The clock is ticking on megapower hacks that will cut electricity bills – realestate.com.au

Mortgage relief may be off the table for now, but Aussies can bounce back and save big on their monthly budgets by locking in big savings on energy bills before time runs out.

After two years of subsidized electricity for households, the government’s $1.8 billion energy rebate package ended this year, meaning higher energy prices will hit consumers at the same time as mortgage bills rise due to February’s rate hike.

Air conditioning, cooking, appliance use and entertainment costs have been subsidized thanks to the package, but now homeowners and home seekers will have to take stock of usage, rates and deals to keep bills down.

From maximizing battery discounts and new rules for fairer bills to new solar schemes, here’s how you can get more for less this year while mortgage deductions are on the back burner.

Discounts on batteries

The government’s Cheaper Home Battery program is set to change in May, with the government recently moving to a tiered system where incentives are gradually reduced.

The plan will allow households to reduce the upfront cost of a battery, which stores energy from rooftop solar panels so it can be used when the sun isn’t shining.

Federal Energy Minister Chris Bowen confirmed that more than 160,000 households have installed batteries since July 1, with rebates saving thousands of euros on initial installation costs. An additional $5 billion will now be invested to enable an additional two million battery systems over the next four years.

From May, the subsidy will be further scaled back to close a loophole that has allowed households to install super-sized battery systems, with only the first 14 kWh eligible for a full rebate.

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

Australian households now have a slim window of opportunity to install larger ‘super-sized’ batteries before the changes come into effect, although the most generous discounts have already been scaled back from peak.

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

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Solar sharing program

While not all homes are suitable for solar installations, there are still ways to get ahead when it comes to saving on bills.

From this year, energy stores will be forced to offer free electricity for up to three hours a day during peak afternoon solar generation.

The system is already in place in several parts of the country and will be rolled out over 2026 and 2027 to reduce energy costs for all households by sharing cheap excess solar energy.

“It’s about giving more Australians the opportunity to access similar benefits as someone who has solar,” said AGL Chief Customer Officer Jo Egan.

“Customers who plan to shift their energy consumption can save on their electricity bills. They do not need to install solar panels to reduce their daytime energy costs.”

A fairer choice for the consumer

An Australian Competition and Consumer Commission analysis of retailer pricing data shows electricity prices were higher in all regions last year than in 2024, with loyal customers on older plans found to be the most disadvantaged.

From the 2026-2027 financial year, new consumer protections from the Australian Energy Market Commission mean greater fairness for energy bill pricing and rebate concessions will sweep the market.

Retailers will have to ask more questions about concession eligibility from July 1, while also clearly identifying what discounts are available.

Vulnerable customers will also receive more help under the new protection measures, meaning big electricity savings will be accessible to all households, not just the most digitally savvy.

What to do

• Check your current energy plan with the newer offers from your retailer
• Ask your retailer if you can benefit from shifting power to daytime use
• Consider a battery installation before May if this is right for you
• Compare different subscriptions with other retailers
• Check whether you are getting the concessions you are entitled to