Stay cool this summer with energy support programs

In brief:

• A range of programs are available to help you save on energy bills and make your home more efficient.
• This article lists some of the programs available to Canberrans.

As the weather gets warmer, now is a great time to make your home more comfortable and lower your energy bills.

Whether you own or rent your home, there are programs available to help save on energy costs and improve comfort at home.

Free home electrification and ceiling insulation

If you’re finding energy costs hard to manage, you may be eligible for support through the Access to Electric Program.

The program funds electrification and energy-efficiency upgrades for eligible low-income homeowners, including:

• efficient electric replacements for gas appliances
• ceiling insulation.

These upgrades are fully funded by the ACT Government at no cost to the homeowner.

Income and property criteria apply.

Complete the quick self-assessment to see if you're eligible.

Help with electricity, gas and water bills

If you have a concession card, you may be eligible for the Electricity, Gas and Water Rebate.

The annual $800 rebate can help cover:

• electricity costs
• gas bills
• water charges
• sewerage costs.

Visit the ACT Revenue Office website or contact your energy provider for more information.

Rebates for energy-efficient home upgrades

If you are a homeowner with an eligible concession card, you may be able to access rebates for upgrades through the Home Energy Support Program.

Rebates of up to $5,000 can be used for eligible energy-efficient upgrades, including:

• rooftop solar
• reverse-cycle heating and cooling
• hot water heat pumps
• electric cooktops and ovens
• ceiling insulation.

If you are eligible for the Home Energy Support Program, you may also be able to get a zero‑interest loan of up to $10,000 through the Sustainable Households Scheme.

Learn more and check if you’re eligible.

Tailored energy advice for renters

There are plenty of renter-friendly things you can do to cut your energy bills and stay comfortable.

The Renters’ Home Energy Program is free for anyone renting in the ACT.

If you are renting, you can:

• learn simple and affordable ways to save energy
• make your home more comfortable without using more gas or electricity.

Renters can choose between:

• an in-home visit with a qualified energy efficiency assessor
• a phone consultation with an expert
• an online self-assessment tool.

Learn more and book your free assessment.

In-home energy visit and draught-proofing support

The free Home Energy Efficiency Program helps eligible low-income renters and homeowners reduce energy use and improve home comfort. You can get:

• a home visit from a qualified energy efficiency assessor
• an information kit with energy-saving tips
• support with draught-proofing.

Learn more and check if you’re eligible.

Low-interest loans for sustainable home upgrades

The Sustainable Household Scheme offers low-interest loans to help Canberrans make their homes more energy efficient.

Eligible households can borrow from $2,000 to $20,000 to install sustainable products and technologies, including:

• household battery storage systems
• reverse-cycle heating and cooling
• hot water heat pumps
• electric cooktops
• ceiling insulation
• electric vehicles and home charging equipment
• electric cargo bikes.

Through the Sustainable Household Scheme:

• you have up to 10 years to repay your loan (terms and conditions apply)
• there is a 3% interest rate
• there are no upfront costs or fees.

Brighte is the loan provider for the scheme.

Read more about the Sustainable Household Scheme.

Go Electric Pilot Program for Banks and surrounding suburbs

If you live in Banks or surrounding suburbs, you may also be eligible for support through the Go Electric Pilot Program.

The program can help eligible homeowners and renters switch from gas to electric and install technologies such as:

• solar
• batteries
• electric vehicle charging.

The Go Electric Pilot Program is funded by the Australian Government.

You may be eligible for ACT Government household energy supports alongside this program.

Learn more about the Go Electric Pilot Program.

Not sure where to start? Contact the Sustainable Home Advice team

The Sustainable Home Advice service is your one-stop shop for free information on how to reduce your energy bills and make your home more comfortable.

You can also learn about ACT Government supports and rebates you may be eligible for. You can:

• call or email the team to get energy-efficiency tips or to find out about support that’s right for you
• get help understanding your energy bill and finding the right plan
• ask for advice on a quote you have received for energy-efficient products
• book a free home energy visit
• attend a workshop
• use the online tools to help you make your home more sustainable.

Contact the Sustainable Home Advice team directly:

Email: SustainableHomeAdviceProgram@act.gov.au
Phone: 1300 141 777 (weekdays 9 am to 4 pm, excluding public holidays)

Learn more about the Sustainable Home Advice service.

Read more like this:

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• Simple ways to cut back on single-use plastics
• ACT’s first network of neighbourhood batteries complete

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