The Shocking Reality Behind Australia’s Bill Surge
Australian households have been hit with one of the most dramatic electricity price increases in recent memory, with bills jumping 37% in the year to February 2026 according to the Australian Bureau of Statistics.
But here’s what most Australians don’t realise: the single biggest reason for this massive increase is the end of the federal Energy Bill Relief Fund on 31 December 2025.
The Truth About Rising Costs: When government rebates are stripped away, the underlying electricity price rise was actually just 4.9% - meaning the federal rebates were masking the true cost of power for two years.
What Actually Ended on New Year’s Day
The federal Energy Bill Relief Fund ended on 31 December 2025, removing the $75 quarterly credits that appeared automatically on millions of electricity accounts throughout 2024 and 2025. These credits provided up to $300 in relief during the 2024-25 financial year.
The federal program was always designed as temporary crisis relief, introduced as energy prices surged globally. There is no replacement rebate currently locked in at a federal level.
The State-by-State Price Reality
Without federal support cushioning the blow, the true cost differences between states have become stark:
| State | Average Annual Bill | Difference from Cheapest |
|---|---|---|
| South Australia | $1,580 | +$270 |
| Western Australia | $1,520 | +$210 |
| Queensland | $1,480 | +$170 |
| New South Wales | $1,450 | +$140 |
| Victoria | $1,380 | +$70 |
| Tasmania | $1,340 | +$30 |
| ACT | $1,310 | Cheapest |
South Australia remains Australia’s most expensive state for electricity, averaging $1,580 per year — $270 more than the cheapest state (ACT).
What Energy Help Still Exists in 2026
While universal federal rebates have ended, not all energy rebates in Australia have disappeared. State-based assistance remains available:
NSW Concessions Still Available
Low Income Household Rebate: $285 per year for eligible Pensioner Concession Card, Health Care Card, and DVA card holders. Gas Rebate: $110 per year for eligible concession card holders on gas accounts.
Emergency Support Programs
Energy Accounts Payment Assistance (EAPA) provides emergency energy hardship vouchers for households in crisis, available through community organisations across NSW.
The Eligibility Gap
Up to 41% of eligible Australians are not claiming the concessions they are entitled to, according to research by the Consumer Policy Research Centre.
Why Bills Will Stay Higher
For many households, the rebates softened the impact of rising electricity costs without addressing the reasons bills increased in the first place. Wholesale prices remain volatile. Network charges continue to rise. Retail pricing structures have largely stayed the same.
Once the credits disappear, those underlying costs will show up more clearly on quarterly bills.
What Households Can Do Now
Check Your Eligibility
If you have a concession card or receive payments under a government scheme, you could be eligible for rebates under existing state and territory schemes.
Review Your Plan
Prices have gone up by 9.5% to 25% across NSW, VIC, SA, QLD and TAS, with Victoria hardest hit and Tasmania least impacted. Now is the time to compare retailers using government comparison tools.
Consider Your Options
Understanding when electricity is used, how much comes from the grid, and what sits behind the total bill makes it easier to respond with intention rather than surprise. Whether that means changing habits, reviewing plans, or considering solar and storage.
The end of universal energy bill rebates marks a turning point for Australian households. For homeowners, 2026 will be the first year in which power bills reflect energy prices without government buffering. The key is understanding what support remains available and taking action before the next quarterly bill arrives.