Final Electricity Rebate to Ease Energy Costs as October Credit Rolls Out

Australian households will soon receive the final instalment of a government electricity rebate, as pressure from rising energy costs continues to affect budgets nationwide. The rebate forms part of a broader support measure introduced in response to increased household expenses linked to the national energy market.

According to Yahoo Finance, the final $75 credit will be automatically applied to electricity accounts from October, offering a short-term buffer for many. While the scheme has helped offset some recent price rises, energy regulators and consumer advocates warn that cost pressures are likely to persist beyond the current relief period.

Last Round of Federal Energy Support to Be Paid Out in October

The $75 rebate, part of the broader $150 electricity credit announced in the 2024 federal budget, will be automatically credited to eligible customers’ electricity accounts from October. This follows an earlier $75 payment delivered earlier in the year, as part of the government’s attempt to buffer households from elevated power prices.

For most Australians, the payment will require no action. However, households located in embedded networks—such as some apartment complexes and retirement villages—may need to apply separately. Energy expert Mariam Gabaji from Finder advised affected residents to consult their state or territory websites for eligibility details.

Additional Support Available in Victoria

Energy Prices Have Risen Across Most States

Despite the rebates, energy costs continue to increase across the country. According to the Australian Energy Regulator, from July, customers on standing offer plans in New South Wales saw increases ranging from 8.3 to 9.7 per cent.

In South East Queensland, price hikes were slightly more moderate—between 0.5 and 3.7 per cent. South Australia reported increases of 2.3 to 3.2 per cent, while Victoria recorded an average rise of around 1 per cent, based on data from the Essential Services Commission.

Gabaji noted that many Australians remain on outdated plans.

There’s as much as a $500 to $700 annual difference between the cheapest and most expensive plans in our database – she said.

Comparing providers and switching plans is still one of the fastest ways to reduce overall costs.

Energy-Saving Strategies Households Are Using

In response to rising costs, Australians are adopting various strategies to cut their energy usage, according to new survey data from Finder.

Around 22 per cent of respondents said that installing solar panels had the most noticeable impact on their electricity bills. While the upfront investment remains a barrier for some, Gabaji pointed out that solar payback periods have dropped in recent years, improving the long-term value proposition.

Other commonly adopted measures included efficient heating and cooling usage (17 per cent), turning off lights and unplugging electronics (15 per cent), and adopting shorter showers, LED lighting, and energy-efficient appliances.

Interestingly, 18 per cent of respondents reported that none of their energy-saving efforts had led to noticeable reductions in their bills, highlighting the challenge many face in mitigating rising energy costs and base rates.

Combining Small Changes Can Drive Real Savings

Separate research from Canstar Blue found that households could save up to $470 over winter by combining small tactics—like switching to cold machine washes, keeping windows and doors sealed, using electric blankets instead of heaters, and limiting shower time—helping to offset rising energy costs.

Gabaji emphasized the importance of layering different approaches.

No single change will slash your bill overnight – she said.

But the cumulative effect of several adjustments—solar, insulation, appliance upgrades—can really make a difference.