$150 energy rebate could be extended – here’s what we know
Right now, there's a 50-50 chance we'll get another energy rebate in 2026, but the decision probably won't be confirmed until mid-December.
Australian households have been getting a $75 quarterly credit on their electricity bills since June 2024.
First came the $300 energy rebate as part of the 2024-2025 federal budget, followed by another $150 rebate that's wrapping up on 31 December.
Now there are questions about whether we'll see another extension in 2026.
Another $150 energy rebate on the cards?
Last month (November 2025), Anthony Albanese told The Daily Telegraph in an exclusive interview that he wasn't ruling out another round of the $150 energy rebate.
However, he did emphasise it couldn't go on forever.
More recent comments from Treasurer Jim Chalmers have also alluded to a possible extension, but he said a decision would likely be made as part of the mid-year economic and fiscal outlook.
"The mid-year budget update will be towards the middle of December, as it has been on the last couple of occasions," Chalmers told reporters, according to 9News.
"We'll take a decision about electricity rebates in the context of finalising that mid-year budget update."
They are a really important way that we are helping Australians with the cost of living, taking some of the edge off these electricity price pressures that people are encountering. But they're not a permanent feature of our budget, and we've made that clear.
Haven't compared energy plans in over 12 months?
There's a good chance you're missing out on a cheaper deal.
What will happen to energy bills if the rebate isn't extended?
The concern is that because inflation has climbed to 3.8% as of October 2025, short-term cost-of-living relief will only delay bringing this figure under control.
This will be one of the factors the government will consider when reviewing its mid-year budget.
If the energy rebate doesn't continue in 2026, households that have previously received the $75 quarterly credit can expect their bills to rise by roughly that amount, depending on their electricity usage.
Given that energy bills are already one of the top 3 most stressful expenses for households based on our survey, this could push that pressure even further.
We'll update you as soon as we know whether the $150 energy rebate will be extended into the new year.
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