Federal energy help
| Program | Worth | Type | Cards |
|---|---|---|---|
| Energy Bill Relief Fund | Ended 31 December 2025 | Payment | No card needed |
| Cheaper Home Batteries Program | About 30% off, tiered by battery size from 1 May 2026 | Upgrade discount | No card needed |
| Energy Supplement | $14.10 a fortnight for a single pensioner | Payment | No card needed |
What changed in 2026
The Energy Bill Relief Fund, which put a credit on every household's bill, ended on 31 December 2025. In 2026 federal help comes through the Energy Supplement paid with pensions and allowances, and the Cheaper Home Batteries Program.
Most ongoing help with bills now comes from state and territory concessions. Use the rebate finder to see what applies where you live.
Who qualifies for each program
Energy Bill Relief Fund
- The fund gave rebates to all households with an electricity account, not just concession card holders.
- It ended on 31 December 2025. There is no federal energy bill rebate for 2026.
Paid: Previously as automatic credits on electricity bills. Full details.
Cheaper Home Batteries Program
- Homes, small businesses and community facilities installing a battery connected to solar, new or existing.
- The battery and installer must meet the program's requirements under the Small-scale Renewable Energy Scheme.
Paid: As an upfront discount on the battery price. Full details.
Energy Supplement
- You receive an eligible Services Australia income support payment, such as the Age Pension, or an eligible DVA payment.
- It is checked automatically when your payment is assessed. You do not apply separately.
Paid: Tax-free, with your regular fortnightly payment, or quarterly if you choose. Full details.
How to claim
Check which programs fit
Use the table above, or the rebate finder, to see what matches your card and circumstances.
Have your details ready
Your concession card, your latest bill with the account number, and medical forms where needed.
Contact your retailer or apply online
Most bill concessions go through your retailer. Some programs are applied for online with the government.
Check your next bill
Make sure the concession appears. If it does not, call your retailer.
Struggling to pay?
Concessions take time. If you are behind now, ask your retailer about its hardship program and see our guide to emergency help with bills.
Common questions
No universal rebate. The Energy Bill Relief Fund ended on 31 December 2025. The Energy Supplement and Cheaper Home Batteries Program continue.
The Energy Supplement is paid automatically with pensions and many allowances. Bill concessions themselves come from state and territory governments.
Yes. The Cheaper Home Batteries Program is run nationally through the Small-scale Renewable Energy Scheme.
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.