Nearly 500,000 eligible residents and small businesses receive second round of state energy bill relief

Amid rising living costs and the festive season, one state’s government has stepped in to provide some much-needed relief.

The second round of energy bill relief payments in one state has begun, offering a significant financial boost to nearly half a million families and small businesses.



This initiative, worth approximately $254 million, was announced in June and is set to be paid out over a two-year period.

The scheme, in effect in South Australia, is jointly funded by the federal and South Australian governments.


SDC 32.png
Eligible South Australians will receive energy bill relief starting December 20. Image source: Freepik.


The relief plan offers a reduction of $500 on energy bills for eligible households and a rebate of $650 for qualified small businesses over the year.

For those eligible, the discount will be automatically applied to their bill, saving them the hassle of paperwork and applications.



South Australian Treasurer Stephen Mullighan expressed his hopes for the scheme, stating, 'As we head into Christmas, a reduction in energy bills will provide some relief at what is traditionally a very expensive time of year.'

Initially, the relief was only available to those already receiving government assistance.

However, the rebate scheme has now been expanded to include Commonwealth Family Tax Benefit recipients, people receiving a Carer Allowance, and holders of certain Department of Veteran Affairs (DVA) cards.

Services Australia has been also reaching out to newly eligible households directly, inviting them to apply.

If you missed out on the relief in the first quarter, fret not, as you are set to receive a higher deduction from your bills.

This is to ensure you receive the full $500 across the 2023-24 billing year.



However, it's important to note that some people, while eligible for the rebate, are not concession card holders. These individuals will need to provide information to Services Australia or their energy retailer to receive the bill relief.

Households receiving both the existing state government concession of $263.15 and the jointly-funded rebate of $500 will save up to $763.15 in 2023-24—a significant saving that could make a real difference to many families this season.

Moreover, thousands of small businesses, including shops in shopping centres, will also receive the $650 energy bill reduction from early next year—significantly increasing the number of small businesses with access to the scheme.



The June state budget has provided $471.3 million worth of relief for South Australians—an unprecedented feat, according to Mr Mullighan.

'Our June state budget provided the largest package of cost-of-living relief measures ever deployed in South Australia—a large part of that to reduce energy bills,' he said.

In addition to energy bill relief, the package also includes other measures to ease the cost of living:

iTvDN431O3kxCj7glJvHoac5F8ZlW4jJxnYZpclUyAizHYavdrkBw0bpTke_9d_I0lyi2VcuVpyPsJ1DMNwvfS32KOa3KCqFVCTOX7Khk8lxbiZRl_K1wVwvDJ4IWKGHi_I1BVB-h2JbicH0TikooSE

The full criteria for the energy bill relief scheme, and how to apply, can be accessed through the South Australian government’s website.
Key Takeaways
  • Nearly half a million families and small businesses in South Australia will receive a $500 boost as part of the second round of energy bill relief payments.
  • The relief scheme is jointly funded by the federal and state governments and aims to provide support leading up to Christmas, amounting to approximately $254 million distributed over two years.
  • Eligible individuals will have the discount automatically applied to their bills, while those eligible but not holding concession cards will need to provide additional information to Services Australia or their energy retailer.
  • The June state budget in South Australia allocated $471.3 million for the cost-of-living relief, with this energy bill reduction being a significant component of that package.
What are your thoughts on this energy bill relief scheme? Have you benefited from it? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
 
Sponsored
Families are getting huge rebates while aged pensioners only received a small increase in pension.it is about time Goverment realises pensioners are struggling
 
  • Like
Reactions: IAN3005 and Kelpie
Getting the energy bill relief scheme has helped it was however the electricity company we are with that took its time getting the first payment off our bill but that now has been sorted. I hope it has helped many and can help many more.
No relief to us
 
Families are getting huge rebates while aged pensioners only received a small increase in pension.it is about time Goverment realises pensioners are struggling
The couldn't give two stuffs about pensioners, they sleep like babies.....
 
  • Like
Reactions: Abby2

Join the conversation

News, deals, games, and bargains for Aussies over 60. From everyday expenses like groceries and eating out, to electronics, fashion and travel, the club is all about helping you make your money go further.

Seniors Discount Club

The SDC searches for the best deals, discounts, and bargains for Aussies over 60. From everyday expenses like groceries and eating out, to electronics, fashion and travel, the club is all about helping you make your money go further.
  1. New members
  2. Jokes & fun
  3. Photography
  4. Nostalgia / Yesterday's Australia
  5. Food and Lifestyle
  6. Money Saving Hacks
  7. Offtopic / Everything else

Latest Articles

  • We believe that retirement should be a time to relax and enjoy life, not worry about money. That's why we're here to help our members make the most of their retirement years. If you're over 60 and looking for ways to save money, connect with others, and have a laugh, we’d love to have you aboard.
  • Advertise with us

User Menu

Enjoyed Reading our Story?

  • Share this forum to your loved ones.
Change Weather Postcode×
Change Petrol Postcode×