Households can access zero-interest loans of up to $15,000 to install energy saving and cost cutting upgrades such as rooftop solar, household batteries, insulation, reverse-cycle air conditioning, switchboard upgrades, ceiling fans and draught-proofing.
The State Government’s $557million Home Energy Saver program aims to help families lower their power bills by making energy saving upgrades more affordable.
More than half of homes in NSW have solar and 13,000 new batteries are being installed each month.
While energy-efficient upgrades reduce costs in the long run, the upfront costs have locked many people out, and this program will make upgrades more affordable.
In addition to loans, the program will provide discounts up to $4000 to eligible families looking to upgrade with energy-saving measures.
The Home Energy Saver program includes:
Zero-interest loans available to households with a combined taxable income up to $210,000. This will allow eligible households to pay off $15,000 in upgrades over ten years rather than upfront.
This is expected to benefit more than 32,000 households. Targeted discounts up to $4000 will be available later this year for households with a combined annual income up to $80,000, or eligible concession card holders.
For example, if your household earns $200,000 and you want to purchase a solar and home battery system for $10,000, you can apply for a loan and pay it off over ten years.
Eligible households wanting to apply for a discount and a zero-interest loan on a single upgrade are advised to apply for the discount first, then seek a loan to cover the remaining amount.
Discounts will also be available to renters, to make upgrades with their landlord’s permission.
Smart Energy Council chief executive David McElrea said the program meant households could take control of their energy bills.
“Helping lower-income earners and renters to overcome the cost barrier to modernising their homes with smart solar, batteries, efficient cooling and heating is the fastest way to permanently drive down household expenses while building a more resilient grid,” Mr McElrea said.
For information and to apply, visit here.