The Sustainable Household Scheme has saved Canberrans more than $100 million on household bills since it was introduced five years ago, the ACT Government says.
This scheme provides low-interest loans of between $2000 and $15,000 to help with the costs of energy-efficient upgrades, improve the energy efficiency of a home, and reduce its carbon footprint.
The scheme can be used to install battery storage systems, electric heating and cooling systems, hot water heat pumps and evacuated tube solar hot water systems, electric stove tops, electric vehicle charging infrastructure, and ceiling insulation, or to purchase an electric vehicle, including a second-hand one.
“This is something even more Canberrans may be considering given current fuel prices,” finance minister Rachel Stephen-MLA Smith said.
On average, one in every eight homes has taken out a loan since the scheme started in 2021, and more than $276 million in loans been settled.
“Through installation and upgrades of energy efficient products, scheme loans have supported more than $100 million in cumulative household bill savings from reduced energy bills and savings on fuel when purchasing an EV,” Ms Stephen-Smith said.
More than half of all loan applications (53%) this financial year were for battery systems — the result of the Commonwealth introducing the complementary Cheaper Home Batteries program last July, which provides a 30 per cent discount on eligible small-scale battery systems connected to new or existing rooftop solar. Before the program started, only 10 per cent of applications were for battery systems.
Over the life of the scheme, 63MWh of battery storage has been delivered —enough to fully charge 170 Transport Canberra electric buses.
“The Sustainable Household Scheme has been embraced by Canberrans,” Ms Stephen-Smith said. “Loan demand remains steady, and these milestones clearly demonstrate that our community is committed to embracing renewable energy and tackling climate change by switching from gas to electric appliances.”
The ACT is committed to achieving net zero emissions by 2045 and helping the community adapt to a changing climate.
The Sustainable Household Scheme Dashboard provides information about which upgrades are being made and in which suburbs.
Zero-interest loans for energy efficient upgrades and loans for rooftop solar panels continue to be available to eligible concession card holders when applying for a rebate under the Home Energy Support Program.
Further information on Cost of Living Support for energy bills is available here.
