Starting next year, millions of Australians on Centrelink payments will no longer have to hunt for discounts on their electricity bills. A major rule change means energy companies will now have to make sure concession holders get every dollar of support they’re entitled to. If you’re one of the many Aussies receiving a pension or JobSeeker payments, this is big news—and could help ease the sting of rising power costs.
Missing Out on Electricity Discounts
Currently, many people who qualify for bill discounts are missing out. It’s not because they’re not eligible; it’s because they don’t know they can ask for help. The responsibility has always been on customers to inquire about the relief they’re entitled to, which isn’t always obvious. And let’s face it, with all the other things going on in life, who remembers to ask about energy discounts? But this is all about to change.
A New Rule Coming in 2026
From July 1, 2026, energy retailers will be required by law to directly ask customers about their eligibility for government concessions. They’ll also need to provide detailed information on the discounts available, depending on where the customer lives. The rule will apply to those receiving payments like the Age Pension, JobSeeker, and veterans’ payments across states including New South Wales, South Australia, Queensland, Tasmania, and the ACT.
Energy Minister Chris Bowen emphasized the significance of this change, saying, “We’re making sure concession holders don’t miss out”, raports Yahoo Finance. He added that vulnerable households need to see every bit of financial help they deserve, and this rule change will ensure they do. It’s one of a few new measures aimed at making energy bills fairer for all Australians.
Other Changes in the Energy Sector
The new rule also includes some other important changes for the energy sector. Retailers will be allowed to increase prices only once a year, providing a bit of stability for customers who are worried about unpredictable price hikes. And starting in late 2026, energy companies will have to include a “better offer” message with every bill, alerting customers if there’s a cheaper plan available. It’s a move that’s expected to encourage competition and give customers the opportunity to save on their energy bills.
Take Action Now
But you don’t have to wait for July 2026 to get help with your bills. If you have a concession card, now is the time to reach out to your retailer to make sure you’re getting the discounts you deserve. The Australian Energy Market Commission urges consumers to act sooner rather than later—because many Aussies are still missing out.
For those in South Australia, don’t forget about ConcessionsSA, which can also provide support. And remember, if you’ve got a Pensioner Concession Card, Health Care Card, or Department of Veterans’ Affairs Gold Card, you might be eligible for some relief.
With all these changes on the horizon, the hope is that more people will be aware of and take advantage of the support available to them. No one should have to miss out on financial help they’ve earned—especially when it comes to something as essential as energy.
