Every upgrade matters, delivering less ongoing affordability and more comfort all year roundTHE ENERGY EFFICIENCY UPGRADE
Grants and Rebates AVAILABLE
These schemes are typically offered for upgrading household appliances to more energy-efficient models such as: refrigerators, washing machines, air conditioners, hot water systems, solar (PV) systems, household battery storage, 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.
Benefits of energy EFFICIENCY upgrades
Residential buildings are responsible for around 24% of overall electricity use and more than 10% of total carbon emissions in Australia (DCCEEW, 2024).
If households know more information about their individual energy use and the thermal performance of their homes, informed choices can be made to make improvements.
Energy performance upgrades can:
lower energy bills
increase the comfort of your home
provide better health outcomes
provide greater awareness of home energy requirements and costs
reduce energy consumption and peak demand
reduce carbon footprint
contribute to energy security
Federal GOVERNMENT FUNDING PROGRAMS
The Household Energy Upgrades Fund
Under the Household Energy Upgrades Fund the Clean Energy Finance Corporation (CEFC) is working with banks to provide 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:
CEFC Funds Banks: The CEFC provides low-interest loans to banks, which they can use to fund home energy efficiency upgrades.
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.
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.energy.gov.au/rebates/household-energy-upgrades-fund
Scale Renewable Energy Scheme (SRES)
Solar Panel and Hot Water Systems Rebate: Homeowners can apply for rebates for solar PV systems, solar water heaters, and heat pump water heaters through the SRES, reducing the upfront cost of renewable energy systems.
Cheaper Home Batteries Program
Australian households, businesses and community organisations can get a discount of around 30% on the upfront cost of installing a range of small-scale battery systems (5 kWh to 100 kWh).
Website:https://www.dcceew.gov.au/energy/programs/cheaper-home-batteries
State and Territory Government Programs
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.
Check with the State and Territory programs below
New South Wales (NSW)
Energy Saving Scheme (ESS)
Rebates for Households: Households that undertake energy-saving improvements such as insulation, LED lighting, and efficient heating/cooling systems.
Victoria
Victorian Energy Upgrades (VEU) Program
Rebates for Appliances, Insulation, and Heating: Provides discounts and rebates for households installing energy-efficient appliances, lighting, insulation, and heating systems.
Website: https://www.energy.vic.gov.au/energy-efficiency/victorian-energy-upgrades
Solar Victoria – Solar Panel and Battery Rebates
Rebates of up to $1,400 for solar panels and up to $4,174 for home battery storage under the Solar Homes program.
Energy Efficiency Upgrade Rebates
Rebates available for installing high-efficiency products, including heating/cooling systems, insulation, and hot water systems.
Queensland
Supercharged Solar for Renters will assist with tackling the cost of living by providing eligible landlords with rebates of up to $3,500 to install solar photovoltaic (PV) systems on their rental properties across Queensland.
South Australia
Retailer Energy Productivity Scheme
Households and businesses could be eligible for free or discounted energy updates from energy retailers, who participate in the Retailer Energy Productivity Scheme (REPS).
Typical activities included in the scheme include home insulation and draft sealing upgrades, installing energy efficient lighting and high efficiency air-conditioning upgrades.
Website: https://www.energymining.sa.gov.au/consumers/energy-advisory-service/energy-saving-rebates
Western Australia
Energy Ahead
Eligible Synergy residential customers receive a free home energy audit and complimentary energy-efficient items.
WA 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:
$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.
Websitehttps://www.wa.gov.au/organisation/energy-policy-wa/wa-residential-battery-scheme
TASMANIA
No State Government scheme currently available.
Australian Capital Territory (ACT)
ACT Home Energy Efficiency Program
Eligible households receive advice on how to reduce their energy bills.
Website: https://www.climatechoices.act.gov.au/policy-programs/home-energy-efficiency-program
Sustainable Household Scheme
Provides low interest loans to improve household energy efficiency.
Website: https://www.climatechoices.act.gov.au/policy-programs/sustainable-household-scheme
Home Energy Support: Rebates for Homeowners
Eligible households receive rebates for sustainable home upgrades, including solar PV, reverse cycle air conditioning, hot water heat pumps, solar hot water systems and ceiling insulation.
Website: https://www.climatechoices.act.gov.au/policy-programs/home-energy-support-rebates-for-homeowners
Northern Territory
Solar for Multi Dwelling Grant Scheme
Rebates of up to $7500 to cover up to 50% of the installation costs of a shared solar PV system, solar sharing technology, smart meters and battery storage systems.
Website:https://nt.gov.au/industry/business-grants-funding/solar-for-multi-dwellings-grant-scheme
energy efficiency rental standards in australia
ACT
All existing rentals.
Ceiling insulation required: properties with no insulation or rated below R2 must upgrade to R5.
By 30 Nov 2026, or within 9 months of a new lease.
Victoria
All existing rentals.
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.
Broader upgrades (insulation, cooling, hot water, showerheads, draught-proofing)
Start March 2027 — at new lease or appliance failure.
Heating: all rentals from 29 Mar 2023.
Broader upgrades: from 1 Mar 2027 (new leases or failed appliances).
https://www.energy.vic.gov.au
NSW
All existing rentals.
No energy efficiency standard. General minimum standards apply: lighting, hot water, ventilation, plumbing, weatherproofing.
https://www.fairtrading.nsw.gov.au
Queensland
All existing rentals.
No energy efficiency standard. General housing standards include weatherproofing, plumbing, locks, and WELS fixtures.
https://www.rta.qld.gov.au/during-a-tenancy/minimum-housing-standards]
South Australia
All existing rentals.
No energy efficiency standard.
Only habitability standards apply: cleanliness, functioning utilities, and safety.
https://housingsafetyauthority.sa.gov.au/minimum-housing-standards]
Western Australia
All existing rentals.
No energy efficiency standard. General safety and maintenance obligations only.
https://www.commerce.wa.gov.au
Tasmania
All existing rentals.
No energy efficiency standard.
General rules for safety, heating, weatherproofing, and plumbing.
https://www.cbos.tas.gov.au
https://www.cbos.tas.gov.au/topics/housing/renting/beginning-tenancy/minimum-standards]
Northern Territory
All existing rentals.
No energy efficiency standard. Property must be safe and habitable; no insulation or appliance requirements.
https://consumeraffairs.nt.gov.au/for-consumers/residential-tenancies]