$2400 Centrelink Energy Rebate In response to rising electricity costs, the Australian Government has introduced the Energy Bill Relief Fund for the 2024-25 financial year. This initiative aims to provide financial assistance to households and small businesses to ease the burden of electricity bills. This guide details key aspects of the fund, including eligibility criteria, application processes, and state-specific variations.
Overview of Energy Bill Relief Fund
Financial Assistance Details
| Beneficiary | Assistance Amount | Payment Method |
| Households | Up to $300 | Credited directly to bills |
| Small Businesses | $325 (one-time) | Credited directly to bills |
Payment Schedule
| Quarter | Household Installment | Small Business Payment | Date Applied |
| Q1 | $75 | $325 (one-time) | August 2024 |
| Q2 | $75 | N/A | 1 October 2024 |
| Q3 | $75 | N/A | 1 January 2025 |
| Q4 | $75 | N/A | 1 April 2025 |
Eligibility Criteria
For Households
- Must have an active electricity account for their primary residence.
- Electricity usage must be for domestic purposes only (not for commercial properties).
For Small Businesses
- Must have an active Australian Business Number (ABN).
- Must be on a separately metered business tariff.
- Annual electricity consumption must be within the small customer definition set by each state or territory (e.g., 100 MWh in NSW).
Application Process
Automatic Application
- Most eligible households and small businesses will automatically receive the relief as a credit on their electricity bills.
- No additional action is required.
Embedded Networks (Manual Application Required)
Some residents and businesses in embedded networks (e.g., apartment complexes, retirement villages, caravan parks) may need to apply manually. Application processes vary by state:
- NSW: Apply via Service NSW website.
- Victoria: Apply via Victorian Energy Compare website.
State and Territory Variations
| State/Territory | Additional Relief for Households | Additional Relief for Small Businesses | Application Process |
| NSW | Up to $300 | Up to $325 | Mostly automatic, embedded networks must apply |
| Victoria | Up to $250 | N/A | Mostly automatic, embedded networks apply via Victorian Energy Compare |
| Queensland | $550 for all households; $700 extra for vulnerable households | $650 for small businesses with <100 MWh usage | Mostly automatic, may vary |
| Western Australia | $700 (includes $400 from WA Government & $300 from Commonwealth) | N/A | Mostly automatic, some must apply |
Additional Support Programs
| State/Territory | Program | Description |
| ACT | Home Energy Support Program | Rebates for energy efficiency upgrades and emission reduction |
| Victoria | Solar Panel Rebate | Up to $1,400 rebate on solar panel installation + interest-free loan |
| South Australia | Sustainability Incentives | Grants for renewable energy, efficiency upgrades, and water conservation |
FAQs
Who will receive the Energy Bill Relief automatically?
Most households and small businesses will receive the relief as a direct credit on their electricity bill without needing to apply.
How do I apply if I am in an embedded network?
Residents and businesses in embedded networks (e.g., apartment complexes, caravan parks) may need to apply manually through their state’s energy website.
Can I receive multiple relief payments if I have more than one property?
No, relief is only available for your primary residence. Additional properties do not qualify
How do small businesses determine eligibility?
Small businesses must have an ABN, a separately metered business tariff, and meet their state’s electricity consumption limits.
When will the payments be applied to my electricity bill?
Payments will be applied quarterly, starting in August 2024.