Last month, when Claire Thompson, a single mother from Sydney, opened her winter electricity bill, she felt sick. The total came to almost $640, which is almost twice what she paid two years ago.
“I don’t leave the heaters on all day,” she said. “But I can’t keep costs down with two kids and prices going up.”
In 2026, Australia’s energy bill relief program will be greatly expanded, offering up to $1,800 in help, but only to homes in certain postcodes.
The targeted rollout has caused both relief and anger, as millions wait to find out if their area is eligible.
What Will Be Different in 2026?
The federal and state governments have confirmed that energy bill relief payments will be extended. Households that qualify can get credits worth up to $1,800 over the next year.
Australia is currently doing a mass pension recalculation in 2026. Will payments change right away? Also, read “Mass Pension Recalculation Underway in Australia 2026—Will Payments Change Overnight?” But the extension doesn’t apply to everyone.
Instead, postcodes that have been identified as eligible are being given priority.
Areas with high costs of living
Areas with very cold winters
Places that have been hit by recent natural disasters
Communities with a lot of concession cards
Postcodes with high electricity network charges
This focused approach aims to send money to the places where it is needed the most.
How Much Will Each Household Get?
The amount of support you get depends on where you live and what kind of household you have.
How Much Help You Might Get
- Standard households that qualify can get between $600 and $1,000.
- People with concession cards: $1,200 to $1,800
- Small businesses in certain areas: As much as $1,500
- Remote and regional households: In some cases, higher tier credits
Payments will usually show up as credits on electricity bills instead of cash transfers.
Why Only Some Postal Codes?
The prices of energy are still not the same all over Australia. Different prices are caused by things like transmission costs, state laws, and supply problems in certain areas.
Government data shows that some rural areas pay up to 25% more per kilowatt hour than cities.
Dr. Rachel Nguyen, an energy economist, explains:
“Wholesale energy prices have levelled off a bit, but costs for networks and infrastructure keep hurting communities in the region.”
The Real Story: Relief, but Not for Everyone
Michael Reid, a pensioner in Hobart, recently got word that his postcode qualifies for the higher-tier relief.
“It’s about $1,400 for us all together,” he said. “That’s the difference between keeping the house warm this winter and not.” $2,000 Direct Deposit in March 2026? What Australians Should Know About the New Payment for Support
Meanwhile, people who live in nearby suburbs are upset because they found out that their postcode doesn’t fall within the eligibility map.
A person from Brisbane said, “It’s only a five-minute drive between us.” “But they meet the requirements and we don’t.”
How do You Figure Out Which Postcodes Are Eligible?
Authorities have used a number of things:
- Centrelink March Shock: Pension Payments May Change Again
- Application rates for energy hardship
- Information about the average income of households
- Index of climate severity
- Setting a standard for electricity prices
- Density of concession cards
Officials say the goal is to make sure that money gets to communities that are having trouble with high costs.
When Will Payments Be Made?
It is expected that energy credits will be given out in four payments over the course of 2026.
A normal schedule is:
| Quarter | Estimated Credit |
|---|---|
| Q1 | $300 to $450 |
| Q2 | $300 to $450 |
| Q3 | $300 to $450 |
| Q4 | Balance left |
The exact time may depend on your state and your electricity company.
If you are already signed up for concession rebates, you don’t usually need to apply again.
Who Automatically Gets It?
You are more likely to qualify if you:
- Have a Pensioner Concession Card
- Get the JobSeeker, Age Pension, or Disability Support Pension
- Have a Commonwealth Seniors Health Card
- Live in a high-impact postcode that is on the list
- Are signed up with your power company to get help with your bills
But some homes in eligible postcodes may still need to check with their energy retailer to make sure everything is correct.
What About People Who Rent?
If you rent, you can get it if
- Their name is on the bill for electricity.
- They meet the requirements for a concession or a postal code.
- If utilities are included in the rent, the way relief is handled may depend on the rules in your state.
Expert Opinion: Will Energy Prices Go Down in 2026 ?
During the global energy crisis, wholesale electricity prices shot up. Even though things have gotten a little better, network costs and infrastructure upgrades are still keeping retail prices high.
The Australian Energy Market Operator says prices will stabilise a little, but they won’t go back to where they were before 2021.
Mark Davidson, an energy policy expert, says:
“Relief programs are acting as a buffer.” Without them, families would feel the full effects of market fluctuations.
How to Find Out If Your Zip Code Is Included
This is what you need to do:
- Look at your state’s energy relief page.
- Check that your postcode is on the list for the 2026
- extension.
- Check to see if your concession status is still current.
- If you don’t see credits by the time you expect them, get in touch with your energy provider.
Be careful of scams. Official notices will not ask for payments in advance.
Why This Matters in 2026
Energy costs are still one of the biggest financial burdens for Australians, even though inflation is slowing down and household budgets are still tight.
Recent polls show that almost 38% of homes have cut back on heating or cooling because they are worried about the cost.
The goal of the $1,800 extension is to make things easier during times of high demand in the winter and summer.
