What one and two-person households pay
| City | kWh a year | kWh a day | A quarter | A year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MelbourneVictoria | 2,953 | 8.1 | $324 | $1,295 |
| SydneyNSW | 3,109 | 8.5 | $409 | $1,637 |
| BrisbaneQueensland | 3,412 | 9.3 | $414 | $1,655 |
| AdelaideSA | 2,936 | 8.0 | $472 | $1,888 |
| CanberraACT | 4,360 | 11.9 | $525 | $2,101 |
| HobartTasmania | 6,003 | 16.4 | $538 | $2,150 |
| City | kWh a year | kWh a day | A quarter | A year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MelbourneVictoria | 4,840 | 13.3 | $457 | $1,827 |
| BrisbaneQueensland | 5,126 | 14.0 | $534 | $2,135 |
| SydneyNSW | 5,237 | 14.3 | $586 | $2,342 |
| CanberraACT | 6,107 | 16.7 | $687 | $2,747 |
| AdelaideSA | 5,046 | 13.8 | $693 | $2,772 |
| HobartTasmania | 8,784 | 24.1 | $710 | $2,838 |
Concessions for pensioners
| State | Concession | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| NSW | Low Income Household Rebate | Up to $285 a year |
| Victoria | Annual Electricity Concession | 17.5% off electricity bills |
| Queensland | Electricity Rebate | $399.47 a year |
| South Australia | Energy Bill Concession | Up to $291.27 a year |
| Western Australia | Energy Assistance Payment | $377.14 a year |
| Tasmania | Annual Electricity Concession | About $673 a year |
| ACT | Electricity, Gas and Water Rebate | $800 a year |
| Northern Territory | Electricity Concession | Up to $1,200 a year |
Most concessions need a Pensioner Concession Card, Health Care Card or DVA Gold Card, and the account in your name. Give your card details to your retailer and check the credit appears on each bill. See concessions and rebates.
Keeping costs down in retirement
Heat yourself first
An electric blanket or heated throw costs cents an hour. See the cheapest way to heat a home.
Use the middle of the day
If you are home during the day, compare a free midday plan such as the Solar Sharer Offer or Victoria's Midday Power Saver.
Smooth the bills
Regular payments, including through Centrepay, avoid large winter bills.
Ask for help early
If bills are hard to pay, your retailer must tell you about its hardship program.
Do not go without heating or cooling
Cold homes and heatwaves are a health risk for older people. If cost is stopping you from heating or cooling, ask your retailer about hardship help and check every concession you are entitled to, including medical heating and cooling concessions. See our medical energy costs guide.
Questions about pensioner electricity bills
Every state and territory has one, from up to $285 a year in NSW to up to $1,200 in the NT. Victoria's Annual Electricity Concession takes 17.5% off bills. Eligibility usually needs a Pensioner Concession Card and the account in your name.
Using the AER two-person benchmarks priced on 2026-27 regulated rates, between about $1,827 and $2,838 a year depending on the city, before any concession.
Many retailers accept Centrepay, which takes regular amounts from Centrelink payments. Ask your retailer whether it offers it.
Sources
Every rate on this page comes from the regulator or the regulated retailer. Last checked October 2026. Prices include GST unless we say otherwise.