Canberrans can expect to see more solar panels going up on homes throughout the Territory in the time ahead as the first stage the Home Energy Support Program has been launched.
Announced by Chief Minister, Andrew Barr, the first stage of the Program is to provide rebates of up to $2,500 to eligible lower income homeowners to install rooftop solar.
“One of the goals of our climate action strategy is to ensure that all Canberra households benefit from a net-zero emissions future,” Mr Barr said, “not just those that can afford it.”
“By mid-2022, the Program will expand to include an additional rebate of up to $2,500 for other energy-efficient products, including heating and cooling systems, insulation and hot water heat pumps,” he said.
Minister for Energy and Emissions Reduction, Shane Rattenbury said the Home Energy Support Program built on the success of the previous Solar for Low Income Program, which supported over 670 households.
Mr Rattenbury said that on average, those households each saved over $1,000 on their energy bills per year.
“Lower-income households tend to spend a higher proportion of their income on energy and feel the impacts of energy price increases rises the most, but these households often cannot afford to purchase energy-efficient measures that will help them lower their costs,” he said.
“In addition to the solar rebate in the first stage of this Program, participants also have the option to apply for a no-interest loan as part of the Sustainable Household Scheme if they need further support to cover the upfront costs of installation.”
Mr Rattenbury said the Program offered financial support to those in the community who needed it most, including Pensioner Concession Card or Department of Veteran Affairs Gold Card holders.
Further information on the Home Energy Support Program can be accessed at this PS News link.
