Whether you are an Australian homeowner or renter, you may be eligible for various energy bill relief programs. In these trying times, these rebates can help you reduce your utility bills and improve your home’s comfort and sustainability. In this blog post, we will provide a list of some of the available schemes in NSW, as well as the steps on how to apply and the requirements.

RESIDENTIAL ENERGY BILL RELIEF PROGRAMS IN NSW

Energy costs can be a significant burden for many households, especially during extreme weather conditions. Fortunately, there are several energy bill relief programs that can help you save money on utility bills. Depending on your location, income, and household situation, you may be able to get discounts or subsidies on your electricity, gas, or water bills. Some of the common programs in NSW are:

FAMILY ENERGY REBATE

The Family Energy Rebate is available to residents who receive the Family Tax Benefit (FTB) from Services Australia. The rebate provides up to $180 per year for eligible customers with electricity account with an authorised retailer, or up to $20 per year for eligible customers who receive electricity from an on-supply arrangement. This includes apartment building or caravan park.

To apply for the Family Energy Rebate, you need to:

• Have received FTB payments for the previous financial year and have had your entitlement to the payments finalised by Services Australia by 30 June of the current financial year
• Be an NSW resident and have an electricity account in your name with an authorised retailer or an on-supply provider
• Submit an online application form by 11 June of the current financial year

You can find more information and apply online at Apply for the NSW Family Energy Rebate (retail customers) | Service NSW.

SENIORS ENERGY REBATE

The Seniors Energy Rebate is available to residents who hold a Commonwealth Seniors Health Card (CSHC) from Services Australia or the Department of Veterans’ Affairs. The rebate provides $200 per year to help cover the cost of electricity bills.

To apply for the Seniors Energy Rebate, you need to:

• Hold a valid CSHC as at 1 July of the current financial year
• Be an NSW resident and have an electricity account in your name with an authorised retailer
• Submit an online application form by 30 June of the current financial year

You can find more information and apply online at Apply for the Seniors Energy Rebate | Service NSW

GAS REBATE

The Gas Rebate is available to residents with an eligible concession card from Services Australia or the Department of Veterans’ Affairs. This includes Pensioner Concession Card, Health Care Card, or a Gold Card. The rebate provides up to $110 per year for eligible customers who have a natural gas account with an authorised retailer, or up to $99 per year for eligible customers who use LPG bottles for basic household needs.

To apply for the Gas Rebate, you need to:

• Hold a valid concession card as at 1 July of the current financial year
• Be an NSW resident and have a natural gas account in your name with an authorised retailer or use LPG bottles for basic household needs
• Contact your gas retailer or LPG supplier to confirm your eligibility and register for the rebate

You can find more information at Apply for the NSW Gas Rebate (retail customers) | Service NSW.

LOW-INCOME HOUSEHOLD REBATE

The Low Income Household Rebate is available to residents with an eligible concession card from Services Australia or the Department of Veterans’ Affairs. his includes Pensioner Concession Card, Health Care Card, or a Gold Card. The rebate provides up to $285 per year for eligible customers who have an electricity account with an authorised retailer, or up to $313.50 per year for eligible customers who receive electricity from an on-supply arrangement. Apartment buildings or caravan parks included.

To apply for the Low Income Household Rebate, you need to:

• Hold a valid concession card as at 1 July of the current financial year
• Be a NSW resident and have an electricity account in your name with an authorised retailer or an on-supply provider
• Contact your electricity retailer or on-supply provider to confirm your eligibility and register for the rebate

You can find more information at Apply for the NSW Low Income Household Rebate (retail customers) | Service NSW

WATER REBATE FOR PENSIONERS

The Water Rebate for Pensioners is available to residents with a Pensioner Concession Card or a Gold Card from Services Australia or the Department of Veterans’ Affairs. The rebate provides up to $87.50 per quarter for eligible customers who have a water account with Sydney Water, Hunter Water or a regional or local water provider.

To apply for the Water Rebate for Pensioners, you need to:

• Hold a valid Pensioner Concession Card or Gold Card as at 1 July of the current financial year
• Be a NSW resident and have a water account in your name with an eligible water provider
• Contact your water provider to confirm your eligibility and register for the rebate

You can find more information at Claim the pensioner water rebate | Service NSW

There are various energy bill relief programs available to help you pay your energy bills. Eligibility and application for these rebates vary between states. Please visit our Energy Concession page and choose the state that is relevant to you.

ABOUT COVAU ENERGY

CovaU Energy is a 100% Australian-owned company providing electricity and gas to homes and businesses across Australia. We offer competitive energy plans, top-rated 24/7 customer service, no lock-in contracts, and awesome rewards to our new and existing clients. For more information about our electricity and gas plans, you may call 1300 111 688 to talk to our energy specialists or request a quote for the rates in your area. You may also compare plans and directly sign up here.