The Smart Energy Council has welcomed the NSW Government’s announcement of the new Home Energy Saver Program (HESP), describing it as an important step towards helping more households access solar, batteries and energy efficiency upgrades while reducing cost-of-living pressures.

The program will provide eligible households in the NSW with access to financial support for a range of energy-saving technologies, helping more families lower their energy bills, improve home comfort and participate in the energy transition.

Under the program, eligible households will be able to access up to $15,000 in interest-free loans for solar, batteries, air conditioning, induction appliances, double glazing and other energy-saving upgrades, as well as up to $4,000 in direct subsidies for lower-income households, pensioners and those on fixed incomes. Importantly, these benefits can be combined with existing federal support programs, helping more households access technologies that lower power bills and improve energy independence.

Smart Energy Council CEO David McElrea attended the official launch alongside NSW Premier The Hon. Chris Minns, MP,  NSW Energy Minister The Hon. Penny Sharpe, MLC,   Member for Mount Druitt, Edmond Atalla MP and industry leaders including Leigh Storr, CEO of SEC Executive Member RESINC Solar, highlighting the broad collaboration between government and industry to expand access to solar, batteries and home energy upgrades for NSW households.

NSW Energy Minister Penny Sharpe said the initiative would help more households take control of their energy costs while making home electrification more accessible.

“The Home Energy Saver Program is really about helping people take control of their energy bills,” Minister Sharpe said. “It’s electrification of the home, plus solar and batteries – that’s probably the best way to think about it.”

“This is a government that gets it. They get the benefits of home electrification. They get the benefits of renewable energy. They know that’s the best way that we can address the cost-of-living crisis.” Mr McElrea said.

SEC Members Helping Deliver the Program

The Smart Energy Council is particularly pleased to see members playing a central role in the delivery of the initiative.

Brighte, a Smart Energy Council Premium Member, and Plenti, a Standard Member, have been selected as financing partners supporting the delivery of the program, helping eligible households access affordable finance for energy-saving upgrades.

The announcement also highlighted the important work being undertaken by RESINC Solar through the Vulnerable Veterans & Families Solar Program. As part of the initiative, RESINC donated a solar and battery system, along with energy efficiency upgrades, to a vulnerable NSW household, demonstrating the real-world impact these technologies can have on reducing household energy costs.

Leigh Storr, CEO of RESINC Solar, welcomed the program and the opportunities it creates for NSW households.

“We’re not just in a cost-of-living crisis, we’re also in a cost-of-comfort crisis,” Mr Storr said. “This allows people to access cheaper electricity through solar, batteries and other efficiency programs.” “The interest-free loans will provide more people with access and affordability at a time when higher interest rates have made it harder for many households.”

Mr McElrea said the initiative has the potential to stimulate market activity while helping more households access the benefits of consumer energy resources.

“If you’re a resident of New South Wales and you’ve been thinking about whether to install solar and batteries, get onto the website, look at the benefits the NSW Government is offering, contact a reputable local installer and get a quote,” Mr McElrea said. “You’ll permanently reduce your power bills and take control of your energy future.”

Exclusive Member Briefing Secured

To help members better understand the initiative, the Smart Energy Council has secured an exclusive member briefing with the NSW Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water (DCCEEW) and the NSW Energy Security Corporation (ESC).

Hosted by Nigel Morris, the webinar will provide members with direct access to program leaders and industry experts, including:

• Stephen Procter, Acting Director – Energy Programs, DCCEEW
• Paul Corkill, Executive Director, Consumer Energy Investments, NSW Energy Security Corporation
• Greg Nilsen, Head of Sales, Brighte

The session will provide members with practical insights into how the program will operate and what it means for businesses, customers and the broader smart energy sector.

Members can learn more about the Home Energy Saver Program here.

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About the Smart Energy Council
The Smart Energy Council is Australia’s peak body for the renewable energy industry, committed to accelerating the transition to clean, affordable energy for all Australians.

Media contact: Tim Lamacraft – tim@smartenergy.org.au – 0448 972 192