Unlock this simple trick to potentially double your $300 energy rebate

As Australians grapple with the rising cost of living, the government's 2024 Federal Budget has thrown a lifeline in the form of a $300 energy rebate for every household.

This measure, set to kick in on July 1 this year, is a welcome relief for many, but with the average annual energy bill soaring over $1,700, more savings are needed.

Fortunately, there's a simple method that could help you double that rebate, and millions of Aussies could benefit from it.



The key to unlocking these additional savings lies in being proactive and shopping around for the best energy deal.

According to Canstar Blue, a comparison service, switching to the cheapest plan can result in significant savings.


shutterstock_573975487.jpg
According to Canstar Blue, switching to the most affordable plan can increase energy savings for Australians. Image source: Shutterstock



'Switching to the cheapest currently available plan on every network on our database offered an opportunity to make the newly announced energy bill relief payment stretch further,' said Christine Seib, Canstar Blue’s Editor-in-Chief.

When you compare the average energy bill for each state and territory against the cheapest available plan, the potential savings are substantial.



For instance, in New South Wales, you could save anywhere from $310 to $439 annually by choosing the right provider.

Victoria's competitive market offers even greater savings. If you switch to Ausnet Services, you can avoid up to $476 in expenses.

Similarly, residents of the Australian Capital Territory (ACT), Queensland, and South Australia could see energy bill reductions of $380 to $441.

Electricity Costs Comparison.jpg

Before you switch providers, Canstar Blue said you need to consider a few things:

  • The overall value—which includes energy supply and usage rates, the terms and conditions of discounts, additional fees that might apply, and other incentives.
  • The timing of your switch is crucial to ensure that you won't violate your current energy plan contract by switching to a new provider.


It is also pointed out that the government’s $300 rebate plan has a loophole.

People who own multiple properties may be eligible to claim more than one $300 energy rebate, provided their name is on the bills.

Treasurer Jim Chalmers clarified that the rebate will go to the person whose name is on the bill, meaning landlords with tenants won't receive the rebate twice if the tenant's name is on the bill.

However, the owner of a holiday home that isn't rented out would also receive a rebate for that property.

This is because the tax office does not currently share personal data with energy retailers, and changing this would be both time-consuming and costly.

'We would have to change fundamentally the data-sharing arrangements, that would take time and money in order to do that,' Dr Chalmers explained at the National Press Club.

He added that providing the rebate to every household was the 'most efficient way' to offer cost-of-living relief to people across income levels.



The $3.5 billion cost-of-living measure announced in the federal budget will benefit more than 10 million households and around one million small businesses.

The rebate will be applied directly to people’s bills in $75 instalments, regardless of income.

Members of the Seniors Discount Club, it's time to take action and make the most of this opportunity.

Review your current energy plan, compare it with other offerings in the market, and switch if you find a better deal. By doing so, you could significantly reduce your energy expenses this year, making that $300 rebate go much further.


Source: Yahoo Australia/YouTube​

Key Takeaways

  • The government's 2024 Federal Budget measure includes a $300 energy bill rebate for every Australian household.
  • Canstar Blue's research suggested that switching to the cheapest energy plan available could more than double households' savings.
  • Households in different states can save varying amounts, with Victorians potentially saving the most by changing providers.
  • The rebate applies to every household with the bill payer's name on it, and individuals with multiple properties can claim more than one rebate.
What are your thoughts on Canstar Blue's recommendation, members? Do you have other tips for saving more on energy bills? Share them in the comments below!
 
Last edited:
Sponsored
What is the point of shopping around for the best deal, when we have already been on the best deal since last year and yes I did share it here but of course everyone must do their own homework too
 
Most of the time your information is fairly accurate In you graphic showing power and cost saving you show only one for South Australia being SA Power Networks.
SA Power Networks is NOT a retailer so you cannot buy from unlike days gone by then our very smart government sold the buisness off and now we all pay for that decision.
 
showing eastern states about cheaper power bills , I have not seen anything on western australia, we have synergy for power , Alinta gas, kleenheat gas.
 
  • Like
Reactions: Ezzy
I am in Qld and use Nctar and pay monthly. I received 2 bills for $00.00, the next was 76 cents then I received a bill for $299. They only estimate the amount used. I emailed them and apparently, Energex takes a reading every so often so that was why it was so high. Normally I pay between $40 and $50.
 
I am in Qld and use Nctar and pay monthly. I received 2 bills for $00.00, the next was 76 cents then I received a bill for $299. They only estimate the amount used. I emailed them and apparently, Energex takes a reading every so often so that was why it was so high. Normally I pay between $40 and $50.
I would have thought with great computer advances that an Electricity Supplier would have our meters connected to a central computer & read home meters without visiting our homes. Save on labour with Meter Readers & give an accurate reading every time for accounts.

The system your supplier operates under, for me, is impracticable.
 
In Far North Queensland we have the choice of Ergon or Ergon. Now when our electricity bill doubled last bill we have ordered solar
We have had Solar for over 5 years but really saw no benefit in this until about 2 months ago when our Grandson, working in his first job for a company who do these was asked to replace our system.

Working with his tradesman the single phase system was replaced with a 3 phase system (as we have 3 phase), a better Converter was fitted in the garage out of the sun's damaging rays, extra panels were fitted including those on the front (eastern aspect) of our home to take advantage of the early morning sun (before it rises enough to reach the Northerly aspect panels).

THE OUTCOME OF THE NEW SYSTEM IS ASTOUNDING. Credit from these for the 2 months the system has been fitted was $86.49 in buyback compared to $12.16 for 3 months July/August last year (both periods were without A/C in summer. We do washing, dishwashing & keep at least one fluro light on in the kitchen all day & still got what we consider a good outcome. Summer will be a telling time for us.

We are extremely happy with the set up, especially because panels were placed on the Eastern side of the home to take advantage of the early sunshine, SOMETHING AN INSTALLER WILL NORMALLY NOT TELL YOU.
 
Smoke and mirrors give with one hand and take double with other hand , labor are the biggest lying low life sewer dwelling scum ever in charge of this country
 
It pays to shop around, however you need to be mindful that if you still receive the "gov feed in tarriff" of 0.44kwh you will loose that if swhitching providers. I have stayed with same energy company but switched to senior saver plan, therefore I have kept the full gov feed in tarriff but do not get any extra tarriff off by provider. It is still a big win for me though.
I have a friend in Qld that has the 44c with his Solar and he can change to any company and recently did. He still gets the rebate. I’d check the rules if I was you.
 
Thanks for the advice. I will look into it but AGL did advise me I would lose it by switching. Maybe that was a con to keep me.
 
  • Like
Reactions: zacca
I am in Qld and use Nctar and pay monthly. I received 2 bills for $00.00, the next was 76 cents then I received a bill for $299. They only estimate the amount used. I emailed them and apparently, Energex takes a reading every so often so that was why it was so high. Normally I pay between $40 and $50.
You can send a picture of your meter 2 days before the bill is due and they charge you for what you use. I do this with Nectr every month so I only pay what’s due. Even when I have a government credit
 

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
  • 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×