Electrifying our households and powering them with rooftop solar is a huge opportunity to permanently cut our power bills and our emissions. By switching out expensive gas appliances at the end of their natural life, replacing them with electrical alternatives, and installing rooftop solar, the average Australian household could save nearly $3,500 ever year. This is because modern electrical appliances are much more efficient than their gas counterparts, and Australian rooftop solar is the cheapest home energy in the world.
There are a range of government programs to support households with the costs of electrifying their homes and installing solar. Below are some of those available in Wentworth.
Following pressure from the crossbench, the federal government also announced the $1 billion Household Energy Upgrades Fund at the 2023-24 Budget, which will provide low interest finance to help households electrify. Details of how to access this funding will be provided as soon as they are available.
Local Government Incentives
Randwick Council
- Randwick Council provides a range of sustainability rebates. Properties in Randwick can receive up to $5,000 in rebates for purchasing items including rooftop solar, household battery, an EV charger, and several other eligible items. You can find out more via the Community Sustainable Guidelines
Waverley Council
-
As part of a 12-month trial, apartment buildings in Waverley can receive up to $5,000 in rebates for undertaking common area energy assessments, installing rooftop solar or electrifying centralised hot water systems or swimming pool heating systems. A summary of the sustainable products available in this trial, as well as their rebate amounts and eligibility criteria, can be found on their Sustainability Rebates website
- Waverley Council also provides details on how to save energy at home, go solar in Waverley, and benefit from electrification.
Woollahra Council
- Woollahra Council provides a range of helpful information, including how to switch to an ‘all electric’ home, save power, and make apartment buildings more sustainable.
Our fantastic councils have also combined on a free initiative to help clubs and community organisations save on energy bills with solar power, by providing support from start to finish. You can learn more here. You can also find details about events in your area by looking at your local council website, or learning more here.
NSW Government Incentives
A range of incentives are available to help people in NSW upgrade existing appliances and energy equipment to more efficient models. Switching to more efficient appliances helps reduce your energy use and can save you money on power bills in the long-term. You can access specific support to:
NSW residents who are currently receiving a Low-Income Household Rebate are eligible to swap this rebate for a free solar system or energy efficient upgrades under several different programmes. Check your availability via the NSW government website.
There’s also $10 million available from the NSW Government to assist eligible NSW apartment buildings by co-funding the assessment and installation of EV infrastructure upgrades. This funding is available through the EV ready buildings grant. An investment in EV charging will provide residents with the infrastructure they need and expect; increase interest in rental properties; and improve equitable access to EV technology.
And rebates of $3,000 are being offered for the first 25,000 new battery electric and hydrogen fuel cell vehicles valued at less than $68,750. Until January 2024, there is also no stamp duty payable on eligible new and used EV purchases that cost up to $78,000. If you’ve already paid stamp duty on your EV, you may also be entitled to a refund.
Federal Government Incentives
Small-scale renewable energy scheme: Households and small businesses that install a small-scale renewable energy system, or a hot water system, may be able to receive support to help with the purchase cost. This is obtained through creating small-scale technology certificates. Check your eligibility and apply via the Clean Energy Regulator.
Electric car discount: Following legislation I supported last year, certain zero or low-emissions vehicles are now exempt from paying fringe benefits tax. Find out more via the Australian Taxation Office Fact Sheet.