GOVERNMENT GRANTS FOR RESIDENTS

TO 'GREEN YOUR HOME'

Both Federal and NSW Governments have made funding available to encourage homeowners (and in some cases renters and landlords) to 'green their home' and reduce energy and water use. A summary of the grants is provided below, with links for all details and to check whether you are eligible to apply.

Federal Government

Energy Efficient Homes Package - Ceiling Insulation - assistance of up to $1,200 to install ceiling insulation in the homes of eligible owner-occupiers, landlords and tenants.
Energy Efficient Homes Package - Solar Hot Water - rebate of up to $1,600 to help eligible home-owners, landlords or tenants replace their electric storage hot water systems with solar hot water systems; or up to $1,000 for replacement with heat pump systems.
Green Loans - provide free Home Sustainability Assessments and access to interest free Green Loans of up to $10,000 each to make the changes recommended in the assessment.
National Rainwater and Greywater Initiative - rebates of up to $500 for households to install rainwater tanks or greywater systems.

Federal government information lines: 1800 808 571 for information on rebates for Ceiling Insulation, Solar Hot Water, Rainwater Tanks & Greywater systems and 1800 895 076 for information re Home Sustainability Assessments & Green Loans.

NSW Government

Rainwater tank rebate - up to $1500 for rainwater tanks connected to toilets and washing machines
Hot water system rebate - up to $1200 to switch from electric to solar, heat pump or gas hot water systems
Washing machine rebate - $150 for buying a 4.5 star or higher WELS rated washing machine
Solar Bonus Scheme - will credit participating customers with a "gross" feed-in tariff rate of 60 cents per klowatt hour for all the electricity that their eligible solar photovoltaic (PV) system or wind turbine generates. The Scheme will commence on 1 January 2010 and operate for 7 years.

Phone the Department of Environment and Climate Change's Environment Line: 1300 361 967 for information re NSW government rebates for Rainwater Tanks, Hot Water Systems, Washing Machines and more information on the Solar Bonus Scheme.

Note: Hot water systems, insulation or rainwater tanks installed to comply with BASIX (the Building Sustainability Index) for new homes and major renovations are not eligible for a rebate.

Sutherland Shire Council also supports the following program:

Fridge Buyback - up to $35 to have a second fridge removed from your home. Hotline: 1800 708 401

For further general information on water and energy efficiency initiatives contact council on 02 9710 0333 and ask to speak to the Sustainability Educator.

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For other types of grants, see the Community Grants page.