$175 Queensland energy rebate: Can you get it?
The energy rebate for Queenslanders will increase from the original $50 promised earlier this year.
The $175 Cost of Living Rebate will come as welcome news to Queensland residents after the regulator watchdog announced price hikes for the state on Thursday, 26 May.
Do you need to apply for the $175 energy rebate?
Fortunately, households don't have to do anything to claim the electricity rebate.
Electricity providers will automatically apply the credit to its next round of power bills which means Queenslanders can remain stress free from filling out any forms.
In February, Queensland premier Annastacia Palaszczuk had announced households would receive $50.
Given wholesale electricity prices have skyrocketed, the toll on those on low incomes will be even more evident in the coming months.
“People are having to make difficult choices. The $175 Cost of Living Rebate will make life just that little bit easier and brings to $575 the dividends Queenslanders have received over the past 4 years," the premier said.
Queensland hit hard by electricity price hikes
More than 80% of Queensland's power is generated by coal-fired plants.
High coal prices due to the situation in Europe as well as energy demand due to humid La Nina weather have resulted in Queensland getting the short end of the stick.
How Queenslanders can keep their energy bills down
There's no doubt you'll be hit by a price rise given smaller retailers are already crumbling under pressure.
LPE in Queensland with over 20,000 customers said it was increasing its usage rates by more than 100% from 1 June. In fact, it's encouraged customers to seek out other retailers as it can no longer offer competitive rates.
Even larger companies such as AGL, Origin Energy and EnergyAustralia are tipped to increase energy bills by 10-15% either before or right in time for the 1 July energy price reset, which happens annually.
So, what can you do?
- Shop around for energy deals with sign-up credit or lock in fixed rates that won't change for 12 months.
- Make changes around your home. For example, ditching the clothes dryer could save you $79 a year.
- Don't shy away from calling your current provider to ask if there's a cheaper plan you can be put on.
You can read more tips here or start comparing energy plans to lock in the best deal for your household.
If you know someone in Victoria or Western Australia, let them know they're also eligible for energy rebates from their state government.
