Millions of Australians eligible for energy bill discounts will soon receive proactive assistance, thanks to a new rule aimed at ensuring vulnerable households don’t miss out on vital savings. Energy retailers will be required to notify eligible Centrelink recipients of the discounts available to them, starting 1 July 2026.
Currently, a large number of Australians are missing out on concession discounts, not because they are ineligible, but because they are unaware of the financial relief they could receive. This new rule will help address that issue, by making sure retailers inform customers of their entitlements, empowering them to take full advantage of available support.
A Step Towards Fairer Energy Bills
The new initiative, which will come into effect on July 1 next year, mandates that energy providers must notify customers about energy discounts they are entitled to when they sign up for a new plan or switch providers. According to Energy Minister Chris Bowen, this is a crucial step towards ensuring vulnerable Australians are not left behind when it comes to receiving the full benefits of the support they deserve.
Currently, Australians who are eligible for energy concessions—such as those receiving the Age Pension, JobSeeker payments, or Veterans’ Affairs support—must inquire themselves about the discounts available. This has led to many missing out on valuable savings due to a lack of awareness. Bowen stressed that the new regulation ensures “concession holders don’t miss out” and that every eligible customer sees “every dollar of support they deserve.”
This initiative will apply to those living in New South Wales, South Australia, Queensland, Tasmania, and the Australian Capital Territory, with energy retailers required to inform customers about available state-specific concessions. As many as six in 10 eligible people are thought to be missing out on these discounts, as noted by experts. Ensuring they are properly informed could significantly ease financial pressures for vulnerable households.
Increased Access to Energy Bill Relief
While the changes are set to improve accessibility to discounts, Australians are not required to wait until the rule comes into force to benefit from available concessions. Experts have encouraged those with concession cards to contact their energy retailer now, to ensure they are receiving the relief they are entitled to.Â
Anna Collyer, CEO of the Australian Energy Market Commission, stated that many consumers are unaware they qualify for discounts, urging them to make contact with their retailer or relevant state bodies, such as ConcessionsSA in South Australia.
Additionally, as part of broader reforms to the energy sector, retailers will be restricted to raising energy prices only once a year. Starting from December 2026, they will also be required to provide a “better offer” message on electricity bills, alerting customers to more affordable plans. This combination of measures is designed to create a more transparent and supportive energy market for vulnerable Australians.
