Electricity bills remain one of the largest household expenses in Victoria. To ease the pressure, both the Victorian 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 Victoria for 2025–26 — who can claim them, how much they’re worth, and how to apply.
Looking to compare plans? See our Victoria electricity comparison guide.
Summary of Victoria Electricity Rebates (2025)
| Program | Amount (2025–26) | Who Can Get It |
| National Energy Bill Relief – Households | $150 (2 × $75 credits) | All VIC households |
| National Energy Bill Relief – Small Business | $150 | Small businesses with ABN, <100 MWh/yr |
| Annual Electricity Concession | 17.5% discount | Eligible concession card holders |
| Excess Electricity Concession | Discount continues after $3,895.13 annual spend | Eligible concession card holders |
| Medical Cooling Concession | 17.5% off summer bills (Nov–Apr) | Concession households with eligible medical condition |
| Life Support Concession | Daily discount based on equipment | Concession households using life-support equipment |
| Utility Relief Grant Scheme (URGS) | Up to $650 per utility every 2 years ($1,300 if electricity only) | Households in temporary financial hardship |
| Victorian Default Offer (VDO) | Government-set “fair price” | All Victorian customers |
| Power Saving Bonus (2025 round) | $100 one-off | Concession-card households completing a Victorian Energy Compare check |
Understanding the Basics
Retail vs Embedded Network Customers
- Retail customers (most households) receive bills directly from providers like AGL, Origin, or EnergyAustralia. Concessions are usually applied automatically once concession card details are registered.
- Embedded network customers (common in apartments, retirement villages, or caravan parks) are billed through a building manager or third-party provider. These customers must apply through Victorian Energy Compare or the DFFH Concessions portal instead of their retailer.
Federal Rebates & Incentives for Victoria (2025)
National Energy Bill Relief – Households
This is a federal bill credit designed to help with rising energy costs. Every Victorian household with an electricity account receives two $75 credits during the year.
- Amount: $150 (two × $75 instalments).
- Eligibility: All Victorian households with an electricity account.
- How to apply: Automatic for retail customers. Embedded network households (e.g. apartments, retirement villages) apply via Victorian Energy Compare.
National Energy Bill Relief – Small Business
Small businesses with modest electricity usage receive a flat $150 credit.
- Amount: $150.
- Eligibility: Businesses with an ABN, on a small business tariff, and consuming less than 100 MWh per year (around <$25,000 in annual bills).
- How to apply: Applied automatically for most businesses. Embedded network businesses apply via Victorian Energy Compare.
Victorian Rebates and Concessions
Annual Electricity Concession
This is the main ongoing concession in Victoria, discounting electricity costs throughout the year.
- Amount: 17.5% discount on usage and supply charges (after retailer discounts/solar credits).
- Eligibility: Pensioner Concession Card, Health Care Card, or DVA Gold Card holders.
- How to apply: Provide concession details to your retailer. You can see more info here: Annual Electricity Concession – DFFH.
Excess Electricity Concession
For concession households with high electricity use, this concession continues the annual discount past a set threshold.
- Amount: Continues the 17.5% discount once annual electricity costs exceed $3,895.13 (from 1 Dec 2024, reviewed annually).
- Eligibility: Same as Annual Electricity Concession. If you also receive Medical Cooling or Life Support, it applies automatically.
- How to apply: Your retailer will prompt you once the threshold is reached.
Medical Cooling Concession
Helps households where extra cooling is medically necessary during summer months.
- Amount: 17.5% off electricity usage and service costs from 1 Nov to 30 Apr, in addition to the Annual Electricity Concession.
Eligibility: Concession households where a resident has a certified medical condition affecting body temperature regulation. - How to apply: Submit the medical form via your retailer. Details: Medical Cooling Concession – DFFH.
Life Support Concession
Supports concession households using life-support equipment by reducing ongoing electricity costs.
- Amount: Daily discount based on approved equipment, roughly equal to 1,880 kWh/year for some devices.
- Eligibility: Concession card holders using approved life-support equipment (certified by a medical practitioner).
- How to apply: Apply through your retailer with a signed Life Support Concession form. More info: Life Support Concession – DFFH.
Utility Relief Grant Scheme (URGS)
One-off assistance for households struggling with energy bills due to short-term financial hardship.
- Amount: Up to $650 per utility in a 2-year period, or $1,300 if electricity is your only utility.
Eligibility: Households experiencing temporary financial hardship. - How to apply: Contact your electricity retailer. Details: Utility Relief Grant Scheme – DFFH.
Other Victorian Electricity Incentives
Power Saving Bonus (2025 round)
Encourages households to compare energy plans using the Victorian Government’s comparison site.
- Amount: $100 one-off payment.
- Eligibility: Concession-card households completing a Victorian Energy Compare check from August 2025.
- How to apply: Apply online after completing the comparison.
Victorian Default Offer (VDO)
A government-set benchmark electricity price, ensuring customers are not overcharged.
- Amount: Government-set “fair price” benchmark for electricity.
- Eligibility: All Victorian households and small businesses.
- How to apply: Ask your retailer to move you onto the VDO, or check rates at the Essential Services Commission – VDO.
Other Relevant Programs
Solar Homes Program
While not a bill concession, the Victorian Solar Homes Program provides rebates for rooftop solar, batteries, and solar hot water. For many households, this is the largest long-term way to cut electricity bills. Pairing Solar Homes rebates with concessions and the VDO can maximise savings.
Gas Concessions
Victorian concession card holders can also access gas rebates:
- Winter Gas Concession: 17.5% discount on gas bills during winter.
- Excess Gas Concession: Keeps the discount going once annual gas costs exceed the set cap.
- Utility Relief Grant Scheme: Also applies to gas bills.
How to Apply for Victorian Electricity Rebates
- Retail customers: Give concession card details to your electricity retailer; rebates and concessions apply automatically.
- Embedded network customers: Apply via Victorian Energy Compare or the DFFH Concessions portal.
- Financial hardship (URGS): Contact your electricity retailer directly.
How to Maximise Energy Savings in Victoria
- Register your concession card with your retailer to ensure all discounts apply.
- Compare electricity plans regularly with our Victoria electricity comparison guide.
- If you have solar, make sure you’re on a competitive feed-in tariff:
Final Word
Victorian households and small businesses can access a wide range of rebates and incentives in 2025–26. From the Annual Electricity Concession to one-off bill relief credits and the Power Saving Bonus, these programs provide meaningful help with rising costs. By combining concessions with solar rebates, comparing plans, and maximising feed-in tariffs, Victorians can take control of their energy bills.
FAQs
Does Victoria offer a Seniors Energy Rebate?
No. Eligible seniors with concession cards instead receive the Annual Electricity Concession.
Can I claim Medical Cooling and the Annual Electricity Concession?
Yes. The Medical Cooling Concession applies in addition to the Annual Electricity Concession during summer.
What if I live in an embedded network?
You must apply via Victorian Energy Compare or the DFFH Concessions portal.
Are there concessions for gas customers?
Yes. The Winter Gas Concession and Excess Gas Concession apply, and URGS can also cover gas bills.
Will rebates continue if I switch electricity providers?
Yes, but you must give your concession details to your new retailer.
- 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
