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Energy rebates guide

Medical Cooling and Heating Electricity Concessions Compared

If a medical condition means you rely on heating or cooling, every state but the NT offers extra help. Here is how they compare.

Checked against regulator sources, October 2026

Programs
6
compared here
States
6
with a program
Checked
Oct 2026
official sources

What to know

These concessions recognise that for some conditions, such as multiple sclerosis, heating or cooling is a health need. Amounts range from $201.54 a year in Tasmania to $832 in Western Australia, and Victoria gives an extra 17.5% off summer bills.

Every scheme needs a doctor or specialist to certify the condition, and most need a concession card as well. The conditions accepted differ: WA, for example, excludes fibromyalgia, while Victoria lists it as pre-approved.

Medical cooling and heating concessions by state

Medical cooling and heating concessions by state, 2026-27
ProgramWhereWorth
Medical Energy RebateNSWUp to $285 a year ($313.50 in embedded networks)
Medical Cooling ConcessionVICExtra 17.5% off from November to April
Medical Cooling and Heating Electricity Concession SchemeQLD$522.09 a year
Medical Heating and Cooling ConcessionSA$291.27 a year
Thermoregulatory Dysfunction Energy SubsidyWA$832 a year
Medical Cooling or Heating ConcessionTAS55.216 cents a day, or $201.54 a year
From official government sources, checked October 2026. Follow the links for full rules.

Rebates by state: NSW, VIC, QLD, SA, WA, TAS, ACT, NT, federal.

What each program requires

Medical Energy Rebate (NSW)

  • You, or someone living with you, cannot regulate body temperature when exposed to extreme heat or cold because of a medical condition.
  • The person meets at least one primary and one secondary qualifying condition, assessed by a registered medical practitioner who has treated them for at least 3 months.
  • The account holder or the person with the condition holds a Pensioner Concession Card, Health Care Card, Low Income Health Care Card or Veteran Gold Card.

Paid: As a credit on your electricity bill, or into your bank account for embedded network customers. Full details.

Medical Cooling Concession (VIC)

  • You hold a Pensioner Concession Card, Health Care Card or Veterans' Affairs Gold Card and are the account holder.
  • You, or someone in your household, has a medical condition that affects the body's ability to regulate temperature, confirmed by a doctor.
  • Pre-approved conditions are multiple sclerosis, lymphoedema, Parkinson's disease, fibromyalgia, post-polio syndrome and motor neurone disease. Other conditions are assessed by the department.

Paid: As a discount on electricity bills between 1 November and 30 April, on top of the Annual Electricity Concession. Full details.

Medical Cooling and Heating Electricity Concession Scheme (QLD)

  • You live in Queensland and have, or care for a minor with, a chronic condition that is made significantly worse by heat or cold, such as multiple sclerosis or autonomic system dysfunction.
  • Your home has an air conditioner or heater.
  • The applicant or guardian holds a Pensioner Concession Card or Health Care Card and is responsible for paying the electricity bill.

Paid: As a yearly concession. Full details.

Medical Heating and Cooling Concession (SA)

  • You live at the address on the application.
  • You, or a child you are parent or guardian of, have a medical condition that is severely worsened by hot or cold weather, certified by a specialist or GP.
  • You use an air conditioner at that address for the medical heating or cooling.

Paid: As a yearly concession, in addition to the energy concession. Full details.

Thermoregulatory Dysfunction Energy Subsidy (WA)

  • You are the patient, or the guardian or primary carer of a patient living with you, who needs heating or cooling for a medical condition.
  • You hold a Pensioner Concession Card, Health Care Card or Health Care Interim Voucher. The Commonwealth Seniors Health Card does not qualify.
  • The patient meets at least two of three qualifying conditions, certified by a doctor or specialist who has treated them for at least three months.

Paid: Yearly in advance, into your nominated bank account. Up to two payments per household if two eligible people live there. Full details.

Medical Cooling or Heating Concession (TAS)

  • You, or someone you live with, has a medical condition that requires cooling or heating of your main home to manage it.
  • A medical practitioner certifies the condition.
  • Embedded network applicants need a low-income Health Care Card or Pensioner Concession Card.

Paid: As a daily discount on your electricity bills. Full details.

Common questions

It varies by state. Multiple sclerosis qualifies almost everywhere. Victoria pre-approves MS, lymphoedema, Parkinson's disease, fibromyalgia, post-polio syndrome and motor neurone disease. WA excludes fibromyalgia, arthritis and several others.

Western Australia's Thermoregulatory Dysfunction Energy Subsidy is $832 a year, the largest flat amount. Queensland pays $522.09.

In most states, yes. They are designed to be claimed in addition to the main electricity concession.

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.