Eligibility criteria
Can I apply as a not-for-profit or charity organisation?
Yes.
I operate my business from home, can I apply?
No - you must occupy a commercial premises as an owner or tenant to be eligible for this payment. Where a sole trader is operating a business from home and their consumption is separately metered (eg. on a small business tariff), you may eligible to apply for relief. Where consumption is on a residential tariff, you are not eligible.
I use more than 50 megawatt hours or $15,000 or per annum in electricity – am I eligible?
No – this payment is designed for small businesses or charities that consume less than this amount of electricity every year.
Are any business types excluded from the payment?
Yes, each of the following electricity accounts are not eligible for the payment:
- An account held by a local government authority, council or entity created pursuant to the Local Government Act 1995 (WA).
- An account held by a Western Australian or Commonwealth Government statutory authority, trading enterprise, department, or agency.
- An account held by a telecommunication company that is, for example part of the corporate group of, Telstra, Vodafone, Optus or the National Broadband Network.
- An account held by an authorised deposit taking institution where the entity that is, for example part of the corporate group of, Westpac, Australian and New Zealand Banking Group, Commonwealth Bank or National Australia Bank.
- An account held by a major mining or resources operator, that is, for example part of the corporate group of - BHP, Rio Tinto, FMG, Chevron and Woodside.
- An account for temporary electricity supply for the purposes of constructing premises.
- An account where consumption at the premises was more than 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.
Must I have incurred electricity costs for a full 12 months prior to 1 July 2025 to be eligible for the payment?
No, the small business or charity must have incurred electricity costs on 1 July 2025
Are small business customers that don’t have a small business retail electricity account or are not connected to an embedded network, (eg. off-grid businesses) eligible for this payment?
No – to receive this payment, customers must be separately billed for metered electricity supply/consumption and a formal bill or invoice is required to be eligible for this payment.
Where can small business electricity customers find more information about the Small Business Electricity Bill Relief Scheme?
Small businesses can find additional information at energy.gov.au/energy-bill-relief-fund.
Funding
What is the maximum amount I can claim under this grant?
The payment is $150 (GST and tax-free).
What can I use the funding for?
While the payment is intended to relieve increased cost of living pressures for small businesses and charities, there are no requirements as to how your payment is used.
Will I have to pay tax on the rebate?
We recommend you seek independent advice about the tax implications of receiving this grant.
Supporting your application
What evidence will I need to provide to support my application?
- An unredacted (full and complete) PDF copy of your business bank statement for the period 1 May 2025 up to and including 1 July 2025 that clearly shows the BSB, account number, trading/business name and business transactions relating to the main trading activities of the business.
- An unredacted (full and complete) PDF copy of your small business' electricity bill which must be in the name of the business; include electricity costs incurred on 1 July 2025; 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).
- To confirm that you are the owner or tenant of your business premises evidence may be required such as a copy of your rates assessment or tenancy agreement.
How do I upload evidence in support of my application?
At the appropriate stage in the application process, you will be prompted to upload your document. Unless otherwise indicated, supporting evidence must be uploaded in PDF format.
Tip: It is highly recommended you do this from a desktop device and not a mobile phone, if possible.
Why do I need to provide a PDF copy of my bank statement?
To assist in validating the eligibility of the application and protect the program from fraud, it is important we receive an unedited/unredacted PDF copy of the business bank statement of the account into which the grant will be paid, for the full period stated.
Application processing
When do applications close?
Applications close at 4pm (AWST) on 31 March 2026. Please ensure you allow sufficient time to upload and submit your application. Allow extra time for technical glitches, complex questions, or any other unexpected delays. Incomplete or unsubmitted applications and/or applications received after the closing date will NOT be considered.
How will I find out if my application is successful?
All applicants will be notified in writing by email of the outcome of an application as soon as practical.
How long will it take to receive the money if I’m successful?
You should receive payment within five (5) business days after receipt of advice of a successful application.
Who do I contact with any queries regarding the application process?
If you have any queries about the application process please email grants@smallbusiness.wa.gov.au.
What happens if I receive a payment but it is later discovered that my business was ineligible?
The payment is made based on the information you provide in your application. The WA Government will conduct audits of this information and reserves the right to recover any payments that did not meet the eligibility guidelines. If, when making an application for this payment you knowingly provide false or misleading information, create a document, impersonate a person or business with the intent to deceive the grant provider in order to obtain a benefit, this may constitute a fraud offence under the Criminal Code Act 1913 and be subject to criminal penalties.
