Grants and Rebates available for Energy Efficiency Upgrades in Residential Property

What energy efficiency features do the rebates cover?

Energy Efficient Appliances Rebate Schemes

  • Each state and territory have their own schemes for upgrading household appliances to more energy-efficient models.

  • They can include:

    • heating and cooling appliances

    • hot water systems

    • solar power systems

    • battery storage systems

    • insulation

    • LED lighting

Important to consider when seeking grants and rebates

  • Eligibility: Many programs have eligibility criteria such as income level, property type, or location. Be sure to check the specific details on each website.

  • Program Availability: Some rebates and programs may have limited funding or may be closed periodically, so check regularly for updates.

  • Application Process: The application process may vary, so follow the instructions provided on each program’s website.

OVERARCHING FEDERAL GOVERNMENT POLICY to support property upgrades

  1. National Energy Productivity Plan (NEPP)

Federal GOVERNMENT FUNDING PROGRAMS

  • The Clean Energy Finance Corporation (CEFC)

    • The Clean Energy Finance Corporation (CEFC) is helping banks by providing low-interest funding to support the creation of discounted home loans specifically for energy-efficient upgrades.

      More Affordable Upgrades: Homeowners can access cheaper financing to make their homes more energy-efficient, saving money on energy bills in the long run. These upgrades help reduce energy consumption and carbon emissions, supporting Australia’s broader environmental goals.

      • Here's how it works simply:

        1. CEFC Funds Banks: The CEFC provides low-interest loans to banks, which they can use to fund home energy efficiency upgrades.

        2. Banks Offer Discounted Loans: Banks then use this money to offer discounted home loans to homeowners who want to install solar panels, batteries, or buy energy-efficient appliances.

        3. Lower Interest Rates: Because the CEFC’s loans are low-interest, banks can pass on those savings to customers in the form of lower interest rates on their home loans.

    • Website: https://www.cefc.com.au

  • Small-scale Renewable Energy Scheme (SRES)

  • Energy Efficiency Improvements Program (EIP)

    • Energy Efficiency Improvements Program: Offers funding for businesses and residential properties to improve energy efficiency through the installation of energy-saving technologies like LED lighting, efficient air conditioning, and heating systems.

    • Website: https://www.energy.gov.au/energy-efficiency

State and Territory Government Programs

Energy Efficient Appliances Rebate Schemes

  • These schemes are typically offered by states for upgrading household appliances to more energy-efficient models (e.g., refrigerators, washing machines, air conditioners, hot water systems, solar power systems, battery storage systems, insulation, LED lighting)

Check with the State and Territory programs below

New South Wales (NSW)

  1. Energy Saving Scheme (ESS)

  2. Home Energy Action Program

  3. Solar for Low-Income Households Program

Victoria

  1. Victorian Energy Upgrades (VEU) Program

  2. Solar Victoria – Solar Panel and Battery Rebates

  3. Energy Efficiency Upgrade Rebates

Queensland

  1. Queensland Government Solar and Battery Rebates

  2. Energy Efficient Appliances Rebate

  3. Home Energy Efficiency Scheme (HEES)

South Australia

  1. Solar Rebates

  2. Home Battery Scheme:

  3. Energy Efficiency Programs:

Western Australia

Western Australia's Sustainability and Energy Efficiency Incentives

  • Energy Efficiency Grants:

    • Available to individuals, households, and businesses.

    • The incentives support upgrades like insulation, efficient heating and cooling systems, LED lighting, and other energy-saving technologies.

  • Solar Power Incentives:

    • Encourages the installation of solar power systems to reduce reliance on grid electricity and lower energy costs.

    • Provides rebates or incentives for solar panel installation for both residential and commercial properties.

  • Energy Audits and Assessments:

    • Eligible households and businesses can access free or subsidized energy audits to assess the efficiency of their current systems and identify areas for improvement.

  • Rebates and Discounts for Energy-Efficient Products:

    • Incentives are available for replacing old appliances with energy-efficient models, such as refrigerators, washing machines, and air conditioners

    • Website: https://www.energy.wa.gov.au

  • Residential Battery Scheme

    • The WA Residential Battery Scheme allows you to access a rebate and/or a no-interest loan to purchase and install a battery to power your home.

    • The WA Government’s scheme is in addition to the Federal Government’s Cheaper Home Batteries Program. On a 10kWh battery applicants are eligible for a combined rebate of:

      • $5,000 for Synergy customers

      • $7,500 for Horizon Power customers

    • No-interest loans will also be available for up to $10,000 to households with a combined annual income of less than $210,000. Loan repayment periods will be up to 10 years. 

    • Website https://www.wa.gov.au/organisation/energy-policy-wa/wa-residential-battery-scheme

Tasmania

  1. Energy Saver Loan Scheme

Australian Capital Territory (ACT)

  1. ACT Home Energy Efficiency Program

  2. Solar for Low-Income Households

Northern Territory

  1. Northern Territory Home Energy Rebate Scheme

  2. Solar Power Rebate

 

energy efficiency rental standards in australia

State / Territory Energy Efficiency Standard (Existing Rentals) Applies To / Effective Dates Details / Sources
ACT Ceiling insulation required: properties with no insulation or rated < R2 must upgrade to R5 Existing tenancies: by 30 Nov 2026 or within 9 months of new lease act.gov.au
Victoria • Fixed heating system (≥ 2-star) required in living area (since 2021)
• Gas heaters and hot water systems must be replaced with electric alternatives at end-of-life in rental properties
• Broader upgrades (insulation, cooling, hot water, showerheads, draught-proofing) begin March 2027 — but only at new lease or appliance failure 		• Heating rule: all existing rentals (from 29 Mar 2023)
• Broader upgrades & gas phase-out: from 1 Mar 2027 for new leases or end-of-life appliances 		energy.vic.gov.au
consumer.vic.gov.au
vic.gov.au (PDF)
NSW No energy efficiency standard. General minimum standards only: lighting, hot water, ventilation, plumbing, weatherproofing All existing rentals fairtrading.nsw.gov.au
Queensland (QLD) No energy efficiency standard. General minimum housing standards: weatherproofing, plumbing, locks, WELS fixtures All existing rentals rta.qld.gov.au
South Australia (SA) No energy efficiency standard. Habitability standards only: cleanliness, functioning utilities, safety All existing rentals sa.gov.au
Western Australia (WA) No energy efficiency standard. General safety and maintenance obligations only All existing rentals commerce.wa.gov.au
Tasmania (TAS) No energy efficiency standard. General rules for safety, heating, weatherproofing, and plumbing All existing rentals cbos.tas.gov.au
Northern Territory (NT) No energy efficiency standard. Property must be safe and habitable; no insulation or appliance mandates All existing rentals nt.gov.au