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As inflation remains high in Australia, many of us are looking for ways to save money. One area where Australians can potentially save is on their energy bills, and there are government concessions available that may help eligible households.

The rules and claiming these concessions can be confusing as they vary between states and territories, and change fairly frequently.

Here's an overview of the energy concessions offered by each state and territory, and how you can claim them.

New South Wales

Eligible residents of NSW can claim a concession on their water bills, as well as gas and electricity.

However, the process of determining eligibility and claiming the concession can be complex. Eligibility and concession rates differ based on various factors, such as family tax benefit, self-funded retirees, Centrelink Healthcare Card holders, pensioners, Veterans’ Card holders, and low-income households.

Fortunately, Service NSW offers an online Savings Finder tool to help individuals determine the savings they are entitled to.

Read more in our guide to comparing energy in New South Wales.

Victoria

The Victorian government offers an annual electricity concession and a winter gas concession. The concession rate is 17.5%, calculated after retailer discounts are applied.

To apply for the concession, customers should contact their electricity and gas retailer. Unclaimed past concessions, up to 12 months, can also be accessed. The schemes are open to holders of a Pensioner Concession Card, Healthcare Card, or Veterans’ Affairs Gold Card.

The state government offers several ways to help with energy bill relief and also encourages residents to visit the Victorian Energy Compare website or contact an energy affordability service through one of our participating community outreach partners.

Read more in our guide to comparing energy in Victoria.

Also read: Victoria offering zero-interest loans for solar energy storage

Queensland

A range of concession cardholders in Queensland, including seniors, pensioners, low-income healthcare cardholders, veterans, and asylum seekers, are eligible for electricity rebates. Some individuals may also qualify for a natural gas concession.

Eligible Queensland households will automatically receive a $1,000 Cost of Living Rebate on their electricity bill in 2024/25.

Currently, the ongoing electricity rebate for vulnerable households is $372 per year (GST inclusive), while the Reticulated Natural Gas Rebate is $80 per year (GST inclusive). Applying for the rebates should be done through individual gas and electricity dealers.

The process can vary for people living in different types of dwellings, such as apartment complexes, residential parks, retirement villages, or granny flats.

More information can be found on the Queensland government’s Energy Concessions page.

Read more in our guide to comparing energy in Queensland.

South Australia

Residents of South Australia who hold a Pensioner Concession Card, a Veterans’ Gold Card, a Low-Income Healthcare Card, or a Commonwealth Seniors Health Card can claim the SA government’s energy concessions.

In 2024/25, eligible individuals may be eligible to receive up to $500 per year to cover energy payments, paid as quarterly credits of $125. The SA Concessions Energy Discount Offer (SACEDO) gives Origin Energy customers extra discounts even if you already receive the standard energy concession.

The SACEDO includes:

• a guaranteed ongoing 17% off electricity usage and supply charges

• a guaranteed ongoing 11% off natural gas usage and supply charges

• flexible payment options

• no late payment, processing, paper bill, credit card or exit fees.

To apply for the discount, visit the ConcessionsSA website.

Read more in our guide to comparing energy in South Australia.

Western Australia

In Western Australia, electricity concessions are processed differently depending on the retailer. For those with retailers other than Synergy or Horizon Power, a Household Electricity Credit of $400 can be applied for through the Energy Concession Extension Scheme.

The payments are split over two equal payments in the July/August and November/December billing cycles.

Around 350,000 eligible households can also access the indexed Energy Assistance Payment which delivers a $400 Household Electricity Credit split over two payments, in addition to $300 in support paid over the financial year, bringing total support to $700.

You'll need to apply for the next round of credit by 30 November 2024. Synergy customers should call 13 13 53 or visit www.synergy.net.au. Horizon Power customers should call 1800 267 926 or visit www.horizonpower.com.au.

Read more in our guide to comparing energy in Western Australia.

Tasmania

Tasmania offers a daily discount rate in cents-per-day to eligible customers. The current concession rate is 140.70 cents per day.

It is available to pensioner concession cardholders, low-income healthcare cardholders, and individuals with an ImmiCard on bridging visa E. Tasmanian concession cardholders are eligible for the discount on their primary residence.

Applications can be made through the energy retailer using a form provided by the retailer and Service Tasmania.

Read more in our guide to comparing energy in Tasmania.

Northern Territory

Residents of the Northern Territory may be eligible for concessions on electricity, water, and sewerage. The annual amounts for these concessions are up to $1200, $800, and $486.12, respectively.

To qualify, individuals must be members of the NT concession scheme and apply through www.nt.gov.au.

Australian Capital Territory

In the Australian Capital Territory, eligible residents can apply for a range of concessions, including electricity, gas, water, and sewerage.

Those eligible include pensioner concession cardholders, low-income healthcare cardholders from Centrelink, ACT service access cardholders, and certain veterans’ cardholders. However, Commonwealth Seniors Health Card Holders are not eligible.

Applications for the various concessions must be made through individual retailers.

Read more in our guide to comparing energy in Australian Capital Territory.

The Bottom Line

By understanding and taking advantage of energy concessions, families can potentially save on their energy bills.

Be sure to check the specific requirements and application processes for your state or territory to make the most of these cost-saving opportunities.

Go deeper: Household gas bill relief unlikely to come any time soon