About 40,000 Queensland households will be able to save up to $1,000 on the purchase of new, energy-efficient appliances.
As the world faces the undeniable challenges of climate change, governments worldwide are making efforts towards a more sustainable future. In this direction, The Queensland Government has started an initiative called the “Climate Smart Energy Savers“.
In this article, we’ll go through the specifics of this project and how you can benefit from it.
What is The Climate Smart Energy Savers Initiative?
Starting on September 4, 2023, eligible Queensland homes have the opportunity to claim rebates ranging from $300 to $1,000 when they replace their old appliances with those that have an energy rating of 4 stars, or higher. This offer will remain in effect until the program closes.
This unique initiative intends to not only motivate Queenslanders to make energy-efficient choices but also to reduce the financial cost involved with switching to greener products.
Which Appliances Are Covered by the Queensland Rebate?
- Washing machines and dryers
- Dishwashers
- Refrigerators (including fridge/freezers)
- Air conditioners (AS4755 compliant and 4-star-rated or higher for cooling)
- Solar hot water and heat pump hot water systems
Here’s a list of the eligible rebate amounts for each appliance:
| Appliance | Standard rebate | Low-income rebate |
|---|---|---|
| Clothes washing machines (incl. washer/dryers) | $300 | $550 |
| Clothes dryer | $300 | $550 |
| Dishwashers | $300 | $550 |
| Refrigerators (including fridge/freezers) | $350 | $600 |
| Air conditioners | $400 | $650 |
| Heat pump hot water systems | $800 | $1,000 |
| Solar hot water systems | $800 | $1,000 |
When Do I Need to Buy the Appliance to be Eligible for the Rebate?
In order to be eligible for the rebate, eligible appliances must be purchased and installed on or after the program start date.
How Much Can I Save by Upgrading My Appliances with the Queensland Rebate?
By switching to energy-saving appliances, you not only save money on energy, but you also help to reduce carbon emissions.
Transitioning from a two-star-rated appliance to a four-star-rated one has the potential to save you anywhere from $30 to $1,118 annually in energy costs, depending on the appliance type.
The table below shows how much money you can save by switching your appliances.
| Appliance | Upgrade | Avg. savings / year | Avg. reduce tCO2e/year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Clothes washing machines | 2-star to 4-star | $117 | 0.31 |
| Clothes dryer | 2-star to 4-star | $30 | 0.08 |
| Dishwashers | 2-star to 4-star | $75 | 0.20 |
| Refrigerators | 2.5-star to 4-star | $32 | 0.08 |
| Air conditioners | 3-star to 4-star | $134 | 0.35 |
| Heat pump hot water systems | From electric storage | $1118 | 2.96 |
| Solar hot water systems | From electric storage | $1050 | 2.78 |
Notes:
tCO2e = tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent.
Actual results will vary depending on household usage, location and appliance.
Appliance data is based on the energyrating.gov.au calculator for specific appliance types.
Hot water data is based on the energyrating.gov.au calculator data and Queensland FY2023-24 Tariff11 rate.
Emissions data based on average kilowatt hour (kWh) savings and 0.00088 tCO2/e/kWh.
For more information about the Energy Star rating system, please visit energyrating.gov.au.
Eligibility for The Climate Smart Energy Savers Initiative
The standard rebate will be available to all eligible Queensland homes, with higher rebates intended for low-income households. Rebates paid will be determined by the appliance purchased and installed.
Applicant eligibility criteria will be provided when the program opens.
Only one rebate will be accessible per household. Rebates offered under the program cannot exceed the total cost of purchasing or installing an eligible appliance. A maximum of 1,500 rebates will be available for energy-efficient hot water systems.
Also, this energy efficiency rebate coincides with the introduction of a $550 electricity rebate accessible to all residents, as well as an extra $1,072 power rebate designated for senior citizens and concession card holders. If you want to learn more about this rebate, check our article on the Cost of Living Rebate for Households.
Register Your Interest
Are you ready to take advantage of this opportunity and save energy and money?
Register your interest now to be alerted when applications for Climate Smart Energy Savers become available. Please keep in mind that expressing your interest does not guarantee you will be eligible for a rebate, but it is the first step towards taking advantage of this initiative.
Explore Further Savings Opportunities
If you would like to take an extra step and increase your savings even further, consider booking an energy efficiency audit. Whether it’s upgrading to energy-efficient appliances, sealing drafts, or adopting smarter usage habits, an energy audit can uncover potential savings that could reduce your energy bills by up to a staggering 80%.
For a limited time, we are offering our famous energy audit for free to Sunshine Coast homeowners. As a family-owned local business, we want to support our community and help minimise the impact of the upcoming energy price rise. In this audit, we cover everything from suppliers, lighting, air conditioning, hot water, solar, to pools – giving you as many options as possible to save money while making your home as comfy as can be. Contact us to book your energy audit today and discover how to reduce your energy bill without compromising your quality of life.
