Victorian households and small businesses are set to benefit from a new $500 Power Bill Relief initiative in 2025. This financial support comes at a critical time, as energy costs continue to weigh heavily on everyday budgets.
Designed to reduce the burden of electricity expenses, this rebate offers a mix of automatic payments and claimable bonuses, depending on your situation.
What Is the $500 Power Bill Relief?
The $500 Power Bill Relief is made up of two combined rebates:
- A $300 electricity bill credit provided over the financial year for eligible households and small businesses.
- A $250 bonus available to households that actively compare their energy plan using the government-run energy comparison tool.
Combined, these benefits add up to $500 in energy savings per household, helping reduce pressure on monthly expenses.
Who Is Eligible?
For Households
To receive the $300 electricity credit, you must:
- Be a residential electricity account holder with a licensed energy retailer.
- Use the electricity for your primary place of residence.
- Be the account holder named on the bill.
To claim the $250 bonus, you must:
- Reside in Victoria.
- Be the account holder of your electricity bill.
- Use an online energy comparison tool to review better plans.
- Complete a short application form once the comparison is done.
There are no income limits or concession requirements for the $250 bonus. All households are eligible.
For Small Businesses
Small businesses can access a $325 electricity bill credit if they:
- Hold a valid Australian Business Number (ABN).
- Are on a separately metered business electricity account.
- Have annual usage below 40 MWh.
This rebate is automatically applied by most energy retailers.
Payment Breakdown
Here’s how the total relief is distributed across households and small businesses:
| Group | Rebate | Amount | Payment Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| Households | Electricity Bill Credit | $300 | Applied automatically in parts |
| Households | Power Saving Bonus | $250 | Claim via energy comparison |
| Small Businesses | Business Electricity Credit | $325 | Applied automatically |
Payments for the $300 rebate are typically spread over four quarterly electricity bills, easing the impact of seasonal price spikes.
How to Claim the Bonus
While the $300 electricity credit is generally automatically applied, claiming the $250 bonus requires a few steps:
- Go to the official energy comparison tool online.
- Enter your electricity bill details and compare current offers.
- Complete the short application form after comparing offers.
- Receive your $250 rebate via bank transfer or cheque.
This process only takes a few minutes and could also help you switch to a cheaper energy plan, saving even more in the long run.
Special Note for Embedded Network Customers
Households or businesses in embedded networks (such as apartment buildings, retirement villages, or caravan parks) need to manually apply for both rebates. This includes:
- Uploading a current electricity invoice.
- Providing proof of residence or business operation.
- Submitting banking information for payment processing.
Additional Energy Relief Options
In addition to the $500 power bill support, there are other energy cost reduction programs available, including:
- Discounts for concession card holders.
- Energy hardship grants for households in crisis.
- Subsidies for energy-efficient appliances and upgrades.
These programs can be combined with the $500 rebate for even more savings.
The $500 Power Bill Relief is a timely and significant financial lifeline for households and small businesses in Victoria. By taking advantage of this support, residents can reduce their electricity costs, manage inflation, and potentially find cheaper energy plans.
The best part? Most of the help is automatic, and the $250 bonus is just a few clicks away. Don’t leave money on the table—check your eligibility, compare your plan, and make sure you’re getting the full benefit you deserve.
FAQs
Is the $500 rebate per person or per household?
It is per electricity account, not per person. Only one rebate is provided per eligible household.
Can renters apply for the rebate?
Yes. Renters are eligible if the electricity account is in their name.
Do I need to repay the rebate or claim it on my taxes?
No. The rebates are non-taxable and do not need to be repaid.