About the Emergency Electricity Payment Scheme
The Emergency Electricity Payment Scheme helps South Australians in financial hardship who have an electricity debt and are at risk of being disconnected, or already have been.
You cannot apply directly. A financial counsellor assesses your finances and lodges the application for you, which also means you get broader help with your debts at the same time.
Free financial counselling is available through the National Debt Helpline on 1800 007 007. Contact your retailer too: every retailer must offer a hardship program with payment plans.
Who can get it
- You are an electricity customer in financial hardship with an electricity debt.
- You are at risk of disconnection, or have already been disconnected.
How to apply
- Contact a financial counsellor, who assesses your situation.
- The financial counsellor lodges the application on your behalf.
How it is paid: Towards your electricity account.
Contact: National Debt Helpline (free financial counselling), 1800 007 007. Official information.
Moving or switching retailer?
Concessions applied by your retailer do not always move with you. When you move house or switch, give your card details to the new retailer and check the next bill. See how to claim a concession.
Other energy help in South Australia
- Energy Bill Concession: Up to $291.27 a year.
- SA Concessions Energy Discount Offer: 20% off Origin's standard electricity charges.
- Medical Heating and Cooling Concession: $291.27 a year.
- Cost of Living Concession: $270.60 for 2026-27.
- Retailer Energy Productivity Scheme (REPS): Discounted efficient appliances and upgrades.
See every program on our South Australia rebates page.
Common questions
Through a financial counsellor, who assesses your situation and lodges the application for you.
Electricity customers in financial hardship with an electricity debt who are at risk of disconnection or have been disconnected.
The National Debt Helpline on 1800 007 007 offers free, confidential financial counselling.
Beyond the emergency payment, a financial counsellor can help you negotiate a payment plan with your retailer, work out a budget and deal with other debts, at no cost to you.
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.