The ACT Government has expanded the list of eligible items covered by the Sustainable Household Scheme (SHS) to include ceiling insulation.
ACT Chief Minister Andrew Barr said ceiling insulation makes a significant difference when it comes to reducing household energy costs.
“With the upfront capital costs spread over time under the loans scheme, Canberrans are installing new energy-efficient products to reduce their household costs,” he said.
“The interest in the scheme shows how willing Canberrans are to make climate-conscious choices that deliver energy cost savings and emission reductions.”
SHS helps households in the ACT to install green upgrades with a zero-interest loans of up to $15,000. These loans will be repaid in over 10 years and will not have any fees.
Borrowers can borrow above the $15,000 limit but the approval will be based on their credit checks. However, the loan provider might charge interest for any funds borrowed above the limit.
Eligible energy-efficient upgrades include the following:
- Rooftop solar panels
- Household battery storage systems
- Electric heating and cooling systems
- Hot water heat pumps
- Electric stove tops
- Electric vehicles
- Electric vehicle charging infrastructure
- Installation costs for these products.
- Ceiling insulation
Overall, more than $110 millions in loans have been settled as of February 2023, with over 9,000 households benefitting.
Earlier this year, the ACT Government allocated an additional $50 million to the program.
ACT Attorney-General Shane Rattenbury said ceiling insulation helps to keep homes comfortable during the ACT’s cold winters and hot summers.
In fact, around half of the energy used in an average Canberra home is for heating and cooling.
“Many renters in the ACT are living in housing that is expensive to heat or cool and doesn’t meet expectations around having a suitable home to help maintain health, comfort and happiness,” he said.
“The introduction of zero interest loans for ceiling insulation will help homeowners and rental property owners improve energy efficiency, increase thermal comfort, and reduce greenhouse gas emissions of ACT homes.”
The expansion of the SHS scheme came before the implementation of the new energy efficiency standard by April, which will require rental properties to meet a minimum standard for ceiling insulation.
“This is an important reform that will mean more Canberrans have healthy homes that support improved wellbeing and reduce energy costs for heating and cooling,” Mr Rattenbury said.
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