Queensland households will soon be enjoying government rebates for buying energy efficient appliances.
These apply to new four-star appliances bought by householders after 1 January 2018. Rebates are:
- $300 for air conditioners.
- $250 for fridges.
- $200 for washing machines.
Households may therefore save up to $50 per year with energy-efficient fridges and washing machines. Annual savings of up to $135 can also be made for new air conditioners.
Requirements include:
- Rebates limited to one per household.
- Buyers must keep proof of purchase.
Meanwhile, buyers are encouraged to sign up online. They will be told when to apply for the rebates. This should be before March 2018.
Energy efficient appliances help Queensland households and environment
The rebate scheme was announced by Queensland Minister for Natural Resources, Mines and Energy, the Honourable Dr Anthony Lynham.
According to Dr Lynham, it will reduce household power bills as well as carbon emissions.
Notably, appliances like fridges, washing machines and air conditioners make up around half the energy usage of Queensland households.
The scheme is part of the state government’s $2 billion Affordable Energy Plan designed to reduce Queenslanders’ power costs. It includes:
- $50 annual bill reduction for the next two years, starting January 2018.
- Annual discount for regional Ergon customers taking up Ergon’s direct debit Easy Pay Rewards payment options. This is $75 for households and $120 for small business.
- Pegging typical power bills for households and small business to inflation for the next two years.
Demand response and the renewable energy boost
The scheme will subsequently boost current energy trends for demand response and demand management.
Demand response is when energy consumers are asked to reduce power use at peak times in return for financial incentives.
By encouraging householders to buy new energy-efficient appliances, the Queensland government is also reducing pressure on the grid.
Home solar power and energy storage batteries are a further step along this road. Householders can therefore produce their own power, earning feed in tariffs for excess energy fed back into the grid.
According to Dr Lynham, the new scheme will:
- Lower household energy usage.
- Give Queenslanders greater control over power bills.
- Reduce carbon emissions in line with the Paris Agreement.
- Ease pressure on the national grid.
