75.
These rebates will be applied automatically to household electricity bills by electricity providers, ensuring ease of access.
Eligibility for Household Rebates
The Energy Bill Relief Fund is available to all Australian households, including those in external territories.
This broad eligibility guarantees that every household can benefit from the initiative, ensuring widespread support for citizens nationwide.
Small Business Rebates
Eligible small businesses can receive a $325 annual rebate, which will be applied automatically to their electricity bills in four quarterly instalments.
To qualify, small businesses must meet specific annual electricity consumption thresholds, which vary by state and territory.
Small Business Eligibility Criteria
The thresholds for small businesses to qualify for the rebate are as follows
- New South Wales (NSW): 100 MWh
- Victoria (VIC): 40 MWh
- Queensland (QLD): 100 MWh
- South Australia (SA): 160 MWh
- Tasmania (TAS): 150 MWh
- Australian Capital Territory (ACT): 100 MWh
- Northern Territory (NT): 160 MWh
- Western Australia (WA): 50 MWh
Small businesses that exceed these thresholds will not be eligible for the rebate In addition, small businesses within embedded networks, such as those in shopping centres, must apply for the rebate through their state or territory government.
State-Specific Additional Rebates
Some states offer additional rebates to further assist their residents, increasing the total rebate amounts
- Queensland: Residents receive an additional $1,000 rebate, bringing the total annual rebate to $1,300 The $1,000 state rebate is provided upfront, while the federal rebate is distributed in quarterly instalments of $75
- Western Australia: Residents will receive an additional $400 rebate, raising the total annual rebate to $700 This rebate is split into two instalments, each of $350, paid during the July-August and December-January billing periods.
Australia Energy Bill Relief Fund 2024-25 Claim Process
For the majority of households and small businesses, the rebate will be automatically applied to electricity accounts by electricity providers, ensuring a seamless process.
However, households and small businesses located in embedded networks, such as those in caravan parks, apartment buildings, or shopping centres, must apply for the rebate through their state or territory government.
Special Application Requirements for Western Australia
In Western Australia, households without accounts with Synergy or Horizon Power are required to apply for the rebate.
through RevenueWA starting in July This ensures that all eligible households, regardless of their electricity provider, can receive the rebate they are entitled to.
By expanding and extending the Energy Bill Relief Fund, the Australian Government is making a significant effort to provide financial support to households and small businesses facing the challenges of rising electricity costs.
This initiative aims to provide much-needed relief to citizens, ensuring that they can manage their energy expenses while contributing to broader economic stability.
