Sustainable Household Scheme
The Sustainable Household Scheme is a cornerstone of ACT’s efforts to promote energy efficiency and renewable energy adoption among residents. This scheme offers zero-interest loans to assist homeowners in upgrading their properties with energy-efficient products.
Key Features:
- Loan Amounts: Eligible homeowners can borrow between $2,000 and $15,000.
- Repayment Terms: Loans can be repaid over up to 10 years, with repayments commencing once the installed product or system is operational.
- Interest: 0% interest on loans up to $15,000, with no upfront costs or fees.
- Loan Provider: The scheme partners with Brighte to facilitate the loan process.
Eligible Products:
Homeowners can use the loan to purchase and install a variety of energy-efficient products, including:
- Rooftop Solar PV Systems
- Battery Storage Systems
- Electric Vehicle (EV) Charging Infrastructure
- Reverse Cycle Heating & Cooling Systems
- Hot Water Heat Pumps (HWHP)
- Efficient Electric Stove Tops
- Electric Vehicles (Cars and Motorbikes)
- Ceiling Insulation
Home Energy Support Program
Designed to provide additional financial relief, the Home Energy Support Program offers rebates to eligible concession card holders, covering a significant portion of the costs associated with energy-efficient upgrades.
Rebate Details:
- Total Rebate: Up to $5,000.
- Coverage: Rebates can cover up to 50% of the installation costs for eligible products, such as:
- Rooftop Solar Systems
- Energy-Efficient Appliances
- Ceiling Insulation
Eligibility:
- Concession Card Holders: Includes holders of Australian Pension, Department of Veterans Affairs concession cards, and Health Care Cards.
- Property Value: The property must have an Unimproved Value (UV) of $750,000 or less (as of 2022).
Homeowners can combine these rebates with a zero-interest loan of up to $10,000 through the Sustainable Household Scheme, maximizing the total support to $15,000 per eligible household.
Rebate Structure and Energy Credits
The ACT provides a structured rebate system that allows homeowners to receive up to 50% of their installation costs, capped at $2,500 per eligible category. This structure is designed to make energy-efficient upgrades more affordable.
Categories of Rebates:
- Category A: Solar & Batteries
- Eligible Products: Rooftop Solar PV Systems, Battery Storage Systems, EV Charging Infrastructure.
- Rebate: Up to $2,500 per installation.
- Category B: Energy Efficient Upgrades
- Eligible Products: Reverse Cycle Heating & Cooling Systems, Hot Water Heat Pumps, Efficient Electric Stove Tops.
- Rebate: Up to $2,500 per installation.
- Category C: Electric Vehicles
- Eligible Products: New and used Electric Cars and Motorbikes.
- Rebate: Up to $2,500 per vehicle.
- Category D: Insulation
- Eligible Products: Ceiling Insulation (R5 or higher).
- Rebate: Up to $2,500 per installation.
Loans and Financing Options
The Sustainable Household Scheme offers flexible financing options to support homeowners in their transition to more sustainable energy solutions.
Loan Details:
- Amount: $2,000 to $15,000.
- Interest: 0% for loans up to $15,000.
- Repayment Period: Up to 10 years.
- Fees: No establishment or account-keeping fees. A late payment fee of $4.99 may apply if repayments are missed, capped at $49.90/year.
Eligibility Criteria:
- Ownership: Homeowners must own their property or have full authority to install the chosen products.
- Unimproved Value (UV):
- $450,000 for houses or $300,000 for apartments (based on 2022 values) when applying for rooftop solar.
- $750,000 for houses or $300,000 for apartments for other products.
- Financial Capability: Must pass a credit check and demonstrate the ability to repay the loan without hardship.
- Workshops: Attendance at a free one-hour live workshop (online or in-person) is required to assist with energy efficiency choices.
Special Programs and Initiatives
Beyond financial incentives, the ACT provides various resources to support homeowners in making informed decisions about energy efficiency.
Workshops and Buyers' Guides:
- Workshops: Free one-hour sessions available both online and in-person to guide homeowners through their energy efficiency options.
- Buyers’ Guides: Comprehensive guides for different products, including:
Community Groups:
- Loans for Groups: Eligible community groups can access loans ranging from $2,000 to $15,000 under the same terms as individual households.
- Eligibility: Groups must meet specific criteria and participate in workshops or the Business Energy and Water program.
Eligibility Criteria
Understanding the eligibility requirements is crucial for homeowners to take full advantage of the available incentives.
For Households:
- Ownership: Must own the property or have full authority to install the products.
- Unimproved Value (UV):
- $450,000 for rooftop solar installations (houses) or $300,000 (apartments).
- $750,000 for other products (houses) or $300,000 (apartments).
- Financial Capability: Must pass a credit check.
- Workshop Attendance: Required participation in a free energy efficiency workshop.
For Concession Card Holders:
- Additional Rebates: Eligible for up to $5,000 in rebates through the Home Energy Support Program.
- Combined Support: Can combine rebates with a zero-interest loan of up to $10,000, totaling $15,000 in support.
For Community Groups:
- Group Eligibility: Must meet the scheme’s and Brighte’s criteria.
- Participation: Required attendance in workshops or participation in energy programs.
Costs and Repayment Terms
The financial aspects of the Sustainable Household Scheme are designed to be transparent and manageable for homeowners.
Loan Costs:
- No Establishment or Account-Keeping Fees: The scheme eliminates common loan fees, making it easier for homeowners to access funds.
- Interest: 0% on loans up to $15,000.
- Repayment:
- Start: Once the installed product is operational or the electric vehicle is purchased.
- Schedule: Fortnightly repayments over a period of 2 to 10 years.
Additional Fees:
- Late Payment Fee: $4.99 per missed repayment, capped at $49.90/year.
- Additional Borrowing: Homeowners can apply for additional funds beyond $15,000, subject to credit approval and with interest charges on the excess amount.
Application Process
Navigating the application process is straightforward, ensuring that eligible homeowners can easily access the available incentives.
Steps to Apply:
- Find a Supplier: Use the Brighte Marketplace to identify local vendors for installation.
- Get a Quote: Request quotes from multiple suppliers to compare options.
- Apply for Finance: Inform your chosen supplier of your intent to participate in the Sustainable Household Scheme. Brighte will initiate the loan application process on your behalf.
- Approval and Installation: Once approved, your vendor will handle the installation of the selected energy-efficient products.
Additional Resources
For homeowners seeking more detailed information or assistance, the ACT provides various resources:
- Guidelines and Terms:
- Contact Information:
- Email: SHS@act.gov.au
- Phone: 13 22 81
- Additional Guides:
Conclusion
The ACT offers a robust suite of rebates, incentives, and special programs aimed at making solar energy and other energy-efficient upgrades accessible and affordable for homeowners. By leveraging the Sustainable Household Scheme and the Home Energy Support Program, residents can significantly reduce their environmental footprint while enhancing the energy efficiency of their homes. Understanding the eligibility criteria and application processes is essential for maximizing the benefits of these programs. For more personalised advice, homeowners are encouraged to consult the provided resources or contact the ACT Government directly.
