Energy concessions offered by each state and territory, and how to claim them

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Energy concessions offered by each state and territory, and how to claim them

Updated 14/09/2023

Energy concessions offered by each state and territory, and how to claim them

Time to read : 4 Minutes

As inflation continues to rise in Australia, many people 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, and they vary between states and territories.

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.

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.

Victoria had a one-off $250 Power Saving Bonus to help ease cost-of-living pressures but applications for the most recent round of payments closed 31 August 2023. The state government offers other ways to help with energy bill relief and also encourages residents to visit the Victorian Energy Compare website or engage with an energy affordability service through one of our participating community outreach partners.

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.

All Queensland households will automatically receive a $550 Cost of Living Rebate on their electricity bill in 2023/24. Around 600,000 vulnerable households will benefit from a higher $700 Cost of Living Rebate.

Currently, the ongoing electricity rebate for vulnerable households is $372.20 per year (GST inclusive), while the Reticulated Natural Gas Rebate is $80.77 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.

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 2023/24, eligible individuals may be eligible to receive up to $500 per year to cover energy payments, paid as quarterly credits of $125, to pay for fuels used for energy generation.

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.

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 households that are eligible for the indexed Energy Assistance Payment will receive a $500 Household Electricity Credit split over two payments, in addition to $326 in support paid over the financial year, bringing total support to $826.

You'll need to apply for the next round of credit by 30 November 2023. 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.

Tasmania

Tasmania offers a daily discount rate in cents-per-day to eligible customers. The current concession rate is 172.434 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.

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.