• expired

[QLD] $550 Electricity Credit for Every QLD Household ($1072 for Vulnerable Households) @ Queensland Government

3110

Useful with the price of electricity increasing in July.

Queenslanders will pay less for electricity in 2023–24 through the Cost of Living Rebate, with households receiving one of the following:

  • $700 Cost of Living Rebate on electricity bills for vulnerable households, plus a further $372 under the Queensland Electricity Rebate Scheme, bringing total rebates for Queenslanders doing it toughest to $1,072
  • $550 Cost of Living Rebate on electricity bills for all other Queensland households.

For most households, the rebate will be credited to electricity bills on a quarterly basis commencing from 1 July 2023. Exact timing will depend on retailers’ system requirements and individual billing cycles.

Related Stores

Queensland Government
Queensland Government

closed Comments

  • +2

    I have learned something during Covid that there is no such thing called Free! We all pay for it eventually - our local council provided plenty of rebates and concessions (in addition to what the state and commonwealth govt provided) to small businesses during Covid which looked terrific back then even though many businesses didn't suffer as much as everyone thought they would.

    12-18 months fast forward - the council rates are going up by almost 30% over the next 2-3 years so yeah - all those "freebies" will cost us.

    PS. Having said that, I just read that QLD recorded record budget surplus so its probably make sense to share some of those rewards with its residents :)

    • We are paying for it via inflation, the most insidious of taxes that everyone pays.

  • -1

    My electricity bill is $10 a month after solar feed in . It will take 4 years to use all these rebates. Can I withdraw the rebate as cash ?

    • I believe so. Along with your solar credits.

    • If you haven't already received your email, you might find that it won't be that after July 1st.

  • +6

    Wow. This is so dumb. If you give every citizen $500 without growing the economy by $500 per citizen… you get $500 worth of inflation.

    I mean, for those with assets (stocks/property) this inflation is great. This literally only helps the (already) wealthy in the long run.

    • +1

      If you give every citizen $500 without growing the economy by $500 per citizen… you get $500 worth of inflation.

      what if the increased cost of an essential service has already risen by more than $500 (over the course of some time frame of essential service usage)
      Would you still have $500 worth of inflation?

      • +1

        Yes.

        • +1

          Not if you've taken the $500 from company profits, like you have with the increase in coal royalties. It's just a redistribution from the rich to the rest of us.

          I don't support the increase a royalty tax, but it's a step in the right direction. The thing the government should be doing is nationalising mining.

    • -1

      QLD government can't print money though, instead of spending existing money on x they're spending it on y. My understanding was the printing of money is the issue (creating more). I don't like this decision since it's just giving a bonus to electricity companies and being spun as cost of living relief, but is it actually increasing inflation?

      • +2

        I disagree, I think what the Government spends money on really matters.

        If the money is used to fund a road, you do get inflation (potential) but since the new roads can lower the price of logistics, encourage competition (or new markets), if targeted well (at the right transport bottleneck)… the economy grows at or above the expenditure/injection of cash into the economy.

        If the money is given to ONLY people in crisis, it still inflates everything a little, but, since it targets the people in crisis (not everyone) those targeted receive more benefits (even in the long term), so it's a way of redistributing wealth (perhaps this will lead to less crime, etc, which could even grow the economy: wealth redistribution is not all bad)

        If the money is spent on education… that investment (should) also bring long-term benefits (new industries, people's skills matched with future demand)…. Similar to healthcare (more productive and happy people/workers)

        A blanket $550 for all does very little. Inflation is a measure of economic inefficiency and $550 to all is very inefficient/ineffective use of Government funds. I will personally be donating my $550 to charity (wealth redistribution).

        If you need a thought exercise… just imagine the Government spending ALL their money on something stupid and then think about the inflationary effect of that decision (eg, when roads are not maintained etc)

      • +1

        My understanding…

        Your lack of understanding!

        Already discussed a few times!
        Paid from record $12B surplus! Being spent on many other areas (paying down debt, health, education, etc).

        This rebate is nothing new in Qld. Just increased this year from $175 last year. There have been other payments from (Qld owned) electricity production profits for years.


        I don't like this decision since it's just giving a bonus to electricity companies…
        and being spun as cost of living relief, but is it actually increasing inflation

        Too bad - it's not for you! And wrong!
        The rebate doesn't go as bonus to electricity companies as you claim.

        The rebate is deposited into people's electricity accounts quarterly - to help them pay their increased electricity bills.
        That way most will use it for the intended purpose - to help with their "cost of living". Designed to have minimal impact on inflation.
        If they leave a retailer - the money is refunded to the person! (I've done that.)
        It's the people's money, so NOT giving a bonus to electricity companies…!

        Unlike your State that sold off govt owned electricity production & spent all that money - Qld owns most electricity production here. So we keep the profits.

        You really don't understand what you claim to know!

  • +1

    What if I have Solar in QLD and never have a bill? Can I cash out?

    • I was thinking the same thing 😂
      Haven't paid a bill in years.

    • Username doesn't correlate TBH

    • +2

      We were able to with the previous $175 payments.

      • Always have cashed out by switching retailers (plus incentives to switch in Deals). Although retailers need to ne reminded to pay up!

  • +7

    Instead of 550 rebate I'd prefer 650 less in taxes.

    • Shows you're in Vic - can't see how this Qld rebate applies to you??

      • Same logic applies to Vic. We got even less. Bet there was more in admin fees considering how many useless people are employed.

    • It's coal royalties paying for this, not individuals.

      So the choice really is would you rather $550 rebate or would you want the owners of coal mines to have it instead?

      • $550 rebate or the government putting this money into hospitals, edu, etc and just having a similar energy model to WA. While yes the money came from coal it's also just going to energy companies with a middle man.

        • $550 rebate or the government putting this money into hospitals, edu, etc

          Qld is doing both!
          If you had read about the record $12B Qld Surplus - you would know this is only a small part of the Qld Govt increased spend on hospitals, education, paying down debt etc!

    • Of course you'd love a tax reduction…

      But you just didn't think🤔
      Just posted a "lower taxes" thought bubble that many would agree with…

      You don't live in Qld, but want a tax reduction here??

      What personal taxes are pay directly to the Qld Govt?? Qld taxes
      Can't see any, except Land Tax paid on multiple, or high income producing, or expensive properties. (There are fees, duties & charges - but those are not taxes.)

      So how do you reduce mainly non existent Qld taxes by $550 per household??


      That's not the aim of this ongoing Qld "cost of living" rebate.

      The poorest & most affected by "cost of living" increases, are those who pay the least or no Commonwealth income tax per person. And likely pay no direct Qld Govt tax as such!

      So a tax decrease would likely be of no help to those most affected.
      Certainly not equitable like this dedicated electricity rebate!

      Your wish would most benefit the very wealthy & those owning a large amount of properties!
      (So your comment was made solely out of Self Interest!)

      Changing Qld taxes is far more complex than a rebate. It would be slower & more expensive to implement. And not directed to those most in need.
      This rebate is available in days & can only be used on electricity bills.

      A payment to people's electricity accounts (plus additional prorata vulnerable household rebates) is far more equitable!
      As has been done for years in Qld.

      • Well if it makes you happier kinda hate how Vic is giving less than QLD

        • Ask Vic if they price match🤣


          🤔 As most don't pay any (Qld) State Tax, there is no point in wanting a reduction in those taxes instead of the $550 rebate for Queensland households!
          *States don't collect income tax or GST, so have no power to reduce it.

          Someone else wanted a month of free electricity instead. They must have very high electricity consumption (>$550/m).
          But that would be unfair to those who are cutting their consumption to lower costs… to meet "cost of living" increases.


          I'd rather take the upcoming quarterly installment of $137.50💰
          (My all electric household bill is ~$35/m, no solar)

          And switch retailers for bonus offers (& refund of remaining rebates)!
          That already results in effectively free electricity each year.
          So $550 profit💰

  • +1

    Nice just waste some more tax payers money and increase inflation when really the energy companies should stop setting up their own businesses to get a piece of the pie and creating new boards and execs on good money

    • +1

      You do know that electricity production in Qld is mainly Qld Govt owned??

      So most of this money is from their profits made from selling electricity to us.
      Along with new Fed Govt rebate arranged with each State.

      • -1

        Yes but all the retailers are private and sets a price for their own profit and gains with little gain for the gov

        • So? That's almost the textbook definition of a retailer!

          Seems you would only be satisfied with the overthrow of capitalism.
          Lol! Very theoretical! Post it as a Deal here🤣
          Good luck! Many better minds have failed. You've got a lot of complaining ahead of you😢

    • just waste some more tax payers money and increase inflation

      The Qld Govt has been providing rebates & dividends to electricity consumers for years. Its nothing new! So why complain now?
      Strangely, the inflation rate had remained low.

      This time it's a bigger rebate (from 1 time $175 last year, to 4 x $137.50 per year).
      Partly funded from $10B increase in coal royalties as world price rose.
      Plus the Federal Govt contribution to vulnerable households rebates.

      Seems you are opposed to the Qld Govt spending any money - like they're doing paying down State debt, & increased spending on hospitals & education.

      Let's face it… As a theoretical armchair economist who loves complaining - you'll never be happy😢

      As you're so opposed to this rebate…
      Send your $550 rebate back to the Qld Govt🤣

      I'll happily accept this rebate, despite effectively paying nothing for my electricity bills. $550 profit💰

  • +5

    bahahaha, nothing is free - this will be taxed on you like with Andrews gov - temporary price adjustment they will say :)

    • +1

      It's been funded by an increase in coal royalties. Not individuals.

      • Not exactly. It's from consolidated revenue which coal royalties are a big part. The royalties are not hypothecated (for a specific purpose), in this case the electricity subsidy. The money spent will not be available for other government services or to retire debt. When governments are irresponsible with windfalls (like this year's coal royalties) there will be a bigger taxation burden on individuals and businesses in the long run than otherwise would be if said governments were responsible.

  • +2

    More bs government stimulus….

    Results in higher rates and cots long term

  • OMG all the 'finance' experts in this thread.

    MONEY'S NOT REAL!!!!!

    • At least crypto is shititng the bed right now so people aren't talking about it thankfully

    • +1

      Perhaps you're right, but it can buy real things and the management of it affects real people.

  • +2

    With electricity retailer comparison & regular switching Deals here + current Qld Govt rebates, already make a profit on electricity each year.
    (Electric only house, no solar, low energy user, switch retailer every 2 months for offers to switch in Deals)

    Looks like an even more profitable year ahead💰

    • does this hurt credit score? as each of switching can result in one enquiry

      • No. They may view credit rating at sign up (checking if you are a credit risk to them), but that doesn't affect credit score.

    • Just got my $50 from Globird this week. Nice.

      • Same. Easy $50 for sending my bill.
        A winning week💰

  • +2

    Bugger. My quarterly electricity bill is $90. This $1072 credit is going to last a while. I guess to lose it if you change providers?

    • +1

      Also have $90-100 quarterly bill in Qld.

      Switch retailers every 2 months for benefits in Deals. So effectively pay nothing!

      Found they have to refund unused rebates. It's your money💰
      Enjoy your windfall🎉

    • I am also wondering how that is going to work. Would also hope they refund if you have credit with them. The 500$ should last me ~7 months even with another 10-15% price increase.

  • I'm feeling very weak and smol right now uwu

  • +2

    I find it depressing that the government is not focusing on constructing power plants to ensure more affordable energy. Instead, their actions seem to prioritize closing existing power plants in order to attain ESG or NetZero scores.

    It is undeniable that the majority of individuals genuinely desire affordable energy without compromising their financial well-being.
    Climate change ideology can achieve when we kill off all humans……

    I bet soon you can run power generator + Solar at your backyard which will cost less then from the grid.

  • Am I the only reading it that you get the $550 every quarter.

    “The rebate will be credited to electricity bills on a quarterly basis commencing from 1 July 2023.”

    • +2

      Yes! Obviously you're dreaming…
      "the rebate will be credited to electricity bills on a quarterly basis commencing from 1 July 2023".
      So 1/4 of rebate credited each quarter.

  • just moved from Melbourne to QLD 2 months ago😂😂

  • +1

    Nothing new, just a higher benefit each year - as bills go up.

    Qld Govt produces most of the electricity sold in Qld, so receives the profits.

    In the past, 'dividends' were returned to Queenslanders in their electricity accounts. Shown in electricity bills for years!

    That was increased to be a "cost of living" payment as electricity prices dramatically rose.

    As I understand, under the competition agreement - electricity needs to be sold across State boundaries. Lowering the price for electricity only sold to Queenslanders may be uncompetitive. Whereas a dividend or cost of living payment to QLD electricity consumers - is likely ok.

    Increase this year is also likely due to Federal Govt rebate arranged with each State & Territory.

  • What’s the current going rate per kWH in SEQ?

    • Anywhere from .22 to .35 from my shopping today.

  • -2

    ill take the money but this is stupid as shit

    • It's been provided for many years now. Just a big increase from 1/7/23.

      • +2

        stupid as shit

        • +2

          Well, send your rebate back to the Qld Govt🤣

          As I explained above

          As Qld Govt owns the most producers of electricity in Qld, your rebate is due to the profits they & Qld Govt make. Unlike most other States.

          This year - rebate likely includes Fed Govt rebate arranged with each State

          Check your previous rebates shown in electricity bills for years!

  • Out of interest is the federal government rebate announced in their 23-24 budget https://www.energy.gov.au/government-priorities/energy-progr… included in or on top of this?

    • Likely the reason for big increase this coming year.
      Expect announcements in other State budgets.

    • The vulnerable household rebate includes the Federal contribution. (ABC News)

  • Thanks for the 5 hundo Anna

    • Don't forget her in the Qld election in '24 (if she's still around)🤣

  • +1

    Clearly the QLD Government needs to reconsider who’s “doing it tough” for the extra discount. They practically have it as pensioners and immicard holders (people who entered illegally and wanting to apply for protection / PR). A good percentage of those immi card holders are very well off.

    • These rebates are not new - have been running for years!

      Apart from those who qualify for Qld Seniors Cards - it's based on Federal Human Services rules as to who qualify to receive benefits & these rebates.

      • Good point, but my point still stands. I think it’s great this is being offered but I can’t say I like that it’s going to everyone, regardless of income, as a flat rate.

        • Think that's a Fed Govt issue regarding eligibility.


          Even for Qld Seniors - the benefit is generous.
          Criteria: 65 years or older and working less than 35 hours a week in paid employment or
          60–64 years with a Fed Govt benefit card.

          So self funded retirees get this rebate & other benefits (free dental care, spectacles, ambulance, etc), even if they have millions.

          Lucky the Qld Govt has a cash cow of owning almost all electricity producers in Qld (+ royalty from coal consumed)💰

          They used to call the rebate to all Qld electricity users a "dividend" from electricity profits😉

  • I saw Nectr mentioned - who else is offering better deals than Origin/AGL for those with Solar?

    • I am curious about this also. Just did some shopping and AGL solar savers seemed the best even with their 14kw cap per day before dropping to 5c FIT. Nectar worked out sriund $15 a month more but they did offer lock in. AGL doesn’t seem to offer this and does suggest prices will change on 1st July without commenting on by how much.

      • When getting a quote through the AGL website you can pick between the current prices and after july 1st prices.

  • Pardon me if it's been asked before, what is the definition of a 'vulnerable household' ??

  • +1

    Let me guess… prices are going up because reasons, yet electricity companies will still be posting record profits quarter after quarter? Seems like it can only go one way…. up until it bursts then we have a crash.

    • Rebates have been provided for all in Qld electricity bills for years.

  • Thanks for this info. Live in QLD and never heard of this. Our quarterly bill this month was 280. So this seems pretty sweet.

  • lucky b'stards…we are getting nothing in NSW
    In fact, Minns has said to Firies Unions that their payrise is their overtime….wtf??

    • Federal Vulnerable households rebate will likely be announced in NSW budget.

      • yes, but many other states are offering some sort of incentive deals for everyone….vic and wa have the cashback for doing the comparison of electricity providers (Vic has been doing this for quite a while) and qld are giving the $500….NSW nada

  • My electricity costs more than others in Qld…why do they get more rebate than I do 😡🤔😡

    • Your Profile shows Brisbane.
      If you're paying more in SEQ than someone in rural Qld (with no competition & higher prices) - you should have changed retailers long ago!!
      Read the electricity Deals!

      Rebate is same across Qld, but you ask why do they get more rebate than I do?? They don't.
      (Vulnerable households that qualify for assistance, receive an extra rebate.)

      • Lol I did change just last weekend to nectr. You can see on whirlpool people posting their new rates and postcodes even within Brisbane shows fluctuations in pricing.

        • I've been with nectr.
          Maybe you don't understand how it works…

          Depends on when you joined. Rates are locked in for 1 year.
          So your rates will be higher than those who locked in a year ago!

          And should be lower than those on variable rates in about a year's time⌚


          But still won't be higher than others are paying with some retailers in Brisbane!

          So highly doubt your exaggerated claim of "My electricity costs more than others in Qld"
          Such as those on very expensive rates in rural Qld!!

          • -4

            @INFIDEL: Who cares about rural..my rates only need to be higher than someone else's for my statement to be true!!!!!!

            The point is it's one rebate price for alll of Qld which is not fair for all qlders. Just give everyone a free month 😉

            I'm about 35 cents cheaper per kWh than AGL was raising it to.

            • +1

              @Deltadeals:

              "My electricity costs more than others in Qld"

              Many pay far more than you!!
              You even admit "I'm about 35 cents cheaper per kWh than AGL was raising it to"!

              So stop whinging about your free $550 & lower rates than some😠


              Just give everyone a free month 😉

              You use $550/m to benefit!???

              Consider not using so much, installing solar, etc! That's what many are doing to reduce their "cost of living"!!!

              Why should those who can afford to use most be the ones most rewarded in a "cost of living" payment🐷

              If I received a free month ($30 for me instead of $550) - I would be very angry!! …So unfair😜

              Besides it's a rebate from the Qld Govt who don't know what everyone should receive.
              That would mean trusting electricity retailers to give out varying payouts!!! Don't think many would think that's a good idea💰

              A flat rate for all Queenslanders, with extra for those who qualify as vulnerable is more equitable.

  • -1

    What about investment properties?

    • Do you pay a Qld electricity bill - from Vic?
      Rebate is only provided to person whose name is on electricity bill - if living in Qld.
      That is usually the tenant, of an investment property in Qld.

  • Serious question, if inflation is because we all have too much money, don’t initiatives like this make it worse?

  • -1

    If anyone is struggling with their power bill, my best friend works at Origin and they currently have a private family and friends offer for both electricity and gas. It is basically Origin's best rate + a further 10% off that rate and a $150 bill credit on the first bill. An amazing deal in this market!

    I recently used this code and it was super simple. No obligations, they basically call you let you know the promotional rates, ask about your current rates and let you know if you would be better off.

    Mod: Removed referral solicitation. This is the deal

  • +2

    Reason for the 'generosity':
    Qld Govt announced $12B surplus today.
    (Nearly $10B from increased mining royalties. ie Coal.)

    Qld Govt owns most electricity production in Qld. So high profits from increasing prices.

    Fed Govt arranged rebate for vulnerable households with States. It's part of the Qld rebate for vulnerable households.

    • +1

      How Ironic,

      The black stuff getting shipped o/s creating bonza royalties that need to be redistributed to help the battlers pay for their electricity bills.

    • You've stated several times that the subsidy is a dividend from the Qld government's ownership of electricity generation. It's not. If there's a contribution it is not significant. It's all about the coal royalties. The treasurer himself:

      Dick said the largesse was possible thanks to the government’s progressive royalties regimen introduced last year, which brought in an extra $10.5 billion amid high coal and gas prices.

      “We can deliver our state’s biggest cost of living program, our state’s biggest building program and deliver lower debt because of one simple reason — progressive coal royalties,” the treasurer said.

      https://7news.com.au/lifestyle/personal-finance/1000-power-b…

      • My point was there are profits from the Qld Govt owning almost all electricity production in Qld. Unlike most other States.
        Not that the funding of this rebate is entirely due to those profits.

        There was a payment for many years, to QLD electricity consumers from those profits as an "Asset Ownership Dividend".

        The Qld Govt made an additional $200 COVID payment to electricity accounts in 2020. Effectively a "Cost of Living" payment.

        That Dividend was discontinued.
        Since then, there has been a much bigger "Cost of Living" payment. Which incorporated the smaller dividend.

        This rebate was $175 to all QLD electricity users in 2022 Plus a rebate to vulnerable households.

        So the "Cost of Living" payment was in place BEFORE the current massive increase in royalties! And was to continue, despite the forecast deficit this coming year!


        As I pointed out above, the large budget surplus is almost entirely from the increased coal royalties.

        The Minerals Council is running a campaign against the increased royalties.

        So the Govt is countering that by the announcement you linked - that the royalties get you many goodies (including free kindy etc). It's not all going just to this rebate!

        It's politics!

  • +1

    I identify as vulnerable. Gib rebate pls.

Login or Join to leave a comment