Electricity bills remain a major household expense in New South Wales. To ease the pressure, both the NSW Government and the Australian Government offer a mix of rebates, concessions, and one-off bill credits. This independent Solar Choice guide explains every electricity rebate and incentive available in NSW for 2025–26 — who can claim them, how much they’re worth, and how to apply.
Looking to compare plans? See our NSW electricity comparison guide.
Summary of NSW Electricity Rebates (2025–26)
| Program | Amount (2025–26) | Who Can Get It | How to Apply |
| National Energy Bill Relief – Households | $150 (2 × $75 credits) | All NSW households | Automatic for retail customers; embedded network residents apply via Service NSW |
| National Energy Bill Relief – Small Business | $150 | Small businesses with ABN, <100 MWh/yr | Automatic for most; embedded network businesses apply via Service NSW |
| Low Income Household Rebate | $285 (retail) / $313.50 (embedded) | Pensioner Concession Card, Health Care Card, or DVA Gold Card holders | Retail customers via retailer; embedded network via Service NSW |
| Seniors Energy Rebate | $200/year | Self-funded retirees with a Commonwealth Seniors Health Card | Apply via Service NSW (paid directly to bank account) |
| Medical Energy Rebate | $285 (retail) / $313.50 (embedded) | Concession households with a medical condition affecting body temperature | Retail customers via retailer; embedded network via Service NSW + medical form |
| Life Support Rebate | Varies by equipment (up to ~$1,477/year) | Households using approved life-support equipment | Apply via retailer or Service NSW with medical practitioner form |
| Gas Rebate | $110/year | Eligible concession card holders with gas accounts | Retail customers via retailer; embedded network via Service NSW |
Understanding the Basics
Retail vs Embedded Network Customers
- Retail customers (most households) get bills directly from providers like AGL, Origin, or EnergyAustralia. Rebates are usually applied automatically once approved.
- Embedded network customers (common in apartments, retirement villages, or caravan parks) are billed via a building manager or strata operator. These households generally need to apply through Service NSW.
Can You Claim More Than One Rebate?
Yes, some rebates can be combined. For example, a household can receive both the Low Income Household Rebate and the Family Energy Rebate. However, you must choose between the Seniors Energy Rebate and the Low Income Household Rebate — you cannot claim both.
Federal Rebates & Incentives (NSW)
National Energy Bill Relief – Households
This is a federal bill credit provided to all households to offset rising energy costs. Every NSW household with an electricity account will receive two $75 credits across the year.
- Amount: $150 (two × $75 credits across the year)
- Eligibility: All NSW households with an electricity account.
- How to apply: Automatic for retail customers. Embedded network customers apply via Service NSW.
National Energy Bill Relief – Small Business
Designed for small businesses with modest electricity use, this payment provides a flat $150 credit.
- Amount: $150
- Eligibility: Small businesses with ABN, <100 MWh/year (roughly <$25k annual spend).
- How to apply: Automatic for most businesses. Embedded network businesses apply via Service NSW.
NSW Rebates and Concessions
Low Income Household Rebate
The main NSW rebate for concession households, helping with ongoing electricity costs.
- Amount: $285 (retail) / $313.50 (embedded)
- Eligibility: Pensioner Concession Card, Health Care Card, or DVA Gold Card holders.
- How to apply: Retail customers apply through their electricity retailer. Embedded network households apply via Service NSW.
Seniors Energy Rebate
This rebate assists self-funded retirees who don’t qualify for the Low Income Household Rebate.
- Amount: $200/year
- Eligibility: Self-funded retirees holding a Commonwealth Seniors Health Card.
- How to apply: Apply via Service NSW. Paid directly into a nominated bank account.
Medical Energy Rebate
Provides help for households where a resident’s medical condition requires extra heating or cooling.
- Amount: $285 (retail) / $313.50 (embedded)
- Eligibility: Concession card holders where a resident has a medical condition that makes it difficult to regulate body temperature.
- How to apply: Apply through your electricity retailer (retail) or via Service NSW (embedded network). Requires a medical practitioner’s declaration.
Life Support Rebate
Supports households that rely on life-support equipment by covering part of the electricity cost.
- Amount: Varies depending on the type of equipment used; up to around $1,477/year.
- Eligibility: Households using approved life-support equipment such as dialysis machines, ventilators, or oxygen concentrators.
- How to apply: Apply via your electricity retailer (retail) or via Service NSW (embedded). Requires medical practitioner certification.
Gas Rebate
A smaller rebate to assist concession households with natural gas bills.
- Amount: $110/year
- Eligibility: Concession card holders with natural gas accounts.
- How to apply: Automatically applied for retail customers once concession card details are provided. Embedded network customers apply via Service NSW.
Family Energy Rebate
Provides extra support for families with dependent children.
- Amount: Up to $180 (retail) / $198 (embedded)
- Eligibility: Households with dependent children
- How to apply: Retail customers apply via Service NSW:
Energy Accounts Payment Assistance (EAPA) Vouchers
Provides short-term financial support for households in crisis through vouchers that reduce electricity or gas bills.
- Amount: Varies; vouchers are generally $50 each, and multiple vouchers may be issued depending on circumstances
- Eligibility: Households experiencing temporary financial hardship
- How to apply: Apply via Service NSW, usually after contacting your energy provider:
Other Relevant Programs in NSW
Feed-in Tariffs in NSW
If you have solar panels, you can earn credits on your electricity bill for any surplus power exported back to the grid.
- Current rates (2025): Retailers in NSW set their own feed-in tariffs. Most pay between 5¢ and 12¢/kWh in 2025.
- Legacy schemes: Premium tariffs for early solar customers (before 2011) have ended. New systems only receive market-based rates.
- How to apply: You don’t need a separate application. Your retailer will credit your bill once your solar system is connected and exporting.
Solar Rebates & Incentives in NSW
Beyond bill rebates, NSW households can access upfront support to install solar panels or batteries.
- Federal STC Rebate: All new solar systems qualify for a reduction in cost via the national Small-scale Technology Certificate (STC) scheme. The value depends on system size and location. See: STC Scheme Explained.
- NSW Battery Rebates: Some NSW households can access subsidies or low-interest loans for home batteries. See: NSW Home Battery Rebate Guide.
- How to apply: Usually applied upfront by your installer, reducing the quoted system cost. Always confirm that rebates are included when comparing solar quotes.
How to Apply for NSW Electricity Rebates
- Retail customers: Provide concession card details to your retailer. Most rebates are then applied automatically.
- Embedded network customers: Apply via Service NSW.
- Medical & Life Support rebates: Require additional medical declaration forms signed by a registered practitioner.
How to Maximise Energy Savings in NSW
- Register your concession card with your retailer or Service NSW.
- Compare electricity plans regularly using NSW electricity comparison.
- If you have solar, make sure you’re on a competitive tariff:
Final Word
NSW households and small businesses can access a broad range of electricity rebates and concessions in 2025–26. From the Low Income Household Rebate to the Seniors and Medical rebates, these programs provide meaningful bill relief. By combining rebates with solar feed-in tariffs, comparing plans, and applying for all eligible support, households can better manage rising electricity costs.
Frequently Asked Questions
NSW households can access several rebates including the Low Income Household Rebate, Seniors Energy Rebate, Medical Energy Rebate, Life Support Rebate, and the Gas Rebate. In addition, all households and small businesses receive the National Energy Bill Relief Credit from the Australian Government. See our NSW electricity comparison guide to check if you’re on the best plan while using these rebates.
The Low Income Household Rebate provides up to $285 (retail customers) or $313.50 (embedded network customers) per year. It’s available to households with a Pensioner Concession Card, Health Care Card, or DVA Gold Card.
No. Households must choose between the Seniors Energy Rebate ($200/year) and the Low Income Household Rebate. However, some other rebates (such as the Family Energy Rebate, if eligible) can be combined.
– Retail customers: Provide your concession or health card details directly to your electricity retailer.
– Embedded network customers (e.g., apartment buildings, retirement villages): Apply through Service NSW.
– Medical and Life Support rebates: Require a medical form signed by a registered practitioner
The Seniors Energy Rebate is worth $200 per year, paid directly to eligible self-funded retirees who hold a Commonwealth Seniors Health Card. Applications are made through Service NSW.
This rebate supports concession households where a resident has a medical condition affecting their ability to regulate body temperature. It pays $285 (retail) or $313.50 (embedded) per year. A doctor’s declaration is required.
The Life Support Rebate varies depending on the equipment, with households receiving up to ~$1,477 per year. Eligible equipment includes dialysis machines, oxygen concentrators, and ventilators. Applications must be supported by a medical practitioner’s certification.
Yes. The NSW Gas Rebate provides $110 per year to eligible concession card holders with a natural gas account. Retail customers usually receive it automatically, while embedded network customers must apply through Service NSW.
Yes. If you have rooftop solar, you can earn credits through feed-in tariffs. Check the best NSW feed-in tariffs and consider federal solar rebates and battery incentives to maximise your savings.
- WA Electricity Rebates & Incentives (2025 Guide) - 24 September, 2025
- ACT Electricity Rebates & Incentives (2025 Guide) - 24 September, 2025
- SA Electricity Rebates & Incentives (2025 Guide) - 23 September, 2025
