Government offer swaps dollar concession for solar energy upgrade
The New South Wales government is offering to swap energy cost concessions for a solar upgrade. Here’s what’s in it for you.
Key Points
NSW Government program swaps energy cost rebate for solar installation and power efficiency.
The annual $285 rebate currently benefits 1/3 of NSW households.
The program includes 3 types of offers for solar and energy upgrades.
Find your government concessions through the National Seniors Concessions Calculator.
Thousands of NSW families can cut their energy bills with solar installation and home appliance upgrades due to the $128 million Energy Bill Buster program, announced in the 2022-23 state Budget.
Around a third of NSW, households are receiving the annual $285 Low Income Household Rebate to help with energy bills.
The Energy Bill Buster program allows eligible households to swap the rebate for the equivalent of up to 10 years’ worth of rebates in an upfront lump sum contribution towards a free solar system or home appliance upgrade.
Approximately 1 million households are eligible to apply for the swap, which the government says can save up to $600 a year.
The upgrade is particularly relevant for people living in high-rise multi-dwellings, where solar panels are not effective. The upgrade includes energy-efficient fridges, dryers, air-conditioners and hot water systems, plus window shading and draught sealing valued at up to $4,000.
The government advises that for these offers, the delivery partners are still being finalised, and applicants should allow at least two months for applications to be processed.
1. For homeowners - rebate swap for solar
Eligible homeowner-occupiers can now swap the Low Income Household Rebate for a free, fully installed, 3-kilowatt solar system. Installing solar can provide access to affordable clean energy, cutting household electricity bills.
To be eligible, you must:
Currently, receive the Low Income Household Rebate
Agree not to receive the rebate for ten years
Hold a valid Pensioner Concession Card or Department of Veterans Affairs Gold Card
Own and live in your home
Not already have a solar PV system.
For more information, read the guidelines or visit the Solar for low-income households page.
The offer is currently available in selected locations in NSW.
2. Households not suitable for solar - rebate swap for energy upgrades
People currently receiving the government Low Income Household Rebate and are not eligible for the solar offers can get a free, no-obligation energy assessment.
The assessment identifies ways to cut the energy bill through energy-efficient appliances or minor home upgrades. You can then swap your energy rebate for one or more of the recommended upgrades, which can be valued up to $4,000.
This offer may help eligible renters, apartment dwellers or social housing tenants identify cost-effective ways to reduce bills and improve energy efficiency.
The recommended upgrades could include energy-efficient dryers, air-conditioners, hot water systems and window shading and draught sealing.
To be eligible, you must:
Currently, receive the Low Income Household Rebate.
Agree not to receive the rebate for ten years.
Hold a valid Pensioner Concession Card or Department of Veterans Affairs Gold Card
Not be eligible or suitable for the rebate swap for solar offer.
The offer will slowly be rolled out to additional concession card holders, including Healthcare Card and Commonwealth Seniors Card holders.
3. For Land and Housing Corporation tenants - rebate swap for solar
Government information says that eligible tenants living on suitable Land and Housing Corporation (LAHC) properties can swap the Low Income Household Rebate for a free, fully installed, solar system.
The solar system operates only while you are a tenant in the property.
To be eligible, you must:
Live in a suitable LAHC property
Currently, receive the Low Income Household Rebate
Agree not to receive the rebate while you remain a tenant at the property
Hold a valid Pensioner Concession Card or Department of Veterans Affairs Gold Card.
The offer will become available later this year. The government advises interested people to stay updated and register their interest by filling out the form at the link below. The government says it will notify interested parties when the offer opens.
It is important to note that by accepting a NSW Government offer, you will have to give up the existing concession - the Low Income Household Rebate, which is available to eligible residents.
The federal and most state and territory governments offer concessions, which offer significant savings for seniors.
However, it can be hard to track all the concessions, and many people ask, ‘Where do I start!’.
National Seniors makes this easy. Our online Concessions Calculator does the hard work for you.
Just follow this link, answer the questions, and you may be surprised about what rebates and discounts you can access.
Click here for the guidelines.
If you have any questions about the offer, please contact rebate.swapforenergyupgrades@dpe.nsw.gov.au.
The NSW government is warning against scams. It says solar installation companies not listed on the program website are not authorised to complete any work on its behalf as part of this offer.
If you believe a solar installation company has engaged in fraudulent or unethical activities relating to this offer, lodge a complaint with NSW Fair Trading by calling 13 32 20. Or report the scam to ScamWatch.
For further reading: Energy Saver and Energysaver.nsw.gov.au
