Around 40,000 Queensland households will be able to save up to $1,000 on the purchase of a new, energy-efficient appliance, as part of the state government’s latest energy cost-saving initiative.
The recently launched Climate Smart Energy Savers program will allow eligible households to claim a rebate ranging from $300 to $1,000 on the purchase of a new appliance with a minimum four-star energy rating from September 2023.
Appliances included in the program are washing machines, dishwashers, dryers, fridges, freezers, air conditioners and solar or heat pump hot water systems.
Low-income households are set to benefit the most from the program, with higher concessions on offer to these households than those with a standard-income. Minister for Energy and Public Works Mick de Brenni said the program aimed to help households lower their emissions and save money on energy, with a particular focus on vulnerable households and renters.
According to the Queensland Government, switching from a two-star-rated appliance to a four-star-rated appliance could save households between $30 and $1,118 a year on energy costs, depending on the appliance type.
Queenslanders can register their interest in the program by visiting the Queensland Government’s Department of Energy website. The program doesn’t currently have an end date.
The energy efficiency rebate coincides with the release of a $550 electricity rebate-for-all and an additional $1,072 power rebate for senior and concession card holders.
How much can I save with this rebate?
Eligible QLD households could save up to $1,000 on the purchase of a new appliance with an energy rating of four stars or above.
The actual cost will vary depending on the appliance and whether the household is considered low-income. According to the Queensland Government, this means that the household must meet the Low Income Tax Offset threshold as set by the Australian Taxation Office, which is currently $66,667 annually.
We have listed the eligible rebate amounts for each appliance below.
| Eligible Appliance | Standard Income Rebate | Low Income Rebate |
|---|---|---|
| Washing Machine | $300 | $550 |
| Dishwashers | $300 | $550 |
| Dryers | $300 | $550 |
| Fridges/Freezers | $350 | $600 |
| Air Conditioners | $400 | $650 |
| Solar or Heat Pump Hot Water Systems | $800 | $1,000 |
Only one rebate will be available per household and the total cost of the appliance cannot be less than the rebate amount. Hot water system rebates are also limited to the first 1,500 applicants. How the rebate will be distributed or claimed is yet to be revealed.
For further information, visit the Queensland Government’s website.
Not eligible for the energy efficiency rebate? See if you could be missing out on other concessions in the state with Canstar Blue’s QLD energy rebate guide.
Received energy bill shock in south-east Queensland? See if you can get a better price with one of these cheap power plans
Here are some of the cheapest published deals from the retailers on our database that include a link to the retailer’s website for further details. These are products from referral partners†. These costs are based on the Energex network in Brisbane but prices may vary depending on your circumstances. This comparison assumes general energy usage of 4613kWh/year for a residential customer on a single rate tariff. Please use our comparison tool for a specific comparison in your area and to see other products in our database that may be available. Our database may not cover all deals in your area. As always, check all details of any plan directly with the retailer before making a purchase decision. The next three tabs feature products exclusively from AGL, EnergyAustralia and Origin. Here are the AGL Energy plans on our database for SEQ. These are products from a referral partner†. These costs are based on the Energex energy network in Brisbane but prices may vary depending on your circumstances. This comparison assumes general energy usage of 4613kWh/year for a residential customer on a single rate tariff. Please use our comparison tool for a specific comparison in your area and to see other products in our database that may be available. Our database may not cover all deals in your area. As always, check all details of any plan directly with the retailer before making a purchase decision. Here are the EnergyAustralia plans on our database for SEQ. These are products from a referral partner†. These costs are based on the Energex network in Brisbane but prices may vary depending on your circumstances. This comparison assumes general energy usage of 4613kWh/year for a residential customer on a single rate tariff. Please use our comparison tool for a specific comparison in your area and to see other products in our database that may be available. Our database may not cover all deals in your area. As always, check all details of any plan directly with the retailer before making a purchase decision. Here are the Origin Energy plans on our database for SEQ. These are products from a referral partner†. These costs are based on the Energex network in Brisbane but prices may vary depending on your circumstances. This comparison assumes general energy usage of 4613kWh/year for a residential customer on a single rate tariff. Please use our comparison tool for a specific comparison in your area and to see other products in our database that may be available. Our database may not cover all deals in your area. As always, check all details of any plan directly with the retailer before making a purchase decision.
Do other states and territories offer households energy efficiency rebates?
If you’re not in Queensland and fear you may be missing out, don’t panic! There are several other states and territories that offer similar rebate programs for households looking to upgrade their appliances. We have listed these below. Alternatively, it may be worth visiting your state or territory government’s website for more information.
- Victoria: The Victorian Energy Upgrades (VEU) program allows households to receive discounts off the purchase of new, energy efficient appliances including clothes dryers, fridges and freezers, heating and cooling systems, hot water systems and pool pumps. Insulation, lighting and shower head upgrades may also be available to eligible households.
- New South Wales: The NSW Energy Savings Scheme (ESS) provides financial incentives to help households upgrade their lighting, air conditioning, hot water or pool pumps.
- South Australia: Households and businesses may be eligible for energy efficient lighting or shower head installations as part of the Retailer Energy Productivity Scheme (REPS).
- Australian Capital Territory: Households may be eligible for an interest-free loan to the amount of $15,000 for the installation of energy efficient appliances such as rooftop solar panels, solar batteries, heating and cooling systems, stovetops and electric vehicle chargers. This is under the Sustainable Household Scheme.
- Tasmania: Through partner Brighte, the state government is offering households interest-free loans of up to $10,000 to install energy efficient appliances. The Energy Saver Loan Scheme covers solar system installation, solar battery installation, heating and cooling upgrades, insulation and double glazing for windows.
- Western Australia: Households may be eligible for energy efficiency coaching and assistance through the state’s Household Energy Efficiency Scheme (HEES).
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