Bundoora Residents Receive Direct Energy Bill Credits Starting August

The Bundoora local government adopted a utility rebate measure in its 2026 fiscal plan that delivers quarterly credits to households for electricity and gas charges. The change applies to all rate-paying properties within the jurisdiction and covers both owner-occupied homes and rental units where the tenant holds the account.

Rising input costs for basic services have increased pressure on fixed household expenses across the area in recent months. The measure responds to that trend by directing funds from the council's general revenue to offset a portion of those bills rather than relying on external grants or higher rates.

For a household using average volumes of power and gas, the credit reduces the quarterly statement by a fixed amount set in the budget. Renters receive the same credit when they provide proof of payment to the utility provider, while larger families with higher consumption records can apply for an additional tier if usage exceeds the base threshold.

Allocation and Verification Process

Council budget documents record an initial outlay of 1.8 million for the first year of the rebate program, drawn from existing revenue streams without an increase in property rates. Verification occurs through direct data exchange with the two main utility providers serving the area, eliminating the need for individual applications in most cases.

Implementation begins with the August billing cycle, after which the council will issue a six-month progress report that includes the number of accounts credited and total funds disbursed. Further adjustments to the rebate amount will be considered only after that review and only if revenue projections change.