Overview

The Residential Energy Efficiency Scheme can help South Australian residents with a range of special offers and incentives to help make homes more energy efficient. These are available from energy providers and their contractors.

Some items, such as installing draught proofing strips and more efficient lighting and showerheads, are being offered for free. Some energy providers are also offering rebates for installing ceiling insulation, more efficient hot water systems and upgrades to improve the efficiency of your heating and cooling systems.

Low income households may also be eligible for a free energy audit to help identify changes that can be made to save energy and reduce energy bills.

 

Key eligibility

All South Australian households are eligible for the rebates, special offers and other incentives.

You could be eligible for the free energy audit if you fit into one of the following concession or low income groups:

• have a current South Australian Energy Concession on your energy bills
• participating in an energy retailer's hardship program
  
• hold a current Commonwealth Pensioner Concession Card
• hold a current Commonwealth Health Care Card (including Low Income Health Care Card)
  
• hold one of three current Department of Veterans Affairs concession cards:
• • TPI Gold Repatriation Health Card
  • War Widows Gold Repatriation Health Card
  • Gold Repatriation Health Card.
    

Homeowners and renters are eligible for the program. If you're renting, you'll need your landlord's permission before installing some of the energy-saving products.

A number of other conditions apply. Check your eligibility on the Essential Services Commission of South Australia website.

Items covered

The incentives offered are different for each of the participating energy suppliers and could include assistance for:

• improving the efficiency of your hot water system
• upgrading to a more efficient heating and cooling system
• insulating your ceiling
• draught proofing gaps around windows and doors
• removing and recycling second fridges and freezers
• switching to more energy efficient lighting
• installing water and energy efficient showerheads
• installing standby power controllers
  
• energy audits for low income households.

You don't have to take up the offer through your current energy provider. There are a range of providers participating in the scheme, so contact them and see what energy-saving incentives they are offering. The participating energy providers are available on the Essential Services Commission of South Australia website.

You could also be eligible for a rebate from the Australian Government to help with the cost of buying a new solar hot water system.

You might be able to save even more with the Australian Government's Small-scale Technology Certificates (STCs). 

Next steps

Make sure that you understand the full program information before contacting an energy provider.

You can also phone the Essential Services Commission of South Australian for more information on 1800 633 592 (mobile phones and South Australian residents only) or (08) 8463 4444.

Residential Energy Efficiency Scheme

http://www.escosa.sa.gov.au/consumer-information/residential-energy-efficiency-scheme.aspx