Powercor says it is working with electricity retailers so households can apply for payment plans or hardship arrangements on network charges from April 1 to June 30 this year.

Meanwhile, the company will automatically rebate network charges through electricity retailers for small businesses that consume less than 25 per cent of their average April-to-June electricity.

Powercor is also waiving disconnection and re-connection fees for small businesses that have temporarily ceased trading, which will stop daily supply charges.

Eligible small businesses are those that consume less than 40 megawatt hours a year.

Chief Executive Officer Tim Rourke said there were thousands of small businesses potentially eligible for the relief.

"This is a genuine offer to support these customers in a meaningful way," Mr Rourke said.

"It effectively provides six months of support by helping them now through the trading constraints and later when hopefully they'll be getting back to business."

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