Energy Rebates Have Ended: What’s Next for Consumers in 2026?

The federal Energy Bill Relief Fund (EBRF) has been a helpful pressure valve for many households and small businesses while energy costs (and everything else at the checkout) have been doing their thing. 

But here’s the 2026 reality check: the Australian Government says the Energy Bill Relief Fund ended on 31 December 2025. Energy.gov.au 

So what now? This guide pulls together what the EBRF covered, how to check you received the credits you were meant to receive, and the most practical ways to manage energy costs in 2026 — including state rebates, plan comparisons, and upgrades that may help reduce usage over time. 

What the Energy Bill Relief Fund did (and what’s changed now) 

The EBRF was designed as temporary bill relief delivered as credits on electricity accounts. 

What households and small businesses received 

• Under the final extension, households and eligible small businesses received up to $150 from 1 July 2025 to the end of 2025, generally delivered as two $75 quarterly instalments and applied automatically by retailers. Energy.gov.au 
• This was in addition to earlier support (including up to $300 for households in 2024–25, and $325 for eligible small businesses). Energy.gov.au 

The key update for 2026 

The Australian Government’s rebates and assistance guidance now states plainly that the Energy Bill Relief Fund ended on 31 December 2025 and directs people to state and territory rebates/concessions and plan comparison support. 

Billing-cycle note: Some people saw the final credit appear on a bill issued in early 2026, depending on retailer timing and billing periods. The fund itself ended on 31 December 2025. 

What’s next for consumers in 2026? 

With the federal EBRF finished, the main levers that remain are: 

1) State and territory rebates and concessions 

The Australian Government points consumers toward existing state and territory schemes, especially for people who: 

• hold a concession card, or 
• receive payments under government programs. Energy.gov.au 

These programs vary by location and eligibility. If you haven’t checked in a while, it’s worth a fresh look — because what you qualify for (and how you apply) depends on your situation. 

2) Comparing plans (because “set and forget” can get expensive) 

If you’ve been on the same plan for a long time, there’s a real chance you’re paying more than you need to. 

The ACCC has been blunt about it: 

• In a December 2025 update, the ACCC said households who have been on the same electricity plan for more than three years are paying $221 per year more on average than customers on new plans as per ACCC’s latest Electricity Market Inquiry report reveals. ACCC 
• In an earlier ACCC release, it also highlighted a “loyalty penalty” on older offers. ACCC 

This doesn’t mean everyone should switch immediately — but it does mean comparing is worth doing whenever your rates haven’t been checked in a while. 

Government option: The Australian Government directs consumers to Energy Made Easy, its free comparison service (available for households/small businesses in NSW, QLD, SA, TAS and the ACT). 

Other comparison options: You can also use an independent comparison tool (like ElectricityProvider.com.au) to compare plans from a panel of participating providers using your postcode and usage details, then decide what fits your household. 

3) Energy-efficiency upgrades (where they make sense) 

Reducing how much energy you use can be one of the most durable ways to keep bills manageable — especially now that federal bill credits have ended. 

A notable late-2025 government update: new finance options supported through the $1 billion Household Energy Upgrades Fund (HEUF) (via the CEFC), including: 

• $40 million committed to Brighte to support discounted finance for eligible upgrades (such as solar/batteries, efficient heating/cooling, insulation and EV chargers). Energy.gov.au 
• $35 million committed to Starling Energy Group (Plico) to support discounted finance options for eligible customers installing rooftop solar, batteries and VPP services. Energy.gov.au 

Upgrades aren’t universally suitable. Eligibility, loan terms, installation requirements, and payback can vary — so it’s worth checking the fine print and getting quotes before committing. 

4) Planning and budgeting (the unglamorous hero) 

With no new EBRF credits rolling in, it’s smart to plan for bills to reflect your full usage and pricing again. 

A good starting routine: 

• Review the last 2–4 bills and note seasonal patterns. 
• Check whether your tariff type (flat vs time-of-use) matches when you actually use energy. 
• Build a small buffer into your budget if you can (even a modest one helps). 

And yes — small habit changes can add up: 

• using appliances outside peak times (if you’re on time-of-use), 
• improving draught sealing and insulation, 
• being mindful with heating/cooling settings. 

A practical “do this next” checklist 

If you want a simple plan for 2026: 

1. Check your most recent electricity bill for any final EBRF credit line items (and contact your retailer if something looks off). 
2. Look up your state/territory rebates and concessions (especially if you have a concession card or receive government payments). 
3. Compare your plan (government option: Energy Made Easy where available). 
4. Consider efficiency upgrades if they suit your home and budget (and check HEUF-related finance options if relevant). 

Conclusion: The rebate’s gone — but your options aren’t 

The EBRF ending on 31 December 2025 closes the chapter on universal federal bill credits for now. 

In 2026, support is more about  

(1) state-based assistance where eligible,  

(2) being active in the market, and  

(3) reducing usage where practical. 

If you’re ready to see what’s available, you can start an energy comparison at ElectricityProvider.com.au to compare plans from participating providers and decide what works for your household.