The 2023-24 Territory Budget in the Australian Capital Territory (ACT) is directing substantial investments towards various projects aimed at helping the region achieve its goal of net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2045. One significant initiative is the Sustainable Household Scheme.
Sustainable Household Scheme
This scheme is receiving increased funding to facilitate more households’ participation, bringing the total investment to $280 million. The next phase of the scheme is designed to provide cost-of-living support to a broader range of households. It will assist in upgrading their heating and cooling systems to fully electric options, installing hot water pumps and electric stovetops, and supporting the purchase of electric vehicles, charging infrastructure, battery storage systems, and ceiling insulation.
To prioritize capacity for these upgrades, eligibility for solar panels will be restricted to homeowners who require government assistance the most. Since its launch in September 2021, the Sustainable Household Scheme has aided nearly 13,000 households in covering the initial expenses of enhancing their homes’ sustainability, contributing to improved comfort and reduced energy bills.
Additionally, the ACT Government will collaborate with the Commonwealth Government to offer support for the installation of shared rooftop solar on multi-unit apartment buildings. This $3.6 million investment will encourage the adoption of rooftop solar on apartment complexes by providing rebates and concessional loans to body corporates. It is anticipated that over 2,100 households will benefit, potentially leading to a 35 percent reduction in electricity bills for apartment residents.
Body corporates for multi-dwelling units can access up to $100,000 for rooftop solar, with half of the funding coming from a Federal rebate or grant through the Solar Banks initiative and the other half from an interest-free loan provided by the ACT Government as part of the Sustainable Household Scheme.
Minister for Climate Change and Energy Chris Bowen emphasized that this funding will expand access to more affordable and environmentally friendly energy. He also noted the Federal Government’s commitment to providing energy rebates to 57,000 households in the Australian Capital Territory, resulting in savings of $327 on their electricity bills.
ACT Chief Minister Andrew Barr expressed satisfaction with the partnership between the ACT and Federal Governments, emphasizing the importance of investments that promote sustainability and reduce energy costs for residents.
The Federal funding is part of a $101 million commitment to shared solar initiatives aimed at alleviating energy costs for over 25,000 Australian households. The 2023-24 Federal Budget has also allocated over $1.7 billion for energy-saving upgrades in homes, businesses, social housing, and local governments.
Eligibility for this program aligns with the criteria for solar eligibility under the Sustainable Household Scheme, which includes 92 percent of apartment buildings. Applications for this program will open in Q3 2023.
Mr. Barr expressed the Territory Government’s commitment to alleviating the cost-of-living pressures faced by many households and thanked residents for their support.
Additional Investments and Initiatives
The ACT Budget also includes further investments in the Big Canberra Battery project, intended to advance the city’s emissions reduction goals through large-scale and neighborhood-scale battery installations to power homes and businesses.
Furthermore, the budget expands the Home Energy Support Program to include homeowners who hold a Health Care Card, enabling them to access rebates for rooftop solar installation and energy-efficient products.
A $70 million investment will lead to the replacement of aging gas appliances with efficient electric appliances at various government sites, such as schools, offices, depots, and health facilities. The transition from gas to electric systems will start at selected locations, including Manuka Pool, Weetangera Primary School, and the Gungahlin Joint Emergency Services Centre.
Minister for Water, Energy, and Emissions Reduction Shane Rattenbury emphasized the government’s commitment to electrifying the city as part of its effort to reduce emissions from government operations to zero by 2040. He highlighted the program’s role in improving efficiency and reducing emissions in government operations.
The expansion of eligibility for the Home Energy Support Program was deemed significant in light of the financial challenges faced by many households. The government also reiterated its support for the transition to electric vehicles, with plans to invest in more public charging stations to enhance accessibility and convenience.
This investment builds upon the delivery of 50 charging stations in 2023 and aims to achieve a total of 180 charging stations by 2025.