Rebates and assistance
Check what Australian Government rebates are available to all Australians.
And then check what rebates are available in your state.
Australia Government Rebates
Renewable power incentive
You maybe entitled to Small-scale Technology Certificates (STCs) if your Small-scale Generation Unit (SGU), such as small-scale solar photovoltaic (PV) panels, wind or hydro unit, is eligible. These certificates can then be sold and transferred to a STC agent (usually electricity retailers) or sold in the STC market or through the STC Clearing House. A STC agent will offer you a financial benefit such as an up-front discount or delayed cash payment when you assign your STCs to them. A majority of owners take this option.
For more details visit the Australian Government's Office of Renewable Energy Regulator solar panels web page and the Fact sheet: Support for small-scale renewable energy systems web page.
Related action: Generate your own electricity
LPG gas vehicle conversion
The LPG Vehicle Scheme offers grants of $2,000 towards the purchase of a new vehicle already fitted with LPG or a grant of $1,000 for the LPG conversion of a new or used vehicle.
To check your eligibility and download an application form visit the AusIndustry LPG Vehicle Scheme website. You can also ring the AusIndustry Hotline on 13 28 46 or email hotline@ausindustry.gov.au
Related action: Buy an efficient car
National Television and Computer Recycling Scheme
The National Television and Computer Recycling Scheme provides households and small businesses with access to free recycling services for televisions and computers. Recycling services are currently available in areas of the ACT, NSW, QLD, SA, VIC and WA, with further services to be rolled out across metropolitan, regional and remote Australia by the end of 2013. Electronic items such as televisions and computers, printers, keyboards, mice and hard drives can be disposed of for free. The scheme does not cover other electronic items such as mobile phones, stereos and video recorders.
For the list of currently operating recycling drop off points provided by Scheme, go to the National Television and Computer Recycling Scheme site.
Related action: Recycle office waste, Recycle technical waste, Establish a recycling program
Victoria
Electric feed-in tariff
The Victorian Feed-In Tariff scheme rewards households and businesses with a financial return when they generate renewable electricity that they feed back into the grid.
There have been a number of recent changes to the Victorian feed-in tariff scheme, which continues to be under review. We suggest you undertake your own considered research before deciding on installing renewable power system such as solar panels.
For more details visit the Department of Primary Industries website.
Related action: Generate your own electricity
Solar hot water rebate
The Solar Hot Water Rebate provides up to $1,500 for metropolitan households and up to $1,600 for regional households, dependent on the systems size and performance. The rebate is provided at point of sale to replace or improve your existing hot water system with a range of new gas and solar hot water solutions.
For more details visit the Resource Smart website.
Related actions: Install solar hot water, Install efficient appliances and fixtures
Gas hot water rebate
The Gas Hot Water rebate offers households up to $400, or $700 for concession card holders, to replace their existing wood-fired or peak-rate electric hot water heater with a natural gas hot water system.
For more details visit the Resource Smart website.
Related action: Install efficient appliances and fixtures
Living Victoria Water rebate
The Living Victoria Water Rebate Scheme rewards Victorians for their efforts to be water efficient around the home, garden and small business. Rebates are available on a range of water efficient products and appliances, such as washing machines, pool covers, dual-flush toilets, rainwater tanks, greywater systems and water-efficient gardening products.
For more details visit the Living Victoria Water Rebate Program website.
Some local councils also offer rebates for purchasing water saving devices. Contact your local council to find out.
Related action: Install efficient appliances and fixtures
Home appliance rebate
The Whitegoods Appliance Rebate offers $100 to eligible concession card holders to help them buy energy efficient refrigerators and washing machines.
For more details visit the Resource Smart website.
Related action: Install efficient appliances and fixtures
Smarter Choice – Choosing energy efficient appliances
The Smarter Choice Retail Program makes it easier for householders to save on energy and water bills by making smarter choices when buying new appliances and products. Information is also available on how to recycle your old appliances and reduce waste.
To find out more about this program read the full program information on the Victorian Government Sustainability Victoria website.
Related action: Install efficient appliances and fixtures, Make your renovations green, Generate your own electricity, Mulch your patch, Recycle your technical waste, Install solar hot water, Insulate, shade and weatherproof your house.
Energy Saver Incentive
The Energy Saver Incentive helps householders save energy and money with a range of discounts and special offers on selected energy-saving products and services.
All sorts of organisations can participate in the initiative, including energy retailers and local appliance stores, as well as plumbers, builders and other tradespeople.
Discounts and special offers are only available from participating businesses. Make sure you ask your retailer or tradesperson if they're registered as a participating business under the Energy Saver Incentive program or view the register of participating businesses online.
Related action: Install efficient appliances and fixtures, Make your renovations green, Generate your own electricity, Mulch your patch, Recycle your technical waste, Install solar hot water, Insulate, shade and weatherproof your house.
DHS Water Concessions
The Department of Human Services (DHS) and other agencies offer a variety of concessions and benefits to eligible cardholders to assist low-income Victorians with water and sewerage bills.
For more details visit the Department of Human Services website.
Related actions: Harvest and use your rainwater, Cultivate water-saving habits
Bushfire affected households rebates
A range of rebates and sustainable building advice is available to residents rebuilding their homes after the 2009 Victorian bushfires.
There are currently rebates/incentives available to homeowners installing a solar hot water system in rebuilt homes, with a Victorian Government rebate available also for installing water tanks in rebuilt homes.
For more details visit the Resource Smart website
Related actions: Install solar hot water, Harvest and use your rainwater
Showerhead exchange
The Water Wise Scheme provides eligible concession card-holders with a free water audit and up to $500 worth of repairs, replacement fittings and new water saving products.
For more details visit the Showerhead exchange programs web page.
Related actions: Install efficient appliances and fixtures, Cultivate water-saving habits
Gas heater discount for concession card-holders
If you’re the holder of an eligible concession card you can claim a $700 point-of-sale discount off the supply and installation of a high efficiency gas space heater. The rebate assists eligible households switch from electric to gas heating but is not available for the replacement of existing gas heaters. Ducted gas heating systems and unfllued (flueless) heaters are not eligible products for the discount.
With heating accounting for up to 50 per cent of the energy used in Victorian homes, the switch from electric to gas heating can provide significant savings on your energy bill and greenhouse gas emissions.
For more details visit the Resource Smart web page.
Related actions: Install efficient appliances and fixtures, Embrace energy efficiency
Dual-flush Toilet replacement scheme
The Dual-flush Toilet Replacement Program can help Melbourne households save on water use, saving you almost half the usual cost of a dual-flush toilet and installation. Other products available, depending on your water retailer, include water-saving showerheads and flow control valves.
For more details visit the Melbourne Toilet Replacement Program web page.
Related action: Install efficient appliances and fixtures