QLD Energy Rebates 2026: Every Concession You May Be Eligible For

Updated April 2026 · General information only

If you are a Queensland resident holding a concession card or experiencing financial hardship, there are multiple government rebates and concessions that may reduce your energy bills and broader household costs. These range from automatic credits applied by your electricity or gas retailer, through to one-off emergency assistance and non-energy concessions like water subsidies, council rates discounts, and vehicle registration savings.

This guide covers every QLD energy and household concession available in 2026, who qualifies, how much each is worth, and how to make sure you are receiving everything you may be entitled to. Note that the $1,000 QLD Cost of Living electricity rebate from 2024-25 has ended and is no longer available.

TL;DR

Queensland offers a strong package of energy and household concessions for eligible residents. Concession card holders may receive the Electricity Rebate ($386.34/year) plus the Gas Rebate ($92.12/year) automatically through their retailers. On top of that, the Federal Energy Bill Relief provides $150.00/year to all households. When you add non-energy concessions like rates subsidies, water subsidies, and vehicle registration discounts, a Pensioner Concession Card holder could access an estimated $948 or more per year in combined savings.

QLD Concessions at a Glance

Source:
, Department of Energy and Climate, as of April 2026. Amounts subject to change.

Electricity Rebate — $386.34 per Year

The Queensland Electricity Rebate is the primary energy concession for QLD households. It provides an annual credit applied directly to your electricity bill by your retailer.

Key details:

• Amount: $386.34 per year *(Source: QLD Government, 2025-26 concession rates)*

• Payment method: Applied as a credit to your electricity account — you do not receive a separate payment

• Limit: One rebate per household (not per person)

• Application: Automatic once your concession card is registered with your retailer

Who Is Eligible?

You may be eligible for the QLD Electricity Rebate if you are the account holder (or the spouse/partner of the account holder) and hold one of the following:

• Queensland Seniors Card — aged 65 or over (or 60-64 with an eligible concession card), working fewer than 35 hours per week

• Pensioner Concession Card (PCC) — issued by Centrelink or DVA

• Health Care Card (HCC) — issued by Centrelink

• DVA Gold Card

The electricity account must be in your name (or your partner's name) at your principal place of residence in Queensland.

How It Works

Once you register your concession card with your electricity retailer, the rebate is applied automatically. You do not need to reapply each year, but you must keep your card details current with your retailer. If your card is reissued with a new number, update your retailer promptly to avoid the rebate being paused.

Source:
, as of April 2026.

Gas Rebate — $92.12 per Year

If you use reticulated (piped) natural gas and hold an eligible concession card, you may also qualify for the QLD Gas Rebate — a separate concession applied to your gas bill.

Key details:

• Amount: $92.12 per year *(Source: QLD Government, 2025-26 concession rates)*

• Payment method: Applied as a credit to your gas account

• Limit: One per household

• Application: Automatic once your concession card is registered with your gas retailer

Who Is Eligible?

The eligibility criteria are the same as the Electricity Rebate:

• Queensland Seniors Card

• Pensioner Concession Card (PCC)

• Health Care Card (HCC)

• DVA Gold Card

You must have a gas account in your name at your principal place of residence. If you use bottled LPG rather than piped gas, this rebate does not apply.

How It Works

Register your concession card with your gas retailer (which may be a different company from your electricity retailer). The credit is applied automatically once registered.

Source:
, as of April 2026.

Federal Energy Bill Relief — $150.00 per Year

The Federal Energy Bill Relief Fund is an Australian Government programme that provides a credit to help all households with electricity costs. This is not a Queensland-specific concession — it applies Australia-wide.

Key details:

• Amount: $150.00 per year *(Source: Australian Government, 2025-26)*

• Eligibility: All Australian households — no concession card required

• Payment method: Applied automatically to your electricity bill by your retailer

• Application: Fully automatic — you do not need to apply or register

This $150 credit is applied on top of any QLD state concessions. If you are already receiving the QLD Electricity Rebate, the Federal relief is added as a separate credit.

Source:
, as of April 2026.

Medical Cooling and Heating Concession — $522.09 per Year

If you or a household member has a medical condition that requires the use of cooling or heating equipment at home, you may be eligible for the Medical Cooling and Heating Concession. This is one of the more valuable QLD concessions.

Key details:

• Amount: $522.09 per year *(Source: QLD Government, 2025-26 concession rates)*

• Eligibility: Requires a valid concession card (PCC, HCC, or CSHC) plus a medical certificate from a registered medical practitioner confirming the need for climate control at home due to a medical condition

• Payment method: Applied as a credit to your electricity account

• Stackable: May be received in addition to the Electricity Rebate and Federal Energy Bill Relief

Conditions That May Qualify

The QLD Government does not publish an exhaustive list, but conditions that may qualify include those affecting the body's ability to regulate temperature, such as:

• Multiple sclerosis

• Parkinson's disease

• Thermoregulatory dysfunction

• Lymphoedema

• Other conditions where a medical practitioner certifies that cooling or heating at home is medically necessary

How to Apply

1. Obtain a medical certificate from your registered medical practitioner confirming your condition and the need for cooling or heating at home

2. Contact your electricity retailer and provide the medical certificate along with your concession card details

3. The retailer will process the concession and apply it to your account

Source:
, as of April 2026.

Life Support Concessions

Queensland provides separate life support concessions depending on the type of equipment used. Unlike most other QLD energy concessions, life support concessions are based on medical need — no concession card is required.

Oxygen Concentrator Concession — $1,024.38 per Year

• Amount: $1,024.38 per year *(Source: QLD Government, 2025-26)*

• Eligibility: A household member uses an oxygen concentrator at home, certified by a registered medical practitioner

• Concession card: Not required — based on medical need

• Application: Apply through your electricity retailer with medical certification

Home Dialysis Concession — $686.01 per Year

• Amount: $686.01 per year *(Source: QLD Government, 2025-26)*

• Eligibility: A household member receives dialysis treatment at home, certified by a registered medical practitioner

• Concession card: Not required — based on medical need

• Application: Apply through your electricity retailer with medical certification

How to Apply for Life Support Concessions

1. Obtain certification from your registered medical practitioner confirming the life support equipment used at home

2. Contact your electricity retailer — they will have a specific life support registration form

3. Complete the retailer's registration process

Registering as a life support customer with your retailer also provides important protections: your retailer must give advance notice of planned outages and cannot disconnect your supply without following specific safeguards under the National Energy Retail Rules.

Source:
, as of April 2026.

HEEAS — Home Energy Emergency Assistance Scheme

The Home Energy Emergency Assistance Scheme (HEEAS) provides emergency financial help to Queensland households struggling to pay their energy bills. Unlike the ongoing rebates above, HEEAS is crisis assistance — not a recurring concession.

Key details:

• Amount: Up to $720 over a 2-year period *(Source: QLD Government, 2025-26)*

• Eligibility: Queensland residents on a low income or holding a concession card who are experiencing difficulty paying their electricity or gas bill

• How to access: Through your energy retailer (not a community organisation)

• Frequency: Up to $720 in total across any 2-year rolling period

How HEEAS Works

1. Contact your electricity or gas retailer and tell them you are having difficulty paying your bill

2. Your retailer will assess your eligibility — they may ask about your income, concession card status, and financial circumstances

3. If approved, the HEEAS payment is applied directly as a credit to your energy account

4. Your retailer may also offer a payment plan, hardship programme, or referral to financial counselling

Important Notes

• HEEAS is accessed through your retailer, not a separate community organisation (unlike NSW's EAPA programme)

• You can receive HEEAS even if you are already receiving the Electricity Rebate or Gas Rebate

• The $720 cap applies across all energy accounts and retailers over any 2-year period

• If you need further assistance, contact the Energy and Water Ombudsman Queensland (EWOQ) on 1800 662 837

Source:
, as of April 2026.

SEQ Pensioner Water Subsidy — Up to $120 per Year

If you are a Pensioner Concession Card holder who owns property in South East Queensland, you may be eligible for the SEQ Pensioner Water Subsidy.

Key details:

• Amount: Up to $120 per year *(Source: QLD Government, 2025-26)*

• Eligibility: PCC holders who own property in the SEQ region (Brisbane, Gold Coast, Sunshine Coast, Ipswich, Logan, Moreton Bay, Redland, Lockyer Valley, Scenic Rim, Somerset)

• Application: Apply through your water provider (e.g., Queensland Urban Utilities, Unity Water, or your local council)

• Not automatic: You must apply

How to Apply

Contact your water provider directly. You will need to provide your Pensioner Concession Card details and proof of property ownership. The subsidy is applied as a credit to your water account.

Source:
, as of April 2026.

Pensioner Rates Subsidy — Up to $200 per Year

Queensland local councils administer the Pensioner Rates Subsidy, which provides a discount on council rates for eligible pensioners.

Key details:

• Amount: 20% of general rates, up to a maximum of $200 per year *(Source: QLD Government, 2025-26)*

• Eligibility: PCC holders who own property and pay council rates in Queensland

• Application: Apply through your local council

• Not automatic: You must apply to your council

CSHC Rates Subsidy — $75 per Year

Self-funded retirees holding a Commonwealth Seniors Health Card (CSHC) may be eligible for a separate rates subsidy.

Key details:

• Amount: $75 per year *(Source: QLD Government, 2025-26)*

• Eligibility: CSHC holders who own property and pay council rates in Queensland

• Application: Apply through your local council

For more information about the CSHC and how to apply for it, see our
.

Vehicle Registration Discount — Estimated ~$144 per Year

While not an energy concession, the QLD vehicle registration discount is a significant household saving for eligible concession card holders.

Key details:

• Amount: 50% off registration fees (estimated savings of approximately $144 per year, depending on vehicle type) *(Source: QLD Government / TMR, 2025-26)*

• Eligibility: Queensland Seniors Card holders and PCC holders

• Application: Apply through the Department of Transport and Main Roads (TMR) — online, by phone, or at a customer service centre

• Limit: One vehicle per eligible person

Source:
, as of April 2026.

Emergency Management Levy Discount — 20% Off EML

Eligible concession card holders receive an automatic 20% discount on the Emergency Management Levy (EML) that appears on council rates notices.

Key details:

• Amount: 20% of your EML *(Source: QLD Government, 2025-26)*

• Eligibility: PCC and DVA Gold Card holders

• Application: Automatic — applied through your council rates notice once your concession status is registered

Stacking Example: How Much Could an Eligible QLD Household Receive?

Queensland allows multiple concessions to be combined. Here is an example of how they may stack for a Pensioner Concession Card holder who owns a home with reticulated gas in South East Queensland:

Important notes:

• Not all concessions apply to every household — the Gas Rebate requires a reticulated gas connection, the Water Subsidy is limited to SEQ property owners, and the Vehicle Registration Discount requires vehicle ownership

• If you also qualify for the Medical Cooling/Heating Concession ($522.09/yr), the total could be significantly higher

• Emergency Management Levy discounts are not included above as the amount varies by location

• All amounts are estimated based on published QLD Government rates and are subject to change

How to Apply for QLD Concessions

Automatic Concessions (Register Once)

For the Electricity Rebate, Gas Rebate, and Federal Energy Bill Relief:

1. Contact your energy retailer (your electricity retailer for electricity concessions, your gas retailer for the gas rebate)

2. Provide your concession card details — card type, card number, and the name on the card

3. Confirm your residential address — the account must be at your principal place of residence in Queensland

4. The concession will be applied to your next billing cycle and continue automatically

Most retailers allow you to register online through your account portal, by phone, or in writing. The Federal Energy Bill Relief requires no action at all — it is applied automatically to all household accounts.

Concessions That Require a Separate Application

Important Reminders

• If your concession card is renewed or reissued with a new number, update your retailer and council immediately to avoid your concession being suspended

• If you switch energy retailers, you will need to re-register your concession card with the new provider

• If you move address, contact your retailer, council, and water provider to transfer your concessions to your new account

• The QLD Seniors Card requires you to be aged 65 or over (or 60-64 with an eligible concession card) and working fewer than 35 hours per week — if your work hours change, your eligibility may be affected

Tips to Maximise Your Savings in Queensland

1. Check You Are Receiving All Eligible Concessions

Many QLD households qualify for multiple concessions but only receive one or two. Review your electricity bill, gas bill, rates notice, and water bill — look for concession line items. If you think a concession is missing, contact your retailer or the
on 13 QGOV (13 74 68).

2. Combine Concessions with a Competitive Energy Plan

Concessions reduce your bill, but they are applied on top of whatever energy plan you are on. If your underlying plan charges high rates, you may still be paying more than necessary even after concessions. According to the ACCC, approximately 73% of energy customers are not on the most competitive plan available to them (Source: ACCC Inquiry into the National Electricity Market, 2023).

You can
to see estimated annual costs across available retailers in your distribution area — with zero commission.

3. Do Not Confuse the Ended $1,000 Rebate with Current Concessions

The $1,000 QLD Cost of Living electricity rebate that was available during 2024-25 has ended. Some households may still expect this payment — it is no longer available. The current QLD Electricity Rebate of $386.34 per year and the Federal Energy Bill Relief of $150.00 per year are the ongoing concessions now in effect.

Related Benefits and Resources

If you are exploring QLD energy concessions, you may also find these guides useful:

•
— the pension that underlies Pensioner Concession Card eligibility

•
— concessions available for self-funded retirees

•
— how New South Wales handles energy concessions

•
— South Australia's energy concession system

•
— see estimated costs for your area and usage, free and zero-commission

•
— full list of state concessions across all categories

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to apply for QLD energy rebates every year?

No. Once you have registered your concession card with your energy retailer, the Electricity Rebate and Gas Rebate are applied automatically and continue for as long as you remain eligible. You do not need to reapply each year. However, if your card is reissued with a new number, you change retailers, or you move address, you will need to re-register.

Is the $1,000 QLD Cost of Living rebate still available?

No. The $1,000 QLD Cost of Living electricity rebate was a temporary measure during 2024-25 and has ended. The current ongoing concessions are the QLD Electricity Rebate ($386.34/year) and the Federal Energy Bill Relief ($150.00/year), which are applied automatically to eligible accounts.

Can I receive both the Electricity Rebate and the Medical Cooling/Heating Concession?

Yes. The Medical Cooling and Heating Concession ($522.09/year) is a separate concession that may be received in addition to the Electricity Rebate ($386.34/year) and the Federal Energy Bill Relief ($150.00/year). You will need to provide a medical certificate to your retailer to access the Medical Cooling/Heating Concession.

What if I am renting — can I still get energy concessions in QLD?

Yes, provided the energy account is in your name and the address is your principal place of residence in Queensland. For energy concessions (Electricity Rebate, Gas Rebate), there is no requirement to own your home. However, some non-energy concessions — such as the Pensioner Rates Subsidy and SEQ Water Subsidy — are only available to property owners. If your electricity is included in your rent, contact your retailer or the QLD Government on 13 QGOV (13 74 68) for guidance.

How do I access emergency energy assistance in QLD?

The Home Energy Emergency Assistance Scheme (HEEAS) provides up to $720 over a 2-year period for Queensland households experiencing difficulty paying energy bills. Unlike some other states where you go through a community organisation, HEEAS in Queensland is accessed directly through your energy retailer. Contact your retailer and tell them you are having difficulty paying your bill — they will assess your eligibility and may also offer payment plans or referral to their hardship programme.

Also from July: the AEMC is proposing to ban the energy loyalty tax — same plan, same price for all customers.

Compare energy plans and see available concessions at
— free, zero-commission energy comparison for Australian households.

Disclaimer: General information only, not personal financial advice. Concession amounts, eligibility criteria, and government programmes may change without notice. All dollar amounts shown are estimated based on publicly available information as of April 2026 and should be verified with your energy retailer, your local council, or the
. The $1,000 QLD Cost of Living rebate from 2024-25 has ended. Internest does not administer government concessions.