Low-income Canberra households to tap into energy efficiency rebates

Low-income households in Canberra will soon be able to tap into a new rebate of up to $2500 for the installation of electric appliances, as part of the ACT government’s Home Energy Support Program.

Energy and emissions reduction minister Shane Rattenbury said the rebates would support households’ transition away from fossil fuel gas as the territory government plans to move away from fossil fuel gas by 2045.

“A critical part of this transition is to make sure we have a just transition by providing support to those who can least afford to make the switch,” Rattenbury said.

The $2500 rebate will help reduce households’ upfront costs in purchasing reverse-cycle heating and cooling systems, hot water heat pumps and electric cooktops or ovens.

The Home Energy Support Program was announced in March to support low-income households and represents a $50 million investment over four years. 

The first stage, which amounts to $3.1 million, provided rebates of up to $2500 to eligible low-income home owners to install rooftop solar panels.

The latest announcement comes on top of the ACT government’s existing $150 million Sustainable Household Scheme, which was introduced in 2020. 

Under the scheme, Canberrans were able to apply for interest-free loans for rooftop solar panels, household battery storage and hot water heat pumps. The loans were between $2000 and $15,000 to be repaid over a 10-year period.

Rattenbury noted households may also be able to access the Sustainable Household Scheme to cover the remaining costs of energy-efficient installations.

“The transition away from fossil fuel gas to electric will help the community save on energy bills, increase home comfort and reduce greenhouse gas emissions,” he said. 

Eligible home owners who can apply for a rebate include Pension Concession Card holders and Department of Veterans’ Affairs Gold Card holders.