Scheme helps lower power bills, make homes more comfortable

ELIGIBLE households will now be able to access zero-interest loans to install energy-saving and cost-cutting upgrades.

The loans, which will be up $15,000, will be used for such measures as rooftop solar, household batteries, insulation, reverse-cycle air conditioning, switchboard upgrades, ceiling fans and draught-proofing.

The NSW Government’s $557 million Home Energy Saver program is available to help families lower their power bills by making energy-saving upgrades more affordable.

Many NSW households are already saving money through rooftop solar, home batteries and efficient appliances – with just over half of all houses in the state equipped with solar and 13,000 new batteries being installed each month.

While energy-efficient upgrades reduce costs in the long run, the upfront expenses have locked many people out and this program will make upgrades significantly more affordable.

In addition to loans, the program will provide discounts of up to $4000 to eligible families looking to upgrade with energy-saving measures.

The zero-interest loans will be available to households with a combined taxable income of up to $210,000.

This will allow eligible households to pay off up to $15,000 in upgrades over 10 years rather than upfront. This is expected to benefit more than 32,000 households.

Targeted discounts of up to $4000 will be available later in 2026 to households with a combined annual income of up to $80,000, or eligible concession card holders.

“We know energy bills are putting pressure on families right now and, while this won’t solve every cost-of-living challenge people are facing, it’s practical help that can make a real difference,” premier Chris Minns said.

“For many households, the upfront cost of these upgrades has simply been too high. We’re stepping in to help where we can, so more families can access technology that lowers their bills and makes their homes more comfortable.

“We’re doing what we can to help families now, while making sure NSW has a more reliable and secure energy system for the future.”

Penny Sharpe, minister for climate change and energy, said the for too many households, energy-saving upgrades have felt like something other people can afford.

“This is about changing that and giving more families a fair opportunity to access the kinds of improvements that make their homes more comfortable, more efficient and better to live in,” Sharpe said.

“Making these technologies more accessible helps more households enjoy a cooler home in summer, a warmer home in winter, and smaller power bills every month.”