The Commonwealth government is providing funding of $150 for small business energy bill relief to small businesses in embedded networks.

The Small Business Development Corporation is administering and delivering the Commonwealth funded $150 Small Business and Charities Electricity Bill Relief to eligible small businesses and charities that operate in embedded networks in WA. This will be in the form of a GST-free direct payment to eligible applicants.

Electricity through an embedded network

Eligible small businesses that receive electricity through an embedded network supply arrangement, may apply for and receive a one off $150 payment via the SmartyGrants portal. The grant application process is expected to open in late October 2025.

Embedded networks include examples such as shopping centres, businesses operating from airports, ports and industrial parks, businesses that have a sub-meter linked to a master meter controlled by the landlord, and circumstances where landlords purchase electricity from energy providers and on-sell the electricity to their small business tenants. 

Customers of private electricity retailers

Eligible small businesses and charities that are billed by alternate private energy retailers such as Alinta and Perth energy may apply for the Small Business Electricity Credit via the SBDC.

Synergy or Horizon Power customers

Small businesses and charities that receive their electricity through Synergy or Horizon Power do not need to take any action. You will receive a direct credit to eligible electricity accounts from 11 October 2025.

Eligibility criteria

To be eligible for the Small Business and Charities Electricity Bill Relief Program, the applicant must meet all the criteria listed below:

  1. Have held a valid and active ABN as a small business[1] or charity[2] without interruption since 1 July 2025 and for the period covered by their application.
  2. Be a small business or charity consuming LESS than 50 megawatt hours (MWh) of electricity per year or where this is not measured, be liable for less than $15,000 per annum in electricity costs.
  3. The small business or charity was incurring electricity costs on 1 July 2025.
  4. If not on an embedded network/submetering arrangement, would otherwise fall within the scope of one of the following electricity retail tariff classes as specified in the Energy Operators (Electricity Generation and Retail Corporation) (Charges) By-laws 2006 or the Energy Operators (Regional Power Corporation) (Charges) By-laws 2006:
    1. C1 or C2
    2. D1 or D2
    3. L1or L2
    4. R1 or R2
  5. Must occupy a commercial premise as owner or tenant in Western Australia and is currently trading.
  6. Not be directly billed by Synergy or Horizon Power.
  7. Be receiving power on-supplied via an embedded network/submetering arrangement.
  8. Not be:
    1. A government entity.
    2. A telecommunication provider.
    3. An authorised deposit taking institution.
    4. A major mining or resources operator.
    5. An account for temporary electricity supply for the purposes of constructing premises.
    6. An account where consumption is reasonably expected to exceed 50MWh or where this is not measured, be liable for more than $15,000 in the 12 months prior to 1 July 2025.
  9. Provide an unredacted PDF copy of the business bank statement showing business related transactions for the period 1 May 2025 up to and including 1 July 2025 that clearly shows the BSB, account number, the trading/business name associated with the application.
  10. The application must be received by 4:00pm, 31 March 2026.
  11. Agree to the program’s Terms and Conditions.

Ineligible applicants

Applicants will not be eligible for relief under this program if they are:

  • A government entity.
  • A telecommunication provider.
  • An authorised deposit taking institution.
  • A major mining or resources operator.
  • An account for temporary electricity supply for the purposes of constructing premises.
  • An account where consumption is reasonably expected to exceed 50MWh or where this is not measured, be liable for more than $15,000 in the 12 months prior to 1 July 2025.
  • Direct customers of Synergy and Horizon Energy are also ineligible for this program. They will receive their rebate directly from these organisations as credits to their electricity bill. 

Tip: Read the frequently asked questions for further advice on ineligible applicants.

Program guidelines

Download the Program Guidelines, Terms and Conditions

Read the frequently asked questions

How to apply

Preparing for your Application

Prepare for your application by gathering the following information and documents. At the appropriate stage in the application process, you will be prompted to upload your document and unless otherwise indicated supporting evidence must be uploaded in PDF format. 

  • Your Australian Business Number (ABN). You can find this number on any letter the government has sent to your business Alternatively you can use the ABN Lookup tool to search your business. You do not need to provide supporting evidence, simply quote this number.
  • Confirmation that you are the owner or tenant of your business premises may be required by providing a copy of your rates assessment or tenancy agreement.
  • Confirm your business bank details by providing an unredacted PDF copy of the business bank statement showing business related transactions for the period 1 May 2025 up to and including 1 July 2025, that clearly shows the BSB, account number and the trading/business name associated with the application.

  • Provide an unredacted (full and complete) PDF copy of your small business' electricity bill which must:

    1. be in the name of the business
    2. include electricity costs incurred on 1 July 2025
    3. include at least 90 days of billing for the business site

    If you are billed quarterly, provide your electricity bill that includes costs for 1 July 2025. If you are billed monthly, provide your last three electricity bills including costs for 1 July 2025. If you are unable to provide 90 days of billing data, you have up until 31 March 2026 to apply with your next bill(s).

Submit an application

 

[1] As defined in the Small Business Development Corporation Act 1983.

[2] As defined in the Commonwealth Charities Act 2013.