A NSW Government website

Household energy saving upgrades FAQs

About the scheme

Who is eligible for the schemes?

Any household located in NSW may be eligible for the schemes. Your ability to access the scheme may depend on whether your location is serviced by an approved supplier and on the potential energy savings of your new appliance or product. For example, if you are replacing an existing air conditioner that is already very efficient, you may not be eligible.

How do I check if I’m eligible?

Your approved supplier will check your eligibility under the Energy Savings Scheme or the Peak Demand Reduction Scheme. They’ll also discuss the options available and provide you with a quote, showing the discount applied, for the installation and services. 

Are approved suppliers part of the NSW Government?

No. Approved suppliers operate independently from the government. This means you might have seen different branding, or even been contacted by approved suppliers to advertise their services by email, phone or flyers.   

The Independent Pricing and Regulatory Tribunal (IPART) is the Energy Savings Scheme Administrator and Regulator and is responsible for accreditation, auditing and compliance of ACPs. 

What should I expect from an approved supplier and a tradesperson working in your home?

Even though approved suppliers are independent businesses, we still have strict standards for how they engage with you. Expect that suppliers will: 

  • identify themselves to you 
  • explain the process to you, including any forms or requirements 
  • give you details of the new appliance or equipment you’ve chosen 
  • demonstrate how to use the new appliance or equipment 
  • assist for a set period of time after the installation 
  • remove any old equipment that is being replaced. 

With any tradesperson work undertaken in your home, you should consider the following before deciding who to work with. Make sure you: 

  • understand your commitments for the upgrade 
  • check any paperwork that needs to be completed or ask for assistance if you are unsure 
  • check the equipment upgrade meets your needs 
  • check the tradesperson’s credentials, including their trade licence 
  • confirm which supplier they are working with or who they are subcontracted by 
  • understand that the replaced equipment must be disposed of appropriately by the installer or supplier. 

We want to ensure you are always protected. It’s important to know that as a consumer, you have the right to hold certain expectations when buying a product or service from a business. These basic rights are called consumer guarantees and are protected under Australian Consumer Law. Visit the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission website to learn more. 

There isn’t an approved supplier near me. What should I do?

If there isn’t an approved supplier in your area you can ask a local installer to speak to an ACP to collaborate with to take advantage of the incentives.

What energy efficient installations or upgrades are covered under the scheme?

For households and small businesses, this includes upgrading your pool pumps, hot water systems, lights and air conditioning systems. It now extends to installing and operating battery energy storage.

Businesses can also upgrade a wide range of equipment like compressed air systems, furnaces, air conditioning, hot water systems, lights, motors, pumps and fans, power systems, process change and control systems, refrigeration and bundled upgrades.

Can I use my own tradesperson to install my new equipment?

Yes. If you choose to go ahead, there may be a co-payment depending on the equipment upgrade and model chosen. You can either: 

  • work with tradespeople proposed by the approved supplier 
  • work with your own preferred tradespeople if they agree with the approved supplier. 
Is this a rebate?

No, it’s not a rebate offer. The ESS provides discounts for installing or upgrading your equipment to a more energy-efficient model. Only an approved supplier can provide you with a discount under the ESS so no faulty installations occur. 

Check out our current rebates.

How long are the incentives available for?

The Energy Savings Scheme is expected to operate until 2050.  The offers available through the scheme have no end date, but the type of energy-efficient appliances eligible may vary in the future.

How are these incentives funded?

These incentives are part of the Energy Security Safeguard which includes the Energy Savings Scheme (ESS) and the Peak Demand Reduction Scheme

The Energy Savings Scheme  supports households and businesses take action to reduce their energy use and save on their energy bills. This includes discounts for installing or upgrading to a more energy-efficient appliance or product in your home or business.