With rising energy costs squeezing household budgets, Western Australians now have access to a $700 electricity rebate to help cover their bills.
This cost-of-living relief is part of a $492 million government package designed to ease financial pressure on residents and small businesses.
If you’re in Western Australia, this rebate may already be applied to your energy bill—or you may need to apply manually. Let’s break down who qualifies, how to claim it, and other ways to save on expenses.
What Is the $700 Cost-of-Living Cash Claim?
The WA government has introduced a $700 electricity credit for eligible households and small businesses to help them cope with high energy bills.
The rebate is split into two payments of $350 each, applied during peak energy usage periods (July-August and December-January).
For small businesses using under 50 MWh of electricity per year, a $725 rebate is available under similar conditions.
Who Is Eligible for the $700 Electricity Rebate?
Eligibility depends on whether you’re a household or small business in Western Australia.
✔ Households
- Must have an electricity account with Synergy, Horizon Power, or another participating provider.
- The credit is automatically applied for Synergy and Horizon Power customers.
✔ Small Businesses
- Must use under 50 MWh of electricity per year.
- Must apply through the Small Business Development Corporation to receive their $725 rebate.
💡 Note: If you’re with a different provider, you’ll need to apply through Revenue WA to receive the rebate.
How to Claim the $700 Cost-of-Living Cash
Claiming the rebate is simple, but the process depends on your electricity provider.
| Category | How to Claim |
|---|---|
| Synergy or Horizon Power Customers | No action required – the rebate is automatically applied to bills. |
| Other Providers | Apply via Revenue WA to receive the credit. |
| Small Businesses | Apply through the Small Business Development Corporation for the $725 rebate. |
📌 Payment Schedule:
- First $350 rebate – Applied in July-August 2025.
- Second $350 rebate – Applied in December-January 2025/2026.
How This Relief Compares to Other States
While this $700 rebate is exclusive to Western Australia, other states also provide cost-of-living support:
| State | Support Available |
|---|---|
| Queensland | $1,000 electricity rebate for households. |
| South Australia | $243.90 payment for concession holders. |
| Victoria & NSW | Various energy relief payments for eligible residents. |
If you’re outside WA, check with your state government for available rebates.
Why This Support Matters
With inflation and utility costs rising, this $700 rebate provides much-needed relief, helping Australians:
- Reduce financial stress on energy bills.
- Free up money for essential expenses like groceries and healthcare.
- Offset seasonal energy spikes during summer and winter.
Extra Ways to Save on Monthly Bills
While the $700 rebate is helpful, combining it with smart financial strategies can maximize savings.
1️⃣ Refinance Your Mortgage or Loans
- Lowering your interest rate by just 0.3% on a $500,000 mortgage can save $97 per month.
- Consolidating high-interest loans into a lower-rate mortgage can cut monthly repayments.
2️⃣ Switch to Fortnightly Mortgage Payments
- Instead of monthly payments, pay fortnightly—this results in one extra payment per year.
- Potential savings: Up to $510 per month in interest reductions.
3️⃣ Cancel Unused Subscriptions
- Review services like Netflix, gym memberships, and magazine subscriptions.
- Cancelling unused subscriptions can save $7 to $70 per month.
4️⃣ Use Gift Cards & Loyalty Points
- Australians are sitting on $1.4 billion in unused gift cards and loyalty points.
- The average Aussie has $198 worth of unused rewards—use these for daily purchases.
5️⃣ Shop Smarter Online
- Avoid impulse buys and take advantage of online discounts.
- Potential grocery savings: Around $58.50 per month.
The $700 electricity rebate is a huge win for Western Australians, helping ease cost-of-living pressures while ensuring energy bills remain manageable.
✔ If you’re with Synergy or Horizon Power, your rebate is automatic.
✔ If you use a different provider, apply via Revenue WA.
✔ Small businesses can claim a $725 rebate via the Small Business Development Corporation.
Combine this with smart money habits, and you’ll be in a stronger financial position to manage rising costs.
