Energy Saving
The cheapest energy is the energy you don’t have to buy! So make sure you have:
- Fully insulated roof and walls, and if possible insulated floor too.
- Replace all your lights with LEDs, get rid of all down lights if you can. Use LEDs if you can’t.
- Run your Air conditioner at 25 not 22 in summer and at 20 in winter.
- Heat pumps are a very efficient way of cooling and heating and for hot water too – and match PV and battery systems well.
How to reduce energy usage in your house?
National website on how to make your home more environmentally sustainable :
Are you eligible for government rebates and assistance? Find out here: https://www.energy.gov.au/rebates
Is Solar right for my home?
Check out these links to find out more:
A beginners guide to buying solar – Solar Quotes: https://www.solarquotes.com.au/solar101.html
Is my home suitable for solar? – Brighte https://brighte.com.au/sustainable-home/solar/your-guide-to-knowing-if-solar-is-right-for-you
Is my house suitable for solar panels? – Energis https://energis.com.au/2015/10/is-my-house-suitable-for-solar-panels/
The 10 things to remember when considering Solar and Storage
- Find out what type and size of battery will best suit your household needs.
- Get several quotes before you buy.
- Choose a good quality battery and a reputable installer.
- Check the licence details of any electrical contractor involved in the installation.
- Read through and understand the battery manufacturer’s technical and safety information, including installation location/requirements.
- If you already have solar on your roof, ask if you need your current inverter replaced or a second inverter installed to retrofit the battery to your system.
- Find out what the costs are for a maintenance plan. You should also know the expected life of the battery and disposal costs.
- Contact your home and contents insurance provider to make sure you have adequate cover.
- Connecting your battery to the electricity grid may require approval.
- Check with your installer and/or electricity distributor before agreeing to buy a battery system.
Australian Capital Territory
There are a number of concurrently running smart energy programs in the ACT.
For more information on these programs and more, head to: https://www.climatechoices.act.gov.au/policy-programs/energy-efficiency-improvement-scheme
Energy efficiency improvement scheme
Introduced in 2013, the EEIS requires electricity retailers to contribute to energy savings in small businesses and households in the ACT. This includes the installation of LED lighting, standby power controllers, new insulation, more effective heating and cooling options, draught sealers and energy efficient appliances.
The program has seen over 1.3 million energy saving products installed in the ACT and has benefitted over 19,000 lower income households.
In 2021 the scheme was extended for another decade.
More information: https://www.climatechoices.act.gov.au/policy-programs/energy-efficiency-improvement-scheme
ACT Renewable Energy Target
In 2020 the ACT achieved its target of 100% renewable energy. The nation’s capital has been able to achieve this by offsetting every watt of power consumed through renewable investments around Australia.
More information: https://www.climatechoices.act.gov.au/energy
Public Hydrogen Refuelling Station
In 2021 the first public hydrogen refueling station in the country opened in the ACT.
The refuelling station will support hydrogen vehicles and is a major step for the ACT and for the future of electric vehicles in Australia.
Next Generation Renewables
Established in 2016, the $25 million Next Gen program was established to support the rollout of solar energy storage in the ACT, maintain the ACT’s leadership position in Australian renewables, and boost the ACT energy storage industry, research, and training sectors.
More information:https://www.climatechoices.act.gov.au/next-generation-renewables
Sustainable Households Scheme
The sustainable households scheme gives eligible Canberran households interest-free loans between $2,000-$15,000 to be used on products and services such as:
- Rooftop solar photovoltaic systems
- Household battery storage systems
- Electric heating and cooling systems
- Hot Water Heat Pumps (HWHP)
- Electric stove tops
- Electric vehicle charging infrastructure
- Installation costs for these products.
- New and used electric vehicles (under difference eligibility)
More information: https://www.climatechoices.act.gov.au/policy-programs/sustainable-household-scheme
New South Wales
To keep up to date on these programs and more in NSW, visit: https://www.energy.nsw.gov.au/nsw-plans-and-progress/major-state-projects/shift-renewables/renewable-energy-nsw
Energy Savings Scheme
The Energy Savings Scheme (EES) reduces energy consumption in NSW by creating financial incentives to invest in energy savings activities.
More information: https://www.ess.nsw.gov.au/Home
Regional Community Energy
This program provides funding to regional NSW communities for new renewable energy projects to improve energy reliability and help save money on their electricity bills. There are currently seven projects currently underway across NSW.
More information: https://energy.nsw.gov.au/renewables/clean-energy-initiatives/regional-community-energy
Solar for Low Income Households
This initiative provides free solar systems to low income households to help them slash their electricity bills by up to $600 a year.
More information: https://energysaver.nsw.gov.au/households/solar-and-battery-power/solar-low-income-households
Emerging Energy Program
The emerging energy program is a $75 million dollar grant funding program which assists the development of innovative, large-scale electricity and storage projects in NSW. The program aims at reducing the barriers to invest in emerging renewable technologies. It strives to support affordable, reliable and clean energy across the State.
More information: https://energy.nsw.gov.au/renewables/clean-energy-initiatives/emerging-energy-program
Northern Territory
This $4 million dollar project allows residents in the Northern Territory to access energy-efficient initiatives for their homes. The grants are provided on a 50% co-contribution basis for up to $1000, to help owners of residential or investment properties apply energy-efficiency measures to their homes.
More information: https://www.energy.gov.au/news-media/news/smart-energy-grants-nt-residents
Home Business and Battery Scheme
The Home and Business Battery Scheme provides a $6,000 grant to homeowners, businesses, not-for-profit and community organisations for the purchase and installation of solar PV systems with an eligible battery and inverter.
More information: https://businessnt.smartygrants.com.au/homeandbusinessbatteryscheme
Smart Energy Grants
This program provides funding to regional NSW communities for new renewable energy projects to improve energy reliability and help save money on their electricity bills. There are currently seven projects currently underway across NSW.
More information: https://energy.nsw.gov.au/renewables/clean-energy-initiatives/regional-community-energy
Queensland
For further information on these projects and more, visit: https://www.business.qld.gov.au/running-business/energy-business/energy-saving/business-energy-savers
Affordable Energy Plan
To help Queensland households improve their energy efficiency, $20 million has been committed for rebates on approved energy efficient appliances under the Affordable Energy Plan.
More information: https://www.epw.qld.gov.au/about/initiatives/affordable-energy-plan
Business Energy Savers Program
An initiative under the Affordable Energy Plan, the Business Energy Savers Program is a $20 project which provides free energy audits for businesses covering a broad range of industry sectors that are vital to our economy. Also through providing advice to businesses on how they can reduce their electricity costs by using electricity more efficiently.
More information: https://www.business.qld.gov.au/running-business/energy-business/energy-saving/business-energy-savers
Queensland Renewable Energy and Hydrogen Jobs Fund
The Palaszczuk government announced in June 2021 that $2 billion will be invested into renewable energy and hydrogen jobs as a part of Queensland’s COVID-19 recovery plan. The fund will not only create more jobs for Queenslanders, but will also provide cleaner and cheaper energy for the state.
More information: https://statements.qld.gov.au/statements/92322
South Australia
Energy Efficiency Program
The Retailer Energy Efficiency Scheme (REES) is a South Australian Government energy efficiency scheme that provides incentives for South Australian households and businesses to save energy. It does this through establishing energy efficiency and audit targets to be met by electricity and gas retailers.
More information: https://www.escosa.sa.gov.au/industry/rees/overview
Tasmania
Tasmanian Energy Efficiency Loan Scheme
The Tasmanian Energy Efficiency Loan Scheme offers up to $10,000 in the form of zero interest loans to small businesses in Tasmania to purchase energy efficient products. The scheme ended in late 2019.
More information: https://www.auroraenergy.com.au/about/community/
Victoria
Solar PV Panel Rebate
The Solar Homes Program solar PV rebate assists eligible Victorian households and rental property owners to install solar panels. The scheme provides an up to 50% of the cost of pv panel installation cost, and up to $1,400 on the pv system itself.
More information: https://www.energy.gov.au/rebates/solar-pv-panel-rebate
Solar Hot Water
The government is also providing $1,000 rebates for 6,000 households for solar hot water in the bid to encourage replacement of hot water systems with solar hot water. Households will shave between $140-$400 off their annual bill by replacing their current water heater with a solar option.
More information: https://www.solar.vic.gov.au/hot-water-rebate
Solar Battery Incentives
Solar battery rebates are available for all Victorians, (subject to eligibility) to install a solar battery to their home. The rebate provides a discount of up to $4,174 on the battery system until the end of June 2021.
More information: https://www.solar.vic.gov.au/solar-battery-buyers-guide/section-2-what-rebates-and-incentives-are-available-victorians-solar
Energy Upgrades For Homes
The Victorian Energy Upgrades program provides incentives for Victorian households and organisations to make energy efficiency improvements that save money on their bills and reduce Victoria’s greenhouse gas emissions. Households can save up to $110 on average whereas small businesses can save up to $3,700.
More information: https://www.energy.vic.gov.au/victorian-energy-upgrades/homes
Western Australia
Energy Ahead (formerly Household Energy Efficiency Scheme)
This $13 million dollar scheme will provide services and products such as household energy assessments, tailored education, LED light bulb replacements and other low-cost energy efficient items..
More information: https://www.wa.gov.au/government/announcements/energy-ahead-formerly-the-household-energy-efficiency-scheme
Small Scale Renewable Energy Scheme
The Small-scale Renewable Energy Scheme creates a financial incentive for owners to install eligible small-scale installations such as solar water heaters, air source heat pumps, solar panel systems, small-scale wind systems, or small-scale hydro systems.
More information: http://www.cleanenergyregulator.gov.au/RET/About-the-Renewable-Energy-Target/How-the-scheme-works/Small-scale-Renewable-Energy-Scheme
Energy Buy Back Scheme
- The Distributed Energy Buyback Scheme (DEBS) offers eligible customers a time of export payment for electricity they export to the grid, including from solar PV systems, batteries and electric vehicles.
- DEBS is replacing the previous energy buyback scheme. It recognises the way rooftop solar PV, batteries and electric vehicles are transforming Western Australia’s electricity system.
- DEBS extends buyback payments to include exports from batteries and export-capable electric vehicles.
- DEBS is also a “time of export” payment, meaning it offers a higher buyback rate at peak times (between 3pm and 9pm) when electricity is worth more.
More information: https://www.wa.gov.au/organisation/energy-policy-wa/household-renewable-energy-overview