Starting August 1, 2025, millions of Australians are set to receive a significant financial boost as part of a new government initiative aimed at tackling rising energy costs. Under the updated Energy Bill Relief Fund, eligible households could receive up to $1,300 in rebates, helping to ease the burden of power bills during the upcoming winter season.
This announcement follows months of consultation between the federal government, state authorities, and energy providers, as families continue to face inflationary pressure and increasing living expenses.
What Is the $1,300 Energy Rebate?
The energy rebate is part of the Albanese Government’s cost-of-living relief package. It builds upon the success of previous rebate programs, but the latest rollout includes a higher rebate amount, broader eligibility, and automatic application for many.
The goal is to ensure households, particularly those on ow incomes or fixed Centrelink payments, aren’t forced to choose between heating their homes and paying for essentials. Depending on location and eligibility, households will receive between $300 and $1,300 in energy bill credits directly applied to their electricity accounts over the 2025–26 financial year.
Who Is Eligible for the Rebate?
Eligibility criteria vary slightly by state and territory, but in general, the following groups will qualify:
| Eligible Group | Rebate Amount (Approx.) | How It’s Applied |
|---|---|---|
| Centrelink recipients (e.g., JobSeeker, DSP) | $1,300 | Automatic credit via energy provider |
| Pensioners and seniors | $1,000–$1,300 | Applied in quarterly instalments |
| Low-income households | $800–$1,000 | Automatic or through rebate application |
| Commonwealth Seniors Health Card holders | $500–$800 | Credit split over multiple bills |
| Certain small businesses | $325–$650 | Applied on business electricity bills |
Energy retailers have been instructed to automatically identify eligible accounts using Centrelink-linked concession data or through applications submitted via government portals.
When Will Payments Begin?
The rebate program begins August 1, 2025, with the first round of bill credits expected to be applied in mid-to-late July, depending on the billing cycle of each electricity provider. The remaining amount will be distributed in quarterly instalments through to mid-2026.
The rebate is not a cash payout, but a direct deduction on electricity bills, which means you’ll see your account balance reduced rather than receiving money in hand. Households using embedded electricity networks (like in some apartment buildings or caravan parks) may need to submit additional documentation to ensure they receive the credit.
How to Claim or Confirm Your Eligibility
Most eligible recipients won’t need to do anything if your concession details are already linked to your energy account, the credits will be applied automatically. However, those who haven’t updated their energy provider or Centrelink information in the last 12 months are encouraged to do so via the Energy Bill Relief Portal or by contacting their provider.
For small businesses, application forms will be available through state revenue departments or small business energy programs starting from May 15, 2025.
Why the Government Introduced This Rebate
Rising wholesale energy prices and network supply issues have pushed average electricity costs higher in recent years, disproportionately impacting vulnerable Australians. The $1,300 rebate is part of a wider $3.5 billion federal energy affordability strategy, aimed at providing targeted help to those most in need while also investing in long-term clean energy projects to reduce future costs.
According to Energy Minister Chris Bowen, “This is practical, immediate relief. We know people are doing it tough, and this rebate will make a real difference in easing household pressure this winter.”