Energy bill relief a welcome boost for Queensland small businesses

The Queensland Government is helping to cut the cost of doing business in Queensland through the Energy Bill Relief Fund.

Eligible small businesses in Queensland will receive a $650 rebate on their electricity bills in 2023–24.

How will you receive your rebate?

The rebate will be applied automatically to your electricity bill by your electricity retailer. The $650 rebate will be broken down into four instalments of $162.50 throughout 2023 –24.

The $162.50 instalments will be credited to the bills that cover the below dates:

  • 1 July 2023
  • 1 October 2023
  • 1 January 2024
  • 1 April 2024

Are you eligible for the rebate?

To be classed as a small business for the rebate, your total electricity consumption must be less than 100 megawatt hours (mWh) per annum. You must also be separately metered for your electricity consumption. You must have an active electricity account on the instalment dates to receive the rebate.

Below are some frequently asked questions around eligibility:

Q. If I have more than one location for my business does each location receive the rebate?

No, the rebate will be applied on a per customer basis rather than per site. You will receive one rebate as long as the total consumption across the sites does not exceed 100 mWh per annum.

Q. Am I eligible if I’m a sole trader and run my business out of my home?

This depends on the type of tariff your electricity is metered on. If you are on a residential tariff, you will not receive the rebate. But if your business’ electricity consumption is separately metered on a small business tariff you will be eligible.

Q. Am I eligible if I’m in an embedded network?

Yes, you are eligible if you’re separately metered and had an active electricity account on 1 July 2023. You will receive your rebate as a lump sum of $650 rather than in instalments.

Still worried about the cost of your business' power bill?

Energy providers offer support for small businesses struggling to pay their electricity bills. These are often known as hardship programs. If you’re struggling to pay a bill, call your electricity company first to discuss how they can help.

If you can’t agree on a solution with your provider, contact us to see if we can help.