The consequences of climate change are getting worse, emphasizing the need to limit human contribution to global warming. Hence, to promote a sustainable future, the Australian Capital Territory launched the ACT Sustainable Household Scheme, to support homeowners and small businesses. Let’s go further and discover its benefits and eligibility criteria.
How does ACT Sustainable Household Scheme Work?
The program has a budget limit that grants interest-free loans to qualified ACT households ranging from $2,000 to $15,000. It encourages households to utilize the advantages of the scheme’s rebates and incentives to make their homes more sustainable.
Additionally, you may also be eligible for subsidies under other programs such as the Home Energy Support Program.
The loans can be used to purchase and install items listed under 3 categories:
- Category A includes rooftop solar panels and household battery storage systems. They are intended to help households reduce their reliance on fossil fuels and generate electricity.
- Category B includes electric reverse cycle heating and cooling systems and efficient electric stovetops. They are intended to replace gas or inefficient electrical appliances.
- Category C includes electric vehicles, both new and used which help reduce greenhouse gas emissions from transportation.
The Scheme will be rolled out in 3 phases:
- Phase 1 is for households making purchases from Categories A and B.
- Phase 2 will expand to include households purchasing from Category C.
- Phase 3 will expand to include non-profit community organizations.
Additional products may be assessed for inclusion over the life of the scheme. If you are interested in participating in this household scheme, you can check the eligibility criteria.
What is the Importance of the ACT Sustainable Household Scheme?
The ACT is dedicated to one of the most ambitious climate change agendas in the world that is committed to achieving net zero emissions by 2045. Installing and utilizing energy-efficient items can help us get there.
- These loans will contribute to making it easier for individuals to convert to more sustainable goods.
- The scheme makes use of renewable energy sources to cut energy expenditures while also limiting the impact of greenhouse gas emissions.
- Solar systems, batteries, reverse cycle heating and cooling systems, and energy-efficient electric stove tops have been installed in many ACT houses as part of the Scheme.
- More than 100 new electric vehicles and approximately 50 used electric vehicles have been bought with the support of zero-interest loans.
- This scheme is important to make a sustainable and zero-emissions future by providing climate-conscious choices and value-for-money emissions reduction alternatives.
Also See: What are Solar Rebates in SA?
What is Sustainable Household Scheme Eligibility?
Loans are now limited to one per household in categories A, B, and C, whereas things can be acquired in numerous transactions up to the $15,000 maximum. Eligibility requirements for home improvement products are as follows:
- Applicants must first attend an online workshop, demonstrate a capacity to repay the loan and pass a credit check to be eligible for a loan through this ACT scheme.
- The applicant needs to own a stand-alone home or unit in the ACT.
- Tenants who have complete permission from the property owner to install home goods may be eligible to apply for the scheme as well.
- The property must have an unimproved value of less than $750,000 for freestanding houses and less than $200,000 for multi-story apartments.
- Homeowners who are building a new home can only apply for financing to install things from Category A.
- Applicants for Category B products must be replacing gas or inefficient electric equipment and provide documentation of removal.
- To be eligible for EV and EV charging products, applicants must have a valid ACT driver’s license.
- Residents in the ACT shall provide proof such as a rates notice or a utility bill.
- There are currently no eligibility criteria for a non-profit community organization.
Also, check out How to Claim Solar Rebate in South Australia (SA)?
What are the Financial Limits of the Loan?
A scheme participant is defined as:
- A household purchasing in Categories A and B
- For Category C purchases, you must have an ACT driver’s license.
The Scheme’s primary requirement is the ability to repay the Government’s interest-free loan that’s why a credit check is undertaken to determine this. The loan has the following financial limits:
- The minimum loan amount available to participants is $2,000
- The loan amount can be distributed across a variety of eligible products like solar panels, EV vehicles; battery so there doesn’t have to be a single transaction.
- The total amount a participant can borrow is $15,000 for qualified product categories A, B, and C.
Also Read: What are the Characteristics of a Sustainable Economy?
What can You Buy with The ACT Sustainable Household Scheme?
The loan can be used to purchase various energy-efficient products with installation costs for these products:
- Rooftop solar panels
- Household battery storage systems
- Electric heating and cooling systems
- Hot water heat pumps
- Electric stove tops
- Electric vehicles
- Electric vehicle charging infrastructure
- Ceiling insulation
You can choose to install one product or a bundle of products from the list of eligible products, valued up to $15,000 over the life of the scheme.
When do You need to begin Repaying the ACT Loan?
If you take out a loan through the Act’s Sustainable Household Scheme, your payments will begin as soon as:
- The gadgets or systems have been installed and operational.
- An electric vehicle, either new or used, has been delivered.
The loan provider won’t charge you any startup or account-keeping fees, and you can repay the loan before the agreed time without any penalty. However, if you fail to make loan repayments on time, the loan provider may charge a fee.
The loan is $15,000 per eligible household, either through $15,000 in zero-interest loans only or through $10,000 in zero-interest loans and $5,000 in rebates.
Moreover, the ACT Government provides rebates on rooftop solar installation and other energy-efficient products as part of the Home Energy Support program, which could reduce the loan amount. Pensioner Concession Card and Department of Veterans Affairs Gold Card holders may also qualify for these rebates.
Note: Benefits and eligibility criteria of this scheme are subject to change. For updated details, check out the official website or contact your local authority for the same.
So, we have covered the ACT Sustainable Household Scheme and its eligibility. It depicts an exciting chance for residents to take steps towards a more sustainable future while saving money and reducing emissions. For such informative content, keep exploring our website.
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