As Australia moves further into 2026, many households are questioning what energy bill relief remains available, particularly after the temporary federal energy bill relief payments from 2023-2025 have concluded. The good news is that significant support persists through a combination of ongoing federal incentives and a robust array of state and territory-specific rebates, loans, and concession schemes. These programs are designed to help Australians reduce upfront costs for energy-efficient upgrades, install renewable energy systems, and alleviate ongoing bill pressures for eligible households.

While the direct, one-off federal bill credits are no longer active, the focus has shifted to long-term energy savings through electrification and efficiency. This guide breaks down the key rebates and schemes available across Australia in 2026, offering specific details for each state and territory.

Federal Energy Incentives Still Available in 2026

The primary federal support mechanisms for energy upgrades remain the Small-scale Renewable Energy Scheme (SRES) and the newer Cheaper Home Batteries Program.

Small-scale Technology Certificates (STCs) for Solar

The Small-scale Renewable Energy Scheme (SRES) continues to provide an upfront discount on eligible rooftop solar panel installations. This discount is delivered through Small-scale Technology Certificates (STCs), which your accredited installer claims on your behalf, reducing the total system cost. The value of STCs fluctuates based on market demand and the deeming period, which stepped down again on 1 January 2026.

For a typical 6.6kW solar system, the upfront federal STC discount can range from approximately $2,800 to $3,200 in NSW (Solar Zone 3) and $1,900 to $2,200 in ACT (Solar Zone 4) in 2026. After this federal rebate, the average cost for a good-quality 6.6kW solar system in Australia typically ranges between $4,500 and $7,000, though premium systems can exceed $8,000. If you’re considering replacing an older system, our guide on Should You Replace Your Old Solar Panels in Australia in 2026? Costs, Efficiency & Payback Explained provides further insights.

Cheaper Home Batteries Program

The federal government’s Cheaper Home Batteries Program, introduced from 1 July 2025, provides a significant upfront discount on eligible home battery storage systems. This rebate is also delivered via the STC framework. From 1 May 2026, the rate is 6.8 STCs for each usable kilowatt-hour (kWh) of storage, which translates to approximately $250 per usable kWh at recent certificate prices.

For a typical 10-13.5 kWh home battery system, this federal incentive can reduce upfront costs by approximately $3,500 to $4,700, depending on the STC value and installation timing.

This makes battery storage more accessible, allowing households to maximise their solar self-consumption and reduce reliance on grid electricity. For more information, see our comprehensive guide on Best Home Solar Batteries in Australia 2026: Models, Prices & Post-May Rebates.

State and Territory Energy Rebates & Schemes in 2026

Beyond federal support, each state and territory offers a unique suite of programs. While some are universal, many are targeted at low-income households, concession card holders, or specific energy-saving upgrades.

Australian Capital Territory (ACT)

The ACT continues to lead with comprehensive electrification initiatives:

  • Sustainable Household Scheme (SHS): From 1 July 2026, new applicants can access low-interest loans up to $20,000 (up from $15,000) at a 3% interest rate for energy-efficient upgrades. This includes household battery storage, electric heating and cooling, hot water heat pumps, electric stove tops, ceiling insulation, electric vehicles (EVs, with a new price threshold of $60,000), and EV charging infrastructure. Loans are repayable over up to 10 years.
  • Home Energy Support Program (HESP): Eligible concession card holders can claim rebates up to $5,000 for solar, batteries, and other energy efficiency upgrades.

ACT residents can often combine the SHS loan with federal STCs for solar and the Cheaper Home Batteries Program, significantly reducing out-of-pocket expenses.

New South Wales (NSW)

NSW has introduced new programs in 2026 alongside ongoing concessions:

  • Home Energy Saver Program: Launched on 17 June 2026, this $557 million scheme offers eligible homeowners zero-interest loans up to $15,000 for energy upgrades like solar, batteries, heat pump water heaters, reverse cycle air conditioners, induction cooktops, EV chargers, and insulation. Later in 2026, a separate discount of up to $4,000 will open for lower-income households (combined income under $80,000 or eligible concession card holders).
  • Concession Rebates: Ongoing support includes the Low Income Household Rebate (up to $285/year credit on electricity bills), Family Energy Rebate, Seniors Energy Rebate, and Medical Energy Rebate. A NSW Gas Rebate of up to $110/year is also available for eligible concession card holders.
  • Solar for Apartment Residents Grant: This program funds 50% of shared solar (and sometimes battery) system costs, up to $150,000 per project, for eligible apartment buildings and strata schemes. Applications close 4 December 2026.
  • Virtual Power Plant (VPP) Incentive: NSW also offers an incentive for eligible batteries that join a participating VPP.

Victoria (VIC)

Victoria’s Victorian Energy Upgrades (VEU) program is a cornerstone, complemented by Solar Victoria initiatives:

  • Victorian Energy Upgrades (VEU) Program: This scheme provides upfront discounts or rebates for replacing inefficient appliances with eligible energy-efficient alternatives. In 2026, this includes heat pump hot water systems, reverse cycle air conditioning, ceiling insulation, and LED lighting replacements. Discounts are applied at the point of sale. Households can save an average of $192 per year through VEU upgrades.
  • Solar Victoria Rebates: These include a solar panel rebate of up to $1,400 and an interest-free loan for solar panel installations. A hot water rebate of up to $1,000 is also available for eligible heat pump or solar hot water systems, which can be stacked with VEU discounts and federal STCs.

Victorians can achieve $0 upfront costs for many hot water and insulation projects by stacking state and federal incentives.

South Australia (SA)

South Australia’s Retailer Energy Productivity Scheme (REPS) is the key state program:

  • Retailer Energy Productivity Scheme (REPS): From 2026, REPS has updated targets with a greater focus on Priority Group households (e.g., concession card holders, low-income homes). Obliged energy retailers provide discounted or free upgrades such as efficient hot water systems, reverse-cycle air conditioning, insulation, energy-efficient appliances, and virtual power plant (VPP) battery connections. Offers vary by retailer and accredited provider.
  • Concession & Bill Relief: The Energy Bill Concession helps low-income households with electricity costs. The Medical Heating and Cooling Concession is available for those with medical conditions requiring heating/cooling. The SA Concessions Energy Discount Offer (SACEDO), through Origin Energy, provides a 20% discount off the Default Market Offer (DMO) electricity usage and supply charges and 15% off gas charges for eligible concession customers, potentially saving up to $653 per year.

Combining REPS activities with federal solar and battery incentives is a powerful strategy for SA households.

Western Australia (WA)

WA provides several direct financial assistance programs:

  • Energy Assistance Payment (EAP): From 1 July 2026, eligible concession card holders (Pensioner Concession Card, Health Care Card, DVA Gold Card) will receive $377.14 per year to assist with electricity costs.
  • Dependent Child Rebate: Available to EAP recipients with dependent children, this provides $396.56 for one child and $103.91 for each additional child per year from 1 July 2026.
  • Air Conditioning Rebate: An annual payment of $78.98 (from 1 July 2026) for eligible EAP recipients in specified hot regions with air conditioning.
  • Cost of Living Rebate (CoLR): WA Seniors Card holders (who do not necessarily hold other concession cards) receive $104.90 in 2026.

These rebates are often paid directly or applied as credits by Synergy or Horizon Power, or via RevenueWA for those in embedded networks.

Queensland (QLD)

Queensland’s direct household rebates are primarily for concession card holders, with some targeted programs:

  • Electricity Rebate: Eligible concession card holders can receive $386.34 per year to help with electricity costs.
  • Medical Cooling and Heating Electricity Concession Scheme: Support for individuals with eligible medical conditions.
  • Queensland Community Housing Energy Upgrades (QCHEU) Program: This program, closing 30 October 2026, offers rebates of up to $4,500 per dwelling for energy efficiency upgrades in community housing properties.

While QLD has fewer broad household upgrade rebates compared to some southern states, federal STCs for solar and batteries remain available.

Tasmania (TAS)

Tasmania offers an ongoing electricity concession:

  • Annual Electricity Concession: This concession is calculated on a daily rate and applied as a credit to electricity bills for eligible concession card holders. Specific annual values vary based on usage.

Northern Territory (NT)

The NT has a general concession scheme for eligible residents:

  • Pensioner and Carer Concession Scheme: This scheme offers various concessions, including assistance with energy costs, for eligible pensioners and carers. Specific amounts are variable and depend on individual circumstances.

Maximising Your Savings in 2026

Beyond securing rebates, strategic energy management is crucial. Consider these practical steps:

Bottom Line

While the temporary federal energy bill relief has concluded, Australian households in 2026 still have substantial opportunities to reduce their energy costs. The landscape is dominated by ongoing federal incentives for solar and batteries, combined with robust state and territory programs ranging from low-interest loans for major upgrades to direct bill concessions for eligible cardholders. The key is to actively research and apply for the specific schemes available in your state or territory, particularly those focused on long-term energy efficiency and renewable energy adoption. Engaging with accredited providers and understanding your eligibility for concession-based support will unlock significant savings and help future-proof your home against rising energy prices.

Scheme TypeFederal (STCs)ACT (SHS/HESP)NSW (Home Energy Saver)VIC (VEU/Solar Vic)SA (REPS/Concessions)WA (EAP/Rebates)
Solar PVUp to ~$3,200 (6.6kW system)Loans up to $20k / $5k rebateLoans up to $15kUp to $1,400 rebate + loanSTC discount (via installer)STC discount (via installer)
Home Battery~$250/kWh (e.g., $3,500-4,700)Loans up to $20k / $5k rebateLoans up to $15k / ~$4k discount30-40% discount (Fed STC)REPS VPP connection / Fed STCFed STC
Hot Water (Heat Pump)STCs (if eligible)Loans up to $20kLoans up to $15kVEU discount + $1,000 rebateREPS discounted/free-
Air Conditioning-Loans up to $20kLoans up to $15kVEU discountREPS discounted/free$78.98 rebate (eligible areas)
Insulation-Loans up to $20kLoans up to $15kVEU discount (0 upfront possible)REPS discounted/free-
EVs/Charging-Loans up to $20k (EVs < $60k)Loans up to $15k (Level 2 charger)-REPS demand response (EV)-
Concession Bill Relief-HESP up to $5,000 (upgrades)Up to $285/year (electricity)Annual Electricity ConcessionEnergy Bill Concession / SACEDO$377.14/year (EAP)

Note: All prices and rebate amounts are approximate for 2026 and subject to change. Always verify eligibility and current values with official state/federal government websites or accredited providers.