While promises to reduce electricity bills for households and businesses in the next year have been stilted by the announcement of an inevitable price rise, the NSW Government is offering temporary relief of up to $1600 per year to help cover the bills. 

This week the Australian Energy Regulator moved to increase the price cap, showing that NSW energy customers will face price increases from July 1. 

Households will face an increase of 18.3 per cent for their energy bills, with small businesses looking at a 19.7 per cent hike. 

In response, NSW Treasurer and Energy Minister Matt Kean announced an increase in support payments for households experiencing difficulty. 



From Monday, recipients of the Energy Accounts Payment Assistance (EAPA) will see an increase of maximum payments from $300 to $300.

“Eligible customers can receive payment assistance of up to $400 per application for electricity and up to $400 per application for gas bills twice a year,” Mr Kean said. 

“This means the annual maximum limit of vouchers has increased from $1,200 to $1,600 per household.” 

With NSW already facing the highest taxes of any state or territory, the skyrocketing cost of living is placing increasing pressures on vulnerable households. 

The price increase from July could see NSW residents paying up to $369 more each year, and an average small businesses facing a concerning $1,130 more - although the averages do not take into account individual business needs and regional price variations. 

Shadow Minister for Energy and Climate Change Jihad Dib said the price hike doesn’t reflect promises of the past. 

“Matt Kean promised lower annual electricity bills for households and businesses across NSW, yet today we’ve been told prices will increase by nearly 20 per cent right across NSW,” Mr Dib said. 

The promises, however, could not account for the current international socio-political conditions, with the Russian invasion of Ukraine dramatically affecting supply and global price pressures on coal and gas. 

Extreme weather events in NSW and Queensland have also had an impact on prices. 

A key to keeping the lights on and families warm this winter, it seems, will be making the available money known and accessible to those who are eligible. 

Last year, $200 million worth of energy rebates went unclaimed.

Eligible households can also apply for different rebates including the Low Income Household Rebate, Gas Rebate, Family Energy Rebate, and Seniors Energy Rebate.