Are you entitled to power rebate?

Minister de Brenni with Queensland seniors Brenda and Toya Hartley.

Vulnerable Queenslanders are being urged to check their eligibility to receive the Palaszczuk Government’s electricity and gas rebates worth up to $416 per year.

Minister for Energy, Renewables and Hydrogen, Mick de Brenni said the rebate was currently helping approximately 625,000 Queenslanders but there were more people who could be benefiting.  

“This past year has been tough for everyone, so I’m urging all concession card holders including pensioners, seniors and veterans to contact their electricity retailer and see if they are eligible for our Electricity Rebate worth up to $341 per year,” he said.

“The government estimates that there are thousands of eligible households who are not taking advantage of the assistance and we don’t want these Queenslanders to miss out.

“Just call your electricity retailer and have your concession card details on hand, and if you’re eligible, you’ll be able to start accessing the rebate as a credit on your account.”

“Community organisations and retailers have been getting the message out there, but there are still more Queenslanders who could be getting ongoing assistance with their electricity accounts,” he said.

“Peoples’ concession card status is private information that electricity providers aren’t automatically aware of, so people need to reach out and put their hand up to receive this rebate.”

The electricity rebate was first introduced to support pensioners, seniors, and veterans, and was extended to Health Care Card holders and asylum seekers in January 2017.

Now, the rebate is provided to a range of people, including Low Income Health Care Card holders.

Minister de Brenni said Queensland pensioners, seniors and veterans could also be eligible for a gas rebate and should check with their gas retailer.

“There are also savings of $74.92 per year available for eligible Queenslanders through the Government’s Reticulated Natural Gas Rebate – all account holders need to do is contact their gas retailer to see if they’re eligible,” he said.

Queensland Council of Social Service (QCOSS) CEO Aimee McVeigh said the rebates could help people experiencing financial pressure.

“QCOSS urges people who are experiencing hardship to contact their energy retailer as soon as possible,” she said.

“If you need help to do this, reach out to your local neighbourhood centre.”

For more information on the Electricity Rebate or Reticulated Natural Gas Rebate visit: https://www.qld.gov.au/community/cost-of-living-support/concessions/energy-concessions/electricity-gas-rebates  or contact your electricity or gas retailer directly.