Environmental Grants for Households
Are you interested in reducing the cost of your energy and water bills? Would you like to do more to help our environment?
If you answered yes to any of the above questions, then the Federal Government's Energy Efficient Homes Package and Green Loans Scheme may be just what you're looking for.
Energy Efficient Homes Package
The Australian Government's $4 Billion Energy Efficient Homes Package came into affect on 1 July 2009. The aim of the program, which will run until 31 December 2011, is to install ceiling insulation in up to 2.9 million Australian homes. The program also offers assistance to households considering installing a solar hot water system.
The non-means tested package includes:
- Ceiling insulation worth up to $1,200 for owner-occupiers; or
- $1,600 rebate on the cost of installing a solar hot water system.
Assistance is also available for landlords and tenants, with up to $1,000 available to install ceiling insulation in rental properties. Both insulation offers target homes with very little or no existing ceiling insulation.
The Federal Government reduced the home-owners insulation rebate from $1,600 to $1,200 on 1 November 2009. Transitional arrangements for people who had accepted a quote but were waiting for work to be done will apply, provided the job is complete by 16 November 2009.
The next steps:
- Download the Energy Efficient Homes Package Fact Sheet to learn more about the program.
- Visit www.environment.gov.au/energyefficiency and read the 'Homeowner Insulation' or 'Low Emission Assistance for Renters' guidelines to determine your eligibility.
- Select an installer from the onlineInstaller Provider Register or call 1800 808 571.
- Installers will provide you with a quote and once you have decided on an installer you will need to enter into an agreement with the installer to install your insulation.
To request a hard copy of the Energy Efficient Homes Package guidelines please contact AlburyCity's Economic Development Team on 02 6023 8214.
Green Loans
Green Loans is a new Australian Government initiative to help Australians tackle climate change. The Green Loans Program will assist Australian families to install solar, water saving, and energy efficient products.
The Green Loans Program starts on 1 July 2009 and will run until 31 December 2012 (or until available funding is exhausted).
The Green Loans Program will provide:
- Detailed, quality Home Sustainability Assessments; and
- Access to interest free Green Loans of up to $10,000 each to make the changes recommended in the assessment.
The next step:
- Call 1800 895 076 to book your FREE Home Sustainability Assessment. If you have already registered for a Home Sustainability Assessment, the Department of Environment will be in touch with you soon.
Visit www.environment.gov.au/greenloans or contact 1800 895 076 for further information about the Green Loans program.
Residential Rebate Program
The $100Million Residential Rebate Program is part of the NSW Government's Climate Change Fund.
The program is designed to assist people to make their homes more water and energy efficient, and provides rebates for rainwater tanks, climate-friendly hot water systems and water efficient washing machines. The Residential Rebate Program also supports 'Fridge Buy-back'.
Visit www.environment.nsw.gov.au/rebates or contact 1300 361 967 for further information.