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Energy rebates guide

Government Discounts on Energy-Saving Appliances in 2026

Cutting your usage is the most lasting way to lower bills. Several states pay part of the cost of efficient appliances and upgrades. Here is what is on offer.

Checked against regulator sources, October 2026

Programs
8
compared here
States
5
with a program
Checked
Oct 2026
official sources

What to know

Most upgrade programs are open to everyone, not just concession card holders. NSW and Victoria take a discount straight off an installer's quote for efficient air conditioners and heat pump hot water, and South Australia's retailers offer discounts under REPS.

Some programs target lower-income homeowners with bigger help, such as the ACT's Home Energy Support Program and NSW Home Energy Saver. The federal Cheaper Home Batteries Program discounts batteries across the country.

Energy upgrade discounts and rebates

Energy upgrade discounts and rebates, 2026-27
ProgramWhereWorth
Home Energy SaverNSWDiscount up to $4,000 or zero-interest loan up to $15,000
Air conditioner upgrade incentiveNSWUp to about $550 to $560 off a 6 kW system
Hot water upgrade incentiveNSWUp to about $640 off a heat pump
Victorian Energy UpgradesVICUpfront discounts, up to $1,610 on reverse-cycle air conditioning
Supercharged Solar for RentersQLDUp to $3,500 per rental home
Retailer Energy Productivity Scheme (REPS)SADiscounted efficient appliances and upgrades
Home Energy Support ProgramACTUp to $5,000: 50% of costs, up to $2,500 per upgrade
Cheaper Home Batteries ProgramNationalAbout 30% off, tiered by battery size from 1 May 2026
From official government sources, checked October 2026. Follow the links for full rules.

Rebates by state: NSW, VIC, QLD, SA, WA, TAS, ACT, NT, federal.

What each program requires

Home Energy Saver (NSW)

  • Loans: you own the property, are an Australian citizen or permanent resident, and your combined taxable household income is up to $210,000.
  • Discounts: you own the property or are a tenant named on the lease, and either hold an eligible concession card or have a combined household income up to $80,000.

Paid: As an upfront discount or a zero-interest loan for approved energy upgrades. Full details.

Air conditioner upgrade incentive (NSW)

  • All NSW households and small businesses may be eligible.
  • You are installing a new energy-efficient air conditioner or replacing an old one with a more efficient model.
  • You may not qualify if you already have an efficient air conditioner, because the discount is based on the energy you will save.

Paid: As an upfront discount on your installer's quote. Full details.

Hot water upgrade incentive (NSW)

  • All NSW households and small businesses may be eligible.
  • You are replacing an existing water heater with an efficient heat pump or solar hot water system.
  • You may not qualify if your current system is already efficient.

Paid: As an upfront discount on your installer's quote. Full details.

Victorian Energy Upgrades (VIC)

  • All Victorian households are eligible, whether you own, rent or invest.
  • In most cases you need to replace an older appliance with an approved efficient model.
  • Renters need landlord approval for some upgrades, such as heating and cooling.

Paid: As an upfront discount on the quote. You only pay the remaining amount. Full details.

Supercharged Solar for Renters (QLD)

  • You own a rental home in Queensland as an individual and live in Australia. Trusts, self-managed super funds and companies cannot apply.
  • The home is a house, townhouse, duplex or granny flat (a Class 1a building), not an apartment, and has its own electricity meter.
  • It has no solar system, is not in an embedded network, and you do not live in any part of it.

Paid: Paid to the landlord after final approval, not to the retailer or installer. Full details.

Retailer Energy Productivity Scheme (REPS) (SA)

  • South Australian households and businesses, with a focus on low-income households.
  • Offers depend on what your retailer or its activity providers are delivering at the time.

Paid: As discounted products or installation, delivered by your retailer or an activity provider. Full details.

Home Energy Support Program (ACT)

  • You live in the ACT and own and live in the home where the upgrade will be installed.
  • You hold a Pensioner Concession Card, DVA Gold Card or Health Care Card.
  • You have attended a free online Everyday Climate Choices workshop.

Paid: As a rebate of 50% of the supply and installation cost. Full details.

Cheaper Home Batteries Program

  • Homes, small businesses and community facilities installing a battery connected to solar, new or existing.
  • The battery and installer must meet the program's requirements under the Small-scale Renewable Energy Scheme.

Paid: As an upfront discount on the battery price. Full details.

Common questions

Yes. NSW offers an upfront discount of up to about $640 under the Energy Savings Scheme, and Victorian Energy Upgrades offers discounts that the government says can reach $630.

Not for most. NSW Energy Savings Scheme discounts and Victorian Energy Upgrades are open to all households. The ACT Home Energy Support Program requires a card.

Some. Victorian Energy Upgrades is open to renters, with landlord approval for heating and cooling, and NSW Home Energy Saver discounts can be used by tenants named on the lease.

Sources

Every rate on this page comes from the regulator or the regulated retailer. Last checked October 2026. Prices include GST unless we say otherwise.