Energy Bill Relief Calculator: How Much Will You Save in 2025?
Ultimate Salary Calculator Team
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The Federal Budget extended the Energy Bill Relief Fund until December 2025, giving every Australian household and one million small businesses $150 in electricity bill rebates—paid as two $75 credits from July and October 2025. Use our energy bill relief calculator to find out exactly how much you'll save and how it affects your quarterly payments.
Energy Bill Relief 2025 Overview
Rebate Details
- Total amount: $150 per household
- Payment method: Two $75 credits
- Timing: July and October 2025
- Application: Automatic for most customers
Eligibility
- Households: All with active electricity account
- Small business: Under usage thresholds
- Embedded networks: Must apply separately
- Inflation impact: Lowers CPI by ~0.5%
Use Our Energy Bill Relief Calculator
Enter your electricity usage details to see exactly how the $150 rebate will affect your quarterly bills:
Key Details of the 2025 Extension
| Parameter | Details |
|---|---|
| Rebate Amount | $150 total (2 × $75 credits) |
| Payment Dates | Credits applied after 31 July 2025 & 1 October 2025 |
| Household Eligibility | All households with active electricity account |
| Business Eligibility | Small businesses under usage thresholds (varies by state) |
| Application Required | Automatic for retailers; embedded networks must apply |
| Economic Impact | Lowers headline CPI by approximately 0.5 percentage points |
Example Savings by State
The impact of the $150 rebate varies by state due to different average electricity costs:
| State/Territory | Average Annual Bill | After Rebate | % Savings |
|---|---|---|---|
| New South Wales | $1,820 | $1,670 | 8.2% |
| Victoria | $1,730 | $1,580 | 8.7% |
| Queensland | $1,700 | $1,550 | 8.8% |
| South Australia | $1,960 | $1,810 | 7.7% |
| Western Australia | $1,420 | $1,270 | 10.6% |
| Tasmania | $1,650 | $1,500 | 9.1% |
| ACT | $1,890 | $1,740 | 7.9% |
| Northern Territory | $1,580 | $1,430 | 9.5% |
Figures based on average 2025 market offers before rebates for typical household usage.
Embedded Networks: How to Claim Your Rebate
If you live in an apartment complex, retirement village, or other property where electricity is managed by a landlord or strata company, you're likely in an "embedded network" and need to apply separately:
Step-by-Step Application
- 1. Identify your network: Check if you receive electricity through landlord or strata
- 2. Find your state portal: Service NSW, Victorian Energy Compare, etc.
- 3. Gather documents: Proof of residency and latest electricity bill
- 4. Submit application: Online through state government portal
- 5. Receive payment: Lump-sum $150 credit or EFT payment
State Application Portals
Small Business Eligibility
Small businesses can also benefit from the Energy Bill Relief Fund, subject to usage thresholds:
Eligibility Criteria
Usage Caps by State
- NSW, ACT, QLD, SA: Less than 100 MWh annually
- Victoria: Less than 40 MWh annually
- WA, TAS, NT: Thresholds set by state governments
Additional Requirements
- Account status: Active on 1 July and 1 October 2025
- Number of sites: One rebate per ABN (multi-site businesses must meet aggregate threshold)
- Business type: Excludes large industrial customers
What 100 MWh Means for Your Business
Usage Examples
Businesses Under 100 MWh
- • Small retail shops and cafes
- • Professional services offices
- • Medical and dental practices
- • Small manufacturing operations
- • Childcare centers and small schools
Typically Over 100 MWh
- • Large retail chains and supermarkets
- • Major manufacturing facilities
- • Large office buildings
- • Hotels and large hospitality venues
- • Industrial operations and warehouses
Maximising Energy Savings Beyond the Rebate
While the $150 rebate provides welcome relief, there are additional strategies to reduce your energy costs significantly:
1. Energy Plan Switching
Potential Savings
- Market comparison: 12-18% potential savings
- Government comparison sites: Energy Made Easy (national), Victorian Energy Compare
- Switch frequency: Review annually or when contracts end
- Exit fees: Check before switching mid-contract
What to Compare
- Usage rates: Peak, off-peak, shoulder periods
- Daily supply charges: Fixed daily cost
- Discounts: Pay-on-time, direct debit offers
- Green energy: Renewable percentage options
2. Energy Usage Audit
Top Energy Consumers in Homes
- Heating/Cooling (HVAC): 35-40% of household usage
- Hot water systems: 20-25% of usage
- Pool pumps: 10-15% for homes with pools
- Lighting: 8-12% (higher for older globes)
- Refrigeration: 8-10% for typical households
- Washing/drying: 5-8% depending on usage
3. Appliance Upgrades
High-Impact Upgrades
HVAC Systems
- • Reverse cycle AC: Most efficient heating/cooling
- • Energy rating: Look for 4+ stars
- • Payback period: 3-5 years typically
- • Government rebates: Check state programs
Hot Water Systems
- • Heat pump systems: 3x more efficient than electric
- • Solar hot water: 60-90% energy reduction
- • Payback period: 2-4 years for upgrades
- • Government incentives: STC certificates available
4. Solar and Battery Systems
Solar Power Benefits
- ROI period: 4-7 years for most installations
- Feed-in tariffs: Earn credit for excess power
- Self-consumption: Use solar power during peak rate periods
- Property value: Increases home value by $10,000-20,000
Battery Storage Considerations
- Time-of-use benefits: Store cheap off-peak power
- Backup power: Emergency supply during outages
- Cost trends: Battery prices declining 10-15% annually
- Government incentives: State-specific rebate programs
5. Behavioral Changes
Low-Cost/No-Cost Actions
- Thermostat adjustment: 1°C change = 5-10% savings
- LED lighting: 75% less energy than incandescent
- Power strips: Eliminate standby power usage
- Window coverings: Blinds/curtains for thermal control
- Pool timer: Run pump during off-peak periods
Time-of-Use Optimization
- Off-peak periods: Usually 10pm-7am
- Peak periods: Typically 2pm-8pm weekdays
- Schedule appliances: Dishwasher, washing machine
- EV charging: Overnight for lowest rates
- Pool heating: Use timer for off-peak hours
State-Specific Additional Support
Many states offer additional energy relief programs alongside the federal rebate:
Victoria
- • Power Saving Bonus: $250 for eligible households
- • Solar Homes Program: Rebates for solar and battery systems
- • Energy efficiency upgrades: Heating, cooling, hot water rebates
New South Wales
- • Energy Switch Program: Free service to find better deals
- • Peak Demand Reduction Scheme: Rewards for reducing peak usage
- • Home Energy Action: Free energy assessments
Queensland
- • Electricity rebate: $372 annual rebate for eligible households
- • Solar for Schools: Community solar programs
- • Energy efficiency programs: Targeted support for low-income households
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to apply if I already get a concession?
No. Concession recipients still receive the universal $150 Energy Bill Relief on top of their existing rebates. This includes seniors, healthcare cardholders, and other eligible concession customers.
Will the rebate show as a separate line item on my bill?
Yes. Look for "Australian Government Energy Bill Relief – $75" on your July and October bills. The credit will be clearly identified and separate from any retailer discounts or other rebates.
What if I move house between the two credit dates?
The credit follows your electricity account, not your address. When you close an account, ensure your retailer transfers any remaining credit to your new account or provides a refund. Contact your retailer to arrange this transfer.
Is gas included in the Energy Bill Relief?
No. The relief applies only to electricity accounts. However, switching to efficient electric appliances (like reverse cycle heating or heat pump hot water) often reduces your overall energy costs compared to gas alternatives.
What happens if I switch electricity retailers?
The rebate will follow your account to the new retailer. However, notify both your old and new retailer about the pending credits to ensure smooth transfer and application.
Can I receive the rebate if I have solar panels?
Yes. Households with solar panels are eligible for the same $150 rebate. The credit applies to your electricity account regardless of whether you have solar, battery storage, or other renewable energy systems.
Case Studies: Real Household Savings
Case Study 1: Family of Four in Brisbane
Household Profile:
- • 4-bedroom house with ducted air conditioning
- • Electric hot water and pool pump
- • Quarterly usage: ~2,000 kWh
Bill Impact:
- • Before rebate: $420 quarterly bill
- • July bill: $345 (-$75 rebate)
- • October bill: $345 (-$75 rebate)
- • Annual savings: $150 (8.9% reduction)
Additional Savings Strategy:
Combined rebate with plan switching (saving additional $180/year) and solar installation (ROI 5 years) for total annual reduction of $850+
Case Study 2: Retirement Couple in Adelaide
Household Profile:
- • 2-bedroom unit, minimal air conditioning use
- • Gas hot water and heating
- • Quarterly usage: ~800 kWh
Bill Impact:
- • Before rebate: $280 quarterly bill
- • After rebate: $205 quarterly (for 2 quarters)
- • Annual savings: $150 (13.4% reduction)
Combined Benefits:
Eligible for both Energy Bill Relief ($150) and state concessions ($240), providing significant cost-of-living relief for fixed-income retirees
Case Study 3: Small Business Cafe in Melbourne
Business Profile:
- • Small cafe with commercial refrigeration
- • Electric cooking equipment and lighting
- • Annual usage: ~45 MWh (under threshold)
Bill Impact:
- • Quarterly bills: ~$1,200
- • Annual electricity costs: ~$4,800
- • Energy Bill Relief: $150 savings (3.1%)
Business Strategy:
Combined rebate with energy-efficient equipment upgrades and time-of-use optimization for 15% total energy cost reduction
Economic Impact and Context
The Energy Bill Relief Fund serves multiple economic purposes beyond direct household assistance:
Inflation Management
CPI Impact
- Headline inflation reduction: ~0.5 percentage points in 2025
- Timing effect: Lower CPI in Q3 and Q4 2025
- Real vs nominal impact: Genuine relief vs statistical effect
Monetary Policy Interaction
- RBA considerations: Temporary vs persistent inflation factors
- Interest rate decisions: May influence timing of cuts
- Economic stimulus: Provides consumer spending capacity
Energy Market Effects
Market Dynamics
Demand Response
- • Reduced pressure for energy efficiency (temporary)
- • Potential increase in usage during rebate periods
- • Market competition may intensify
Long-term Considerations
- • Infrastructure investment incentives
- • Renewable energy transition support
- • Grid stability and peak demand management
Planning Beyond 2025
While the current Energy Bill Relief extends to December 2025, it's important to plan for long-term energy cost management:
Sustainable Energy Strategies
Investment Priorities
- Energy efficiency: Permanent reductions in usage
- Solar and storage: Long-term protection against price rises
- Electrification: Reduce reliance on gas where economical
- Smart technology: Automated optimization of usage patterns
Policy Awareness
- Future support: Monitor announcements for program extensions
- Market reforms: Default market offers and consumer protections
- Climate policies: Impact on energy prices and incentives
The Bottom Line
The $150 Energy Bill Relief provides meaningful but temporary assistance with electricity costs. While it won't eliminate the impact of rising energy prices, it offers genuine relief equivalent to 7-11% of annual bills for most households.
Maximizing Your Energy Savings in 2025
- • Claim your rebate: Automatic for most, apply if in embedded network
- • Compare energy plans: Potential 12-18% additional savings
- • Upgrade inefficient appliances: Focus on heating, cooling, hot water
- • Consider solar: 4-7 year payback period typical
- • Optimize usage patterns: Time-of-use rate benefits
- • Access state programs: Additional rebates and support
- • Plan long-term: Build energy resilience beyond rebate period
- • Stay informed: Monitor policy changes and market trends
Ready to calculate your energy bill savings? Use our calculator to see exactly how the $150 rebate affects your quarterly payments, and explore additional strategies to keep your energy costs under control throughout 2025 and beyond.