Rebates
Who to contact about rebates
The NSW Government funds rebate programs for electricity,
gas and water customers. Comprehensive information about
these programs is available from the Department
of Water and Energy.
You can apply for the following rebates through your electricity
or water supplier.
You may need to reapply for these rebates periodically,
and always reapply if you move address.
If you are billed by an onseller,
you may still be eligible for a rebate through the electricity
supplier in your area. Apply for the rebate through
the local supplier, or contact
us for more information.
If you are not satisfied with how your supplier has applied
your rebate, you contact us for help.
NSW pensioner energy rebate
An energy rebate of $112 per year is available to cover
both electricity and gas bills. Available to certain pensioners,
the rebate is taken off your electricity bill in equal installments. Pensioners who live in residential parks are entitled to
an additional $11.20 per year.
You can claim the rebate if your name is on the electricity
bill, and you hold a:
- Centrelink Pensioner Concession Card, or
- Department of Veterans’ Affairs Pensioner Concession
Card, or
- Department of Veterans’ Affairs Disability Pension
at the TPI or EDA rates (as shown on your gold card).
You can apply in person, in writing or over the phone.
Contact your electricity
supplier to apply.
Federal government Utiities Allowance
The Utilities Allowance is a federal government allowance designed to help pensioners meet the costs of regular bills such as gas, electricity and water.
It is a non taxable payment and it is not subject to an income or assets test. It is available to people residing in Australia who receive the age pension, Mature Age Allowance (MAA), Partner Allowance (PA) or Widow Allowance (WA).
As of 1 January 2008, the annual rate is $53.60 per member of a couple and $107.20 for single people (or members of a couple separated by illness). It is paid in two instalments every six months.
For new applicants, qualification is determined on 20 March and 20 September each year and payable every March and September thereafter.
For more information phone Centrelink on 13 2300 or visit www.centrelink.gov.au
Life Support Rebate
If you require medical equipment in your home to sustain
your life, such as a kidney dialysis machine or respirator/ventilator,
you may be entitled to a rebate on your electricity bill.
The amount of the rebate depends upon the type of life
support machine you require and is a flat rate for each
type of machine. The life support rebate is additional to
any pensioner rebate to which you may be entitled.
To apply for the rebate, or for further information contact
your electricity company.
Water rebates
Some water suppliers
(Sydney Water, Hunter Water, Country Water) provide a range of rebates including pensioner rebates on water and sewerage charges.
Sydney Water and Hunter Water also provide rebates to customers
who use water in life sustaining equipment such as kidney
dialysis machines.
Conditions vary. Contact your water
company for more information.
