That’s now changed.
What Is the 2025 Energy Bill Relief Fund Extension?
Who Is Eligible?
For Households
You may be eligible if:
- You live in a caravan park, retirement village, apartment complex, or residential community
- You have an active electricity account with an embedded network operator
- You use the account for residential/domestic use only
For Small Businesses
You may be eligible if:
- Your business is located within an embedded network (e.g. a shop in a shopping center)
- You have an active ABN registered on the Australian Business Register
- You are billed under a business tariff that is separately metered
- Your annual electricity usage is less than 40 MWh
Who Gets the $150 Payment Automatically?
How to Apply (for Everyone Else)
If your embedded network is not managed by one of the automatic retailers listed above, you can apply for the payment online.
What You’ll Need:
- A copy of your electricity bill or invoice from your embedded network operator This can be a photo, PDF, or scanned copy
- A valid form of ID
Applications opened on 1 July 2025 and are available on the official Victorian Energy website.
How to Tell If You’re in an Embedded Network
Many people don’t even realize they’re part of an embedded network. Here’s how to find out:
- Check your electricity bill: If there’s no National Metering Identifier (NMI) listed, you may be in an embedded network.
- Ask your property manager or body corporate if your site is supplied by a private network.
- Search the public register on the Essential Services Commission website (note: not all embedded networks are listed).
Common examples of embedded networks include:
- Apartment buildings
- Caravan parks
- Retirement villages
- Residential lifestyle communities
- Shopping centers
Can You Still Apply If You Received the First Energy Relief Payment?
Yes. If you already received the 2024–25 Energy Bill Relief but still meet the eligibility criteria, you can apply again for the additional $150 payment under the extended program.
What If You Need Help Applying?
There are several ways to get support with your application:
- Friends or family: Ask someone you trust to help you complete the online form
- Community centers or local libraries
- Your local MP’s electorate office
- Phone support: Call 1800 000 832
- Email support: [email protected]
Can Embedded Network Customers Switch Providers?
Switching electricity providers in embedded networks is not as simple as it is for standard customers. Because the network is privately owned, you’ll need to speak with your body corporate or site manager about changing embedded network operators.
Why This Matters
Embedded network customers have historically had less access to rebates and retail competition, even though they still face high energy bills. This $150 payment is a small but meaningful step in improving energy affordability for a group of households and businesses often left out of broader programs.
Final Note
