Queensland energy bill relief: Who is eligibly and how to apply, explained

Here’s what you need to know about the scheme, including who’s eligible, when it comes into effect and how you’ll get the discount.

How much is the new Queensland Energy Bill Discount and when does it start?

Households will receive $1,000 off their electricity bills. Assuming the policy passes parliament, it will come into force on July 1 – just a few months before the state election in October.

The relief is an extension of the $550 rebate on the energy bill that was announced for 2023-24.

Small businesses will continue to receive a $325 discount on their electricity bill.

Who is entitled to relief?

The Queensland Government says every household in the state will receive the rebates.

No need to apply for relief.

“To be eligible, residential customers must have an electricity bill with their electricity retailer or on-grid provider on 1 July 2024 and be separately metered and billed for their own electricity consumption,” the government said.

Some people will be able to access additional relief.

“Eligible seniors, pensioners and concession card holders will receive $1,372 off their electricity bills,” the government said.

How will I get the discount?

Rebates will be automatically applied to electricity bills – so instead of receiving cash on bills, households simply won’t have to pay as much when they receive them.

Indeed, with the average quarterly electricity bill in Queensland standing at $315, according to Canstar, the rebate is likely to cover multiple bills, meaning households may not incur any out-of-pocket electricity costs until 2025.

“Every Queensland household will get $1000 off their energy bills in the second half of this year,” Dick said.

“This is the largest rebate ever offered by any government in Australian history and is expected to save Queenslanders more than $2.5 billion.”