Take advantage of both State and Federal Government Rebates and Save $$

Both the Federal and State Government are offering rebates to help make Hunter homes more energy and water efficient. Water heating is the biggest energy user in NSW homes. Electric hot water systems account for more than a third of household energy use. Because these systems are so energy intensive, the Federal Government is phasing out electric hot water systems in most states and territories, including NSW. From 2010 no electric hot water system can be installed in any existing detached, terraced and town houses that have access to piped gas. So consider switching and take advantage of the rebates on offer to save!

State Government Rebates

The State Government is offering the following rebates:

  • $150 for the replacing an electric hot water system with a regulated or on-demand hot water circulator unit
  • $300 for replacing an electric hot water system with a gas hot water system with a 5 star or higher energy rating
  • $300 for the replacement of an electric hot water system with a solar or heat pump hot water system, with a minimum of 20 Renewable Energy Certificates (RECs)*

This rebate is available from 15 January 2010 to 30 June 2011.

RECs* are based on the amount of greenhouse gas emissions saved by the product. Each REC represents the equivalent of 1 MWh of electricity generation from an eligible renewable energy source. RECs can be sold and transferred to liable parties on a market based online system called the REC Registry. Most people when they purchase their new solar or heat pump hot water system will transfer their RECs to the product supplier or installer for a cash payment or a discount on the hot water system.

Important notes

  • From 15 January 2010, the total amount of Home Saver Rebates a household can receive must not exceed $1500 per property
  • If you installed a hot water system between 1 October 2007 and 14 January 2010 your application must be received by DECCW not later than 30 April 2010.
  • Rebate applications for hot water systems installed on or after 15 January 2010 must be received by DECCW within 6 months of the installation date or no later than 30 September 2011.

Eligibility

To be eligible for the State Government hot water system rebate, you must meet the following key criteria:

  • Be the owner of the residential property
  • Property where hot water system is installed must be located in NSW
  • Hot water system must be purchased in full or entered into a deferred payment plan with the supplier of the HWS and made payments under the plan, and installed between 15 January 2010 and 30 June 2011
  • Be installed by a licensed plumber
  • Meet all relevant standards and local council requirements
  • Not be used for non-domestic purposes such as heating a pool, spa or similar
  • Applicant must be an individual and must complete an official 'Application for a Hot Water System Rebate' form and attach the original receipt(s) for the purchase or if on a deferred payment plan you must attach a copy of the payment plan and receipts for payments made under the plan, and installation of the hot water system. The receipt(s) must be in the applicants name.
  • Application form must be submitted within six months of the installation date.
  • Hot water systems installed to comply with BASIX (the Building Sustainability Index) for new homes or major renovations are not eligible for a rebate.

What if you are a landlord or tenant, or live in an apartment, flat or townhouse?

The State Government rebate is allocated per property, not per person. This means that each property in NSW wishing to replace an electric hot water system with an eligible hot water system can obtain the rebate regardless of whether the property is a rental property and the owner has already obtain the rebate for another property in NSW.

If you are replacing an electric hot water system in your apartment, flat or townhouse then you are entitled to the rebate. However, if more than own apartment, flat or townhouse share the same hot water system (called a central hot water system) there are separate rebates available and you need to contact the Department of Environment, Climate Change and Water.

or more information and to download an application form, visit www.environment.nsw.gov.au/rebates or contact the Department of Environment, Climate Change and Water Environment Line on 1300 361 967 or email to rebates@environment.nsw.gov.au.

Federal Government Rebates

The Federal Government is offering the following rebates:

  • $1,600 for the replacement of an electric hot water system with a solar hot water system which is eligible for at least 20 RECs*
  • $1,000 for the replacement of an electric hot water system with a heat pump hot water system which is eligible for at least 20 RECs*

The rebate is offered from 3 February 2009 until 30 June 2012.

Eligibility

To be eligible for the Federal Government hot water system rebate, you must meet the following criteria:

  • Be the owner or tenant of the principal place of residence (can not be a holiday home or a semi-permanent building) where the system was installed and at the time the system was installed.
  • Be the purchaser of the system or have written permission from the purchaser to apply for the rebate.
  • Be an Australian citizen or permanent resident aged 18 years or over
  • New hot water system is to be installed by a suitably qualified person, e.g. an electrician and/or plumber
  • Correctly complete and submit an application form, attaching a copy of proof or system purchase, within 6 months (184 days) of system installation, and agree to the terms and conditions listed on the application form.
  • Have not previously received assistance for the same property under the Australian Government's Home Insulation Program, the Homeowner Insulation Program or the Low Emission Assistance Plan for Renters.
  • The dwelling must be privately owned. It can not be a state or territory public housing or is owned by a state or territory government.
  • Not be used for non-domestic purposes such as heating a pool, spa or similar
  • The applicant must be an individual. The rebate is not applicable to businesses or other organisations.

What if you are a landlord or tenant?

Similar to the State Government rebate, the rebate is allocated once per property. However, as of 1 September 2009 you can only access this rebate if you have not previously received assistance for the same property under the Australian Government's Home Insulation Program, the Homeowner Insulation Program or the Low Emission Assistance Plan for Renters.

For more information and to download an application form, visit www.environment.gov.au/energyefficiency or contact the Energy Efficiency Homes Package Call Centre on 1800 808 571.

And remember you can also apply for a Commonwealth Government Green Loan. The Green Loan can be used in conjunction with Government Rebates. For more information on Commonwealth Government Green Loans click here

Can I claim more than one Rebate?

Yes. However you will be asked to declare that the sum of payments you're receiving does not exceed the total cost (purchase, delivery and installation) of your new hot water system. Please note that you can request a reduced payment for your NSW rebate if the total payments would exceed the cost if it was paid in full.

The NSW Government rebates are additional to any other rebate or incentive offer available to NSW residents. The Federal Government currently provides rebates of up to $1600 to replace existing electric hot water systems with solar or heat pump systems in eligible homes.

Take into consideration

Due to the high number of people applying for the State and Federal Government Rebates, it can take approximately 90 days from receiving the completed application form and receipt(s) for the State and Federal Government to send applicants their rebate cheque.

NSW noise regulations aim to stop noisy heat pumps from being installed in poor locations where the noise may disturb people in their homes, for example too close to your neighbour's bedroom. Therefore contact your local council before installation to find out if there are any planning regulations in your area.

Click here to go to the Hot Water Systems page, which provides more detailed information.

* See the Together Today Glossary for more information