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Understanding energy

1 Energy Concessions

Step 1: Claim your concessions

Your concession card could unlock hundreds in savings. Check your entitlements now to claim what’s yours.

Watch the video to find out how your concession card can lower your bills:

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See which concessions could lower your bills.

Missing out on energy concessions could cost you hundreds each year. Take a few minutes to check which ones apply to you and start saving today.

1. Do you have a Health Care Card, Pensioners Concessions Card or Veteran Affairs Gold Card?

Get 17.5% off every electricity bill with the Annual Electricity Concession.

To claim it, call your energy company and tell them you have a valid concession card. They’ll add the concession to your account.

You could save even more with the other energy concessions below – check which ones apply to you

Search for “Commonwealth concession cards” to find out if you’re eligible to receive a card.

2. Do you have a gas account?

The Winter Gas Concession gives you 17.5% off your gas bills over the chilly winter months (May to October).

To claim it, call your energy company and tell them you have a valid concession card. They’ll add the concession to your account.

Check to see if you are eligible for any electricity concessions to save money on your bills.

3. Do you need to use your air-conditioner in the summer due to an illness such as Multiple Sclerosis or Motor Neurone Disease?

The Medical Cooling Concession will save you an additional 17.5% off your summer electricity bills.

To claim it, call your energy company and ask for the Medical Cooling Concession form. Take it to your doctor to sign, then return it to your energy company so they can apply the concession.

Check to see if you are eligible for any other energy concessions to save money on your energy bills.

4. Do you use life support equipment in your home?

Get support with the costs associated with running this equipment – e.g. dialysis machine, oxygen concentrator. This is the Life Support Concession.

To claim it, call your energy company and ask for the Life Support Concession form. Take it to your doctor to sign, then return it to your energy company so they can apply the concession.

If you have friends or family members who use life support in their homes, let them know that they can access the Life Support Concession.

5. Do you live in 'embedded network' or use bottled gas or firewood to heat your home?

There is a Non-Mains Energy Concession available to refund some of these costs.

To claim it, complete an application each year (through your MyGov account or by getting a form from DFFH Concessions) and attach your receipts or invoices from the past 12 months.

Check to see if you are eligible for any other energy concessions to save money on your energy bills.

6. Do you owe money on your electricity or gas bill?

If you’re struggling with energy debt, the Utility Relief Grant Scheme (URGS) can help.

You can get up to $650 for electricity and $650 for gas every two years (or $1,300 if you only have electricity).

URGS is for concession card holders and people on low incomes who’ve had unexpected expenses, a drop in income, or high housing costs. It’s also available to anyone who has experienced family violence.

To claim it, call your energy company and tell them you want to apply for the Utility Relief Grant. They’ll help you complete the application over the phone.

If you don’t owe money but are struggling to keep up, call your energy company and ask them about what help they have.

Find out more about the Utility Relief Grant on our Payment Difficulties page

 

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Keep your concessions up to date

Lower your energy bills by making sure your concessions are current. A quick call to your energy company is often all it takes.

  • Check once a year. Confirm with your energy company every 12 months that your concessions are still listed on your account.
  • Update your details. Give your energy company your concession card details whenever you get a new card, move to a new home, or change energy providers.
  • Ask about backdating. If you’ve missed out on concessions, you can ask your energy company to backdate them for up to 12 months.
  • Check if a form is needed. Some concessions require an application form – your energy company can tell you if that’s the case.

Energy concessions are there to make energy more affordable and life a little easier. Don’t miss out – call your energy company today and claim what’s yours.

Not sure if you’re getting all your concessions?

The Energy Assistance Program can help you check what you’re eligible for and help you claim what’s yours.

📞 Call the Energy Assistance Program: 1800 531 741

Or learn more about the Energy Assistance Program

 

Once your concessions are sorted, it’s worth checking whether your current plan is still the cheapest option. Explore how to do this on the next page.

 

Looking for more info?

Next step: ➝Find a cheaper energy plan

 

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