Small businesses in Australia are about to get a modest but welcomed boost, thanks to the Australian Government's renewed commitment in the 2024-25 Federal Budget. They're allocating $3.5 billion to extend and expand on the Energy Bill Relief Fund, but what does that mean exactly?
Unpacking the Energy Bill Relied Fund
This relief fund comes in the form of energy bill rebates, a continuation and expansion of a support system aimed at easing the cost of living pressures that weigh heavily on the shoulders of small business owners.
Eligible small businesses stand to receive $325 from the Australian Government, a sum that will be distributed in quarterly instalments directly on energy bills throughout 2024-25.
Eligibility and administration
The task of administering these rebates falls to state and territory governments, and will be delivered seamlessly through energy retailers.
Eligibility hinges on meeting your state or territory's definition of an electricity ‘small customer'. This is primarily determined by annual electricity consumption thresholds—a pivotal detail that underscores the government’s approach to providing targeted support.
It’s essential for small businesses to understand where they stand in relation to these thresholds:
For small businesses whose annual electricity consumption goes above these thresholds, they are not eligible.
However, for the vast majority who find themselves below the threshold, the rebate will be automatically applied to their energy bills. There’s no need for additional paperwork or follow-ups.
You can find out more about how the energy bill relief fund works for small businesses in your state below:
If you're concerned about high energy bills, reach out to us at Zembl. For businesses spending less than $2,500 a month on energy, we offer a free energy bill comparison. If we find you a better plan, we'll handle the switch for you immediately.
If your monthly energy bill exceeds $2,500, our Commercial & Industrial Team Energy Consultants will take over. They can provide a detailed energy tender and secure the best rates from our network of suppliers.
Simply fill out the contact form below to get started.