Energy Price Relief Plan extension
Energy Price Relief Plan extension
The Government is addressing the continued rise in energy prices by extending the Energy Price Relief Plan introduced in the 2023-24 Budget for households and small businesses.
As part of this announcement the Government will provide $3.5 billion over three years from 2023-24 to support targeted energy bill relief to eligible households and small businesses.
Households
All Australian households are eligible for a $300 annual rebate that will be applied in quarterly instalments to electricity bills from 1 July 2024.
Small businesses
Small businesses must meet their state and territory definition of electricity ‘small customer’, as determined by their annual electricity consumption threshold, to be eligible for a $325 annual rebate.
BDO comment
Cost of living pressures continue to be front of mind for all Australians and it is likely the extension of the assistance package to households will be welcomed. We question, however, the value that a $325 credit will provide to small businesses facing significant energy pricing increases. BDO considers the Government should do more to help ease the ever-increasing costs faced by Australia’s small businesses by reducing red tape and engaging in productivity enhancing tax reform.