The $300 payment for residential customers and $325 for eligible businesses will be distributed quarterly as a reduction on their bill or addition to their pre-pay meter balance.

The South Australian Government continues its support of remote South Australian communities by providing subsidised electricity to around 3,400 customers across 13 townships and 15 Aboriginal Communities under the Remote Area Energy Supply (RAES) scheme.

RAES tariffs are reviewed and set annually by the Minister for Energy and Mining, with residential and business tariffs aligned to the average of market/discount offers provided by South Australian on-grid retailers.

Having held RAES tariffs below the average on-grid market rates since mid-2023, the 2024 Review has concluded that an increase in tariffs is necessary to reflect the continued high cost of energy production across the scheme. 

Increases for residential customers have been capped at the consumer price index, resulting in RAES tariffs around 8 per cent lower than the average of market offers from South Australian on-grid retailers.  

This equates to an average increase of $111 per year for residential customers, however, RAES tariffs remain around $230 lower than equivalent on-grid prices.

Consistent with the long-standing RAES policy, business tariffs have been re-aligned with the average of on-grid market offers.

RAES residential and business customers will receive Energy Bill Relief Fund payments in 2024-25.

The $300 payment for residential customers and $325 for eligible businesses will be distributed quarterly as a reduction on their bill or addition to their pre-pay meter balance.

This first two instalments are included in the bill issued for December 2024 reading.

Holders of a pension concession card, DVA, Gold Card or Centrelink low-income health care card may be eligible to receive a concession on the energy costs. Phone 1800 307 758 or go to http://www.sa.gov.au/concessions to apply.

If you wish to explore how you can reduce the amount of energy used in your home or business, please call the Energy Advisory Service within the Department for Energy and Mining on the ‘free call number’ 1800 671 907.