It's been a few months since the QLD Cost of Living Rebate for Households and the National Energy Bill Relief package has kicked in—so, how much has the pressure eased?
Back in July 2024, we Queenslanders got a bit of a break on our energy bills. The Queensland Government handed out a tidy $1,000 Cost of Living Rebate, and the National Government chipped in an extra $300 from the Energy Bill Relief Fund. For eligible small businesses, the relief was slightly higher at $325. These rebates were automatically applied through your electricity retailer, giving most households a total credit of $1,300—a much welcome buffer against the rising cost of living pressures.
It’s been a few months since we received the rebate credit through our electricity retailer, and while it has provided some relief from the cost-of-living pressures, especially on our electricity bills, it’s only a short-term solution. Recently, in conversations that I’ve personally had with my newer clients and friends, I’ve realised that some might have overestimated how much relief they can realistically expect!
As we all know, these rebates won’t last forever. Both the State and Federal Governments have made it clear that while these measures are important during periods of high inflation, they won’t last forever. What concerns me more, however, are the rising electricity rates. This essentially means that even if your usage stays the same, your bills will still increase. Consequently, that $1,300 credit will likely be used up much faster than we initially expected.
According to Ergon Energy, from July 2024, customers on Tariff 11 have seen their bills increase by 5.0%— that’s an extra $96 a year. For those on economy tariffs, like Tariff 31 for large hot water systems, the increase is around 2.8% or around $63 more annually, and for Tariff 33, which covers smaller hot water systems and pool pumps, the rise is around 3.2%—another $73 out of pocket each year.
Now, depending on which estimate you follow, Queenslanders’ average annual electricity bills range from about $1,260 (according to Canstar Blue) to $1,640 (according to Finder). Even with these rebates, a 5% increase in your bill means that the relief will run out faster than many anticipated.
So, what’s the long-term fix for us everyday folks? Well, if you’ve read this far, and are ready to sidestep those bills, installing a solar system on your home is the way to go. Sure, there’s an upfront cost (we have a $0 upfront cost finances available as well, more later), but it’s an investment that pays you back – big time. With solar panels, you’re not just slashing your bills, but you are also taking control of your energy future.
As solar retailers with nearly a decade under our belts, we’ve seen the magic happen up close. One of our clients in Sinnamon Park, who had been paying around $2,400 per year for electricity, installed a 13.2kW solar system earlier this year. Since then, their quarterly bills have dropped to as little as $71. Another client in Tarragindi, previously paying $1,600 per year, installed a 10kW system, and despite export limitations, their bill plummeted to just $90 in the very next quarter after installation. Honestly, solar wins again!
These are just a few examples of how solar power can provide long-term relief, far beyond what temporary rebates can offer. While government support is a welcome short-term solution, the real game-changer is investing in solar energy. With solar, you’re not just reducing your bills for the next few months—you’re setting yourself up for ongoing savings, year after year, no matter how high electricity prices climb.
Honestly, there’s never been a better time to go solar. Thanks to the rebates, you’ve essentially got some extra cash that would normally disappear into your electricity bill. So, why not put it to good use and install solar instead? Moreover, due to high international demand, solar panels are the cheapest they’ve ever been. What we’ve seen since is that solar system prices are about 30% lower than last year, even if the STC Rebate has reduced for this year. Additionally, most systems now pay for themselves in about four years. After that, you’re practically laughing—free electricity for the next 25 years or more!
Are you curious about how much you could save with solar? Contact Sunrays Power for a free, no-obligation consultation, and let us help you find the best solar solution for your home.
With nearly a decade of experience, Sunrays Power has been helping Australian homes and businesses take control of their energy use. From sunrise to sunset, we’ve got you covered, keeping your home comfortable and your bills down. Our team knows the ins and outs of solar – from navigating approvals to making the most of government rebates, we’ll guide you through the process with ease. We only install products we trust, like Tesla, SolarEdge, and Sungrow, offering top-tier performance at prices that make sense.
But don’t just take our word for it – check out our 5-star Google reviews and see what our happy customers have to say! Reach out today for a no-obligation chat.
