Prices are finally falling for some Australians after years of increases — but not everyone will benefit. Here's the full picture by state.
View live wholesale prices →Stats updated: 2026-06-21
For most households on Default Market Offer (DMO) or Victorian Default Offer (VDO) standing contracts, electricity bills are set to decrease from 1 July 2026. In New South Wales, residential flat rates will fall between 3.4% (approx. $66 annually) and 5.0% (approx. $137 annually), while South East Queensland will see a 7.2% reduction (approx. $155 annually). Victorian households on the VDO will experience an average 5% decrease, equating to approximately $84 off their annual bill, bringing the average annual cost to around $1,591. South Australian residential customers on the DMO, however, will see a modest increase of 1.4% (approx. $33 annually).
The broad Australian Government Energy Bill Relief Fund, which provided automatic credits of up to $150 in the 2025-26 financial year, concluded on 31 December 2025, meaning no new automatic payments are being issued. However, state-specific support remains active. In NSW, eligible households can access zero-interest loans of up to $15,000 for energy-saving upgrades through the Home Energy Saver program, with targeted discounts of up to $4,000 for lower-income households coming later in 2026. Victoria offers ongoing concession rebates (approx. $174/year for electricity) and the Victorian Energy Upgrades (VEU) program provides upfront discounts on energy-efficient appliances like heat pumps and air conditioners. Queensland provides a $386.34 annual Electricity Rebate for pensioners and seniors, and a Medical Cooling and Heating Electricity Concession Scheme offering $522.09 per year.
To reduce your electricity bill, comparing market offers against the Default Market Offer (DMO) or Victorian Default Offer (VDO) is crucial, as market plans are often more competitive. Consider energy-efficient upgrades; for example, the NSW Home Energy Saver program offers zero-interest loans up to $15,000 for solar, batteries, and insulation. Victorians can utilise the VEU program for discounts on efficient heating, cooling, and hot water systems. Additionally, households with smart meters in DMO regions can explore the new Solar Sharer Offer, providing three hours of free electricity daily to those who can shift their usage.
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