Huge demand for efficiency and electrification as 13,000 households opt in to scheme

The ACT government’s sustainable household scheme has so far attracted 13,000 households looking to improve their home’s energy efficiency and reduce its environmental impact with solar panels, batteries, and other products.

Launched in September 2021, the ACT government’s Sustainable Household Scheme has been an unparalleled success, providing around $170 million worth of interest free loans to homes around the ACT.

As of writing, the Scheme has now surpassed 13,000 participant households, accounting for nearly 10% of all eligible households across the Territory.

Households in Tuggeranong, Belconnen, and Gungahlin lead the way with 3,556 households in Tuggeranong accessing the Scheme, 3,378 from Belconnen, and 2,843 from Gungahlin.

Looking forward, the ACT government will be focusing on increasing solar uptake in multi-unit dwellings. Rebates and concessional loans will be made available to owners of multi-unit developments to install shared rooftop solar systems through a partnership with the Commonwealth government.

The next phase of the Scheme will also focus on assisting homes to upgrade heating and cooling to fully electric systems, installing hot water pumps, electric stovetops, and help with purchasing electric vehicles and charging infrastructure, battery storage systems, and ceiling insulation.

“The Government’s long-term investments in fixed price, large scale, renewable energy contracts continue to shield Canberrans from the price increases being experienced in other jurisdictions,” said a statement from Andrew Barr, Chief Minister of the ACT.

“When combined with the ACT and Commonwealth funded energy rebates and concessions, it means most lower- and middle-income households in Canberra are paying less for electricity and experiencing a decline in energy costs in real terms.”