More than 300,000 small businesses in NSW will benefit from an energy bill rebate from tomorrow as part of the Minns Labor Government's commitment to providing electricity price relief. Eligible small businesses using less than 100 megawatt hours per year will receive a $650 contribution towards their electricity costs.
Previously excluded from NSW energy rebates, eligible small business retail customers will not need to take any action as their retailer will automatically apply the relief to their electricity accounts in quarterly instalments from 31 July 2023. Small businesses on embedded grids, such as those in shopping centres, will be able to apply for the rebate from October 2023.
In addition to helping small businesses, 1.6 million eligible low-income households, including pensioners, self-funded retirees, families, veterans, carers and people who rely on life-support equipment, will receive $500 to help with their electricity bills. Most eligible households will receive the payment automatically.
The NSW Government is delivering the Energy Bill Relief payments in partnership with the Commonwealth, with the NSW Government providing $485 million and the Commonwealth Government providing $481 million. This partnership aims to provide targeted, temporary energy bill relief for the 2023-2024 financial year. To ensure all eligible households benefit, the NSW Government is encouraging people to check their eligibility on the Service NSW website or with their retailer and apply if necessary.