Time's ticking on Australia's electricity rebate program, with the final $75 instalment set to hit your account from 1 October.
But here's the rub—just as this financial assistance wraps up at year's end, households are facing some of the steepest power price rises in recent memory.
If you're wondering whether you need to lift a finger to get your rebate, the answer's simple: for most of you, absolutely not.
Most customers do not need to take any action to receive rebates, with rebates automatically applied to your electricity bill in two $75 quarterly instalments.
October marks the beginning of the end
The first instalment will be applied from 1 July 2025 and the second from 1 October 2025, delivering the final chapter of what's been a crucial cost-of-living lifeline for Australian households.
This $150 program extends the previous year's support, where households were eligible for up to $300 of energy bill relief, and eligible small businesses received up to $325.
'We know this is not welcome news for consumers in the current cost-of-living environment'
But here's what many aren't talking about: once December 31 rolls around, you'll be facing electricity bills without this government buffer just as power companies implement some significant price hikes.
The price reality hitting in July
From 1 July 2025, residential customers on standing offer plans experienced increases of 0.5 per cent to 3.7 per cent in SE Queensland, 2.3 per cent to 3.2 per cent in SA and 8.3 per cent to 9.7 per cent in NSW. Even Western Australia, which operates outside the national electricity market, saw electricity prices increase by 2.50 per cent in July 2025.
Victoria's been the lucky exception with more modest increases, but don't expect that trend to continue indefinitely.
State-by-state price increases from July 2025
NSW: 8.3 per cent to 9.7 per cent increase
Queensland: 0.5 per cent to 3.7 per cent increase
South Australia: 2.3 per cent to 3.2 per cent increase
Victoria: Around 1 per cent increase
Western Australia: 2.5 per cent increase
What's driving these increases? Sustained pressures across almost all components, with wholesale and network costs rising in most jurisdictions between 1 per cent and 11 per cent, and retail costs between 8 per cent and 35 per cent compared with last year.
Special considerations for retirement village residents
If you're living in a retirement village, caravan park, or apartment complex with shared electricity arrangements (known as embedded networks), you might need to take some action.
Households in embedded networks such as caravan parks, residential communities, retirement villages or apartment buildings may need to apply for their Energy Bill Relief payment.
However, embedded network customers of Energy Locals, Origin, Momentum and WinConnect will have their bill relief automatically applied via their retailer. If you're unsure about your situation, contact your energy provider or building management.
The money-saving strategies that actually work
With rebates ending and prices rising, now's the time to get serious about reducing your power bills. Recent research reveals some encouraging options for fighting back.
Shop around—it really does work
Here's something that might surprise you: 90 per cent to 95 per cent of competitive market offers are below the current default price. On average, the lowest offers across regions are between 18 per cent and 27 per cent cheaper.
Your retailer is actually required to help you here. At least every 100 days your retailer must tell you on the front page of your bill if they can offer you a better deal. Don't ignore these notifications—they could save you hundreds of dollars annually.
Money-saving strategies that deliver real results
- Compare energy plans using the government's Energy Made Easy website
- Install solar panels (22 per cent of Australians say it's had the biggest impact on their bills)
- Use heating and cooling efficiently (17 per cent report significant savings)
- Switch off lights and unplug electronics when not in use (15 per cent see benefits)
- Take shorter showers and upgrade to energy-efficient appliances
- Improve home insulation and switch to LED lighting
Solar power pays off faster than ever
With electricity prices climbing, solar panel payback periods are shrinking. Solar panels can make a real difference—while there's an upfront cost, the long-term savings can be substantial. In fact, solar payback periods have generally dropped in Australia, meaning you'll be able to recover those upfront costs sooner.
The government's also sweetening the deal with a 30 per cent discount on eligible solar batteries from July 1, helping you store that solar power for evening use when electricity rates are typically highest.
Small changes add up to big savings
Don't underestimate the power of simple adjustments. Research from Canstar Blue found Australians could save $470 in winter through tactics like cold machine washes, keeping homes airtight, using electric blankets instead of heaters, and reducing shower times.
The key is combining strategies. As energy expert Mariam Gabaji puts it: 'No single change will slash your bill overnight, but the impact of small adjustments can add up. Think of energy saving like a toolkit—solar, insulation, shorter showers and switching to LED bulbs all work better together.'
Additional support for those who need it most
Don't forget to check what other support you might qualify for. Victoria offers a one-off $100 Power Saving Bonus for concession card holders, while Queensland seniors and pensioners could access even more through the $372 Queensland Electricity Rebate applied quarterly.
Did you know?
Did you know?
NSW seniors in embedded networks who are eligible for the Seniors Energy Rebate will automatically receive their Bill Relief payment without needing to apply separately, streamlining the process for older residents in retirement communities.
If you're struggling with energy bills, remember that under national energy laws, retailers must assist you if you contact them about payment difficulties. Don't wait until you're in serious trouble—reach out early.
Preparing for the post-rebate reality
As we head towards the end of 2025 and the conclusion of these rebates, the financial landscape for household energy costs is shifting. The $150 energy rebate, following the one-off $300 rebate in the 2024—25 Budget, is not enough to cover the coming price increases, let alone the existing rise in electricity costs over recent years.
This makes it crucial to implement cost-saving measures now, while you've still got the rebate cushion. The combination of shopping around for better deals, making your home more energy-efficient, and potentially investing in solar could help offset the financial impact when government support ends.
The government's Energy Made Easy website (energymadeeasy.gov.au) remains your best starting point for comparing available deals in your area. It's free, independent, and designed to help you navigate the increasingly complex energy market.
What This Means For You
With prices rising and rebates ending, the message is clear: the time for complacency about your energy costs has passed. But with the right information and a proactive approach, you can maintain control over your household budget even as the broader energy market becomes more challenging.
What steps are you planning to take before the rebates end? Have you already noticed the impact of recent price rises on your quarterly bills? We'd love to hear about your experiences and any money-saving strategies that have worked well for your household.
Original Article
https://au.finance.yahoo.com/news/f...ash-bills-by-hundreds-revealed-190058591.html
Energy Bill Relief Fund | energy.gov.au
Cited text: Most customers do not need to take any action to receive rebates.
Excerpt: Most customers do not need to take any action to receive rebates
https://www.energy.gov.au/energy-bill-relief-fund
National Energy Bill Relief | NSW Climate and Energy Action
Cited text: You do not need to apply.
Excerpt: Most customers do not need to take any action to receive rebates
https://www.energy.nsw.gov.au/households/rebates-grants-and-schemes/national-energy-bill-relief
Energy Bill Relief Fund | energy.gov.au
Cited text: Rebates will be automatically applied to your electricity bill in two $75 quarterly instalments.
Excerpt: rebates automatically applied to your electricity bill in two $75 quarterly instalments
https://www.energy.gov.au/energy-bill-relief-fund
Energy Bill Relief Fund | energy.gov.au
Cited text: · Rebates will be automatically applied to your electricity bill in two $75 quarterly instalments.
Excerpt: rebates automatically applied to your electricity bill in two $75 quarterly instalments
https://www.energy.gov.au/energy-bill-relief-fund
Energy Bill Relief Fund
Cited text: The first instalment will be applied from 1 July 2025 and the second from 1 October 2025.
Excerpt: The first instalment will be applied from 1 July 2025 and the second from 1 October 2025
https://www.energy.vic.gov.au/households/help-paying-your-energy-bills/energy-bill-relief-fund
National Energy Bill Relief | NSW Climate and Energy Action
Cited text: Most households will receive their Bill Relief payment automatically from their electricity provider in two quarterly instalments of $75 on their elec...
Excerpt: The first instalment will be applied from 1 July 2025 and the second from 1 October 2025
https://www.energy.nsw.gov.au/households/rebates-grants-and-schemes/national-energy-bill-relief
Apply for the household National Energy Bill Relief payment | Service NSW
Cited text: Most households will receive their Bill Relief payment automatically from their electricity provider in two quarterly instalments of $75 on their elec...
Excerpt: The first instalment will be applied from 1 July 2025 and the second from 1 October 2025
https://www.service.nsw.gov.au/transaction/household-national-energy-bill-relief
Energy Bill Relief Fund | energy.gov.au
Cited text: Under the 2024-25 program, households are eligible for up to $300 of energy bill relief, and eligible small businesses may receive up to $325.
Excerpt: households were eligible for up to $300 of energy bill relief, and eligible small businesses received up to $325
https://www.energy.gov.au/energy-bill-relief-fund
Final determination on 2025—26 safety net prices for NSW, SA and SE QLD | Australian Energy Regulator (AER)
Cited text: From 1 July 2025, residential customers on standing offer plans will experience increases of 0.5 per cent to 3.7 per cent in SE Queensland, 2.3 per cent to 3.2 per cent in SA and 8.3...
Excerpt: From 1 July 2025, residential customers on standing offer plans experienced increases of 0.5 per cent to 3.7 per cent in SE Queensland, 2.3 per cent to 3.2 per cent in SA and 8.3 per cent to 9.7 per cent in NSW
https://www.aer.gov.au/news/article...n-2025-26-safety-net-prices-nsw-sa-and-se-qld
Electricity Price Increase in WA 2025 | Perth Solar Force
Cited text: Electricity prices in Western Australia were increased by 2.50 per cent in July 2025 [1].
Excerpt: electricity prices increase by 2.50 per cent in July 2025
https://perthsolarforce.com.au/electricity-price-rise-perth/
Final determination on 2025—26 safety net prices for NSW, SA and SE QLD | Australian Energy Regulator (AER)
Cited text: As noted in our draft determination, sustained pressures across almost all components of the DMO have driven these price rises, with wholesale and net...
Excerpt: Sustained pressures across almost all components, with wholesale and network costs rising in most jurisdictions between 1 per cent and 11 per cent, and retail costs between 8 per cent and 35 per cent compared with last year
https://www.aer.gov.au/news/article...n-2025-26-safety-net-prices-nsw-sa-and-se-qld
Energy Bill Relief Fund
Cited text: Households in embedded networks such as caravan parks, residential communities, retirement villages or apartment buildings can apply for their Energy ...
Excerpt: Households in embedded networks such as caravan parks, residential communities, retirement villages or apartment buildings may need to apply for their Energy Bill Relief payment
https://www.energy.vic.gov.au/households/help-paying-your-energy-bills/energy-bill-relief-fund
National Energy Bill Relief | NSW Climate and Energy Action
Cited text: If your household is in an embedded network such as a caravan park, residential community, retirement village or apartment building, and you are eligi...
Excerpt: Households in embedded networks such as caravan parks, residential communities, retirement villages or apartment buildings may need to apply for their Energy Bill Relief payment
https://www.energy.nsw.gov.au/households/rebates-grants-and-schemes/national-energy-bill-relief
Apply for the household National Energy Bill Relief payment | Service NSW
Cited text: If your household is in an embedded network (such as a caravan park, residential community, retirement village or apartment building) you may need to ...
Excerpt: Households in embedded networks such as caravan parks, residential communities, retirement villages or apartment buildings may need to apply for their Energy Bill Relief payment
https://www.service.nsw.gov.au/transaction/household-national-energy-bill-relief
Energy Bill Relief Fund
Cited text: Embedded network customers of Energy Locals, Origin, Momentum and WinConnect will have their bill relief automatically applied via their retailer.
Excerpt: embedded network customers of Energy Locals, Origin, Momentum and WinConnect will have their bill relief automatically applied via their retailer
https://www.energy.vic.gov.au/households/help-paying-your-energy-bills/energy-bill-relief-fund
Apply for the household National Energy Bill Relief payment | Service NSW
Cited text: Some households in embedded networks will receive their Bill Relief payment directly from their energy provider.
Excerpt: embedded network customers of Energy Locals, Origin, Momentum and WinConnect will have their bill relief automatically applied via their retailer
https://www.service.nsw.gov.au/transaction/household-national-energy-bill-relief
Apply for the household National Energy Bill Relief payment | Service NSW
Cited text: From 1 July 2025, the following energy providers will deliver Bill Relief payments to households in embedded networks: ...
Excerpt: embedded network customers of Energy Locals, Origin, Momentum and WinConnect will have their bill relief automatically applied via their retailer
https://www.service.nsw.gov.au/transaction/household-national-energy-bill-relief
Final determination on 2025—26 safety net prices for NSW, SA and SE QLD | Australian Energy Regulator (AER)
Cited text: “While the DMO protects consumers on standing offers that can’t or don’t engage in the market, as of this month 90 per cent to 95 per cent of competitive market offer...
Excerpt: 90 per cent to 95 per cent of competitive market offers are below the current default price. On average, the lowest offers across regions are between 18 per cent and 27 per cent cheaper
https://www.aer.gov.au/news/article...n-2025-26-safety-net-prices-nsw-sa-and-se-qld
Final determination on 2025—26 safety net prices for NSW, SA and SE QLD | Australian Energy Regulator (AER)
Cited text: At least every 100 days your retailer must tell you on the front page of your bill if they can offer you a better deal.
Excerpt: At least every 100 days your retailer must tell you on the front page of your bill if they can offer you a better deal
https://www.aer.gov.au/news/article...n-2025-26-safety-net-prices-nsw-sa-and-se-qld
Energy Bill Relief Fund
Cited text: Rebates will be automatically applied to your electricity bill in two $75 quarterly instalments. Most customers do not need to take any action to rece...
Excerpt: Solar panels can make a real difference—while there's an upfront cost, the long-term savings can be substantial.
https://www.energy.vic.gov.au/households/help-paying-your-energy-bills/energy-bill-relief-fund
Energy Bill Relief Fund
Cited text: Under the 2024—25 program, households were eligible for up to $300 of energy bill relief, and eligible small businesses up to $325. Victorian househol...
Excerpt: 'No single change will slash your bill overnight, but the impact of small adjustments can add up.
https://www.energy.vic.gov.au/households/help-paying-your-energy-bills/energy-bill-relief-fund
Final determination on 2025—26 safety net prices for NSW, SA and SE QLD | Australian Energy Regulator (AER)
Cited text: “I strongly encourage all consumers to avoid staying on an old or uncompetitive plan.
Excerpt: under national energy laws, retailers must assist you
https://www.aer.gov.au/news/article...n-2025-26-safety-net-prices-nsw-sa-and-se-qld
Final decision on electricity prices to protect consumers | Australian Energy Regulator (AER)
Cited text: · “If you’re struggling to pay your bills, contact your retailer as soon as possible because under national energy laws they must assist you.
Excerpt: under national energy laws, retailers must assist you
https://www.aer.gov.au/news/article...decision-electricity-prices-protect-consumers
Australia: Electricity prices to rise by up to 10 percent—World Socialist Web Site
Cited text: ACOSS CEO Dr. Cassandra Goldie added, “One-off energy rebates to everyone are poorly targeted, expensive, and do not provide the permanent bill relief...
Excerpt: The $150 energy rebate, following the one-off $300 rebate in the 2024—25 Budget, is not enough to cover the coming price increases, let alone the existing rise in electricity costs over recent years
https://www.wsws.org/en/articles/2025/06/11/nbww-j11.html
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