Mark the clock on great energy hacks that reduce electricity bills

Mortgage relief may not be on the table just yet, but Aussies can step back and save big on their monthly budgets by locking in big savings on energy bills before the deadline.

After two years of home electricity subsidies, the government’s $1.8 billion rebate package was closed this year, meaning higher electricity prices will hit consumers at the same time as mortgages rise following February’s rate hike.

Air conditioning, cooking, utility and entertainment costs are subsidized as a result of this package, but now homeowners and property seekers will have to check utilities, rates, and deals to keep bills down.

From increased battery rebates and new rules on qualified mortgages to new solar plans, here’s how you can get more for less this year while mortgage relief is still in effect.

Battery discounts

The government’s Cheaper Home Battery scheme is set to change in May, as the government recently moved to a phased scheme which sees subsidies gradually decrease.

This system allows homes to reduce battery costs, which store energy from rooftop solar panels for use when the sun is not shining.

Government energy minister Chris Bowen confirmed that more than 160,000 households had installed batteries since July 1, with rebates saving thousands of dollars in installation costs. An additional $5bn will now be invested to enable two million more battery systems over the next four years.

From May, the subsidy will be rolled back to close a loophole that allowed households to install larger battery systems, with only the first 14 kWh eligible for the full rebate.

In some states, homes that installed large batteries last year can get rebates of more than $10,000 — but that support is expected to drop by nearly half once the new rules take effect.

Aussie households now have this small window to install ‘super size’ batteries before the changes come into force, although the best discounts have already been dropped from the top.

Solar batteries and solar meter box with gas meter. Photo: Getty

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Solar sharing system

While not every home is ready for solar installation, there are still ways to get ahead when it comes to reducing debt.

Energy stores will be forced to provide free electricity for up to three hours a day during solar production days from this year.

This program is already in place in several parts of the country and will be launched in 2026 and 2027 to reduce electricity costs for all households by sharing cheap solar energy.

“It’s about giving more Australians access to the same benefits as a solar person,” AGL chief customer officer Jo Egan said.

“Customers who plan to change their energy use can save on their electricity bills, there is no need for them to install solar panels to reduce the cost of using electricity during the day.”

It’s a good move for buyers

The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission’s analysis of retailer price data shows electricity prices were higher last year than in 2024 in all regions, with customers loyal to older systems said to be the most disadvantaged.

From the 2026-27 financial year, the Australian Energy Market Commission’s new consumer protections mean greater energy price fairness and rebate deals are set to sweep the market.

Sellers need to ask more questions about the validity of the concession from 1 July, while clearly stating any discounts available.

Vulnerable customers will also get more help under these new protections, meaning big energy savings will be accessible to all households, not just the most digitally savvy.

What you have to do

• Check your current energy plan for new offers from your dealer
• Ask your dealership if you could benefit from switching to daylight savings time
• Consider battery installation before May if convenient
• Compare different plans with other vendors
• Make sure you get any approvals you deserve