Supercharge your energy efficiency with an energy-saver scheme! As well as promoting sustainability and reducing greenhouse gas emissions, you will also transform your bottom line!
Energy saving schemes are available to help you install energy saving measures although do vary across Australia’s states and territories.
Therefore, it is vital to understand the customised energy-efficient solutions for homes and businesses that apply to you.
Read our comprehensive guide to Australian energy-saving schemes and equip yourself with the knowledge you need today!
What is an energy-saving scheme?
An energy-saving scheme is an initiative created and led by the Australian government that promotes energy efficiency.
An energy-saving scheme targets businesses and households and encourages you to adopt energy-saving practices. You could save money securing a home energy efficiency retrofit (HEER) activities!
For example, encouraging the switch from gas to electric is a crucial push for the government.
What is the aim of an energy-saving scheme?
The aim of all energy-saving schemes is to reduce greenhouse emissions. This subsequently lowers energy costs to make homes and businesses cheaper to run.
This contributes to the Australian government’s target to reduce greenhouse emissions by 43% below 2005 levels by 2030.
Across the country, Australia’s businesses emit around 146.5 million tonnes of the nation’s carbon emissions annually. Businesses must contribute towards reducing this figure.
Additional aims of energy-saving schemes include lowering energy costs for businesses and households.
Almost every business and household can save money when switching to greener alternatives! For example, a 3kW solar PV system can reduce electricity bills by up to $600 a year.
Use energy-saving schemes to improve energy security, reduce energy waste and enhance energy conservation.
Leading Australian Energy-Saving Schemes
VIC, NSW, SA, and ACT current operate the dominant energy-saving schemes. However, schemes running in TAS and QLD are gaining pace and providing unabridge successes.
Image: Conservia
Here are the top 6 energy-saving schemes in operation across Australia:
1. Victorian Energy Upgrades (VEU)
Available across Victoria, the Victorian Energy Upgrades program provides access to discounted energy-efficient products and services. This is available for both households and businesses, although certain conditions apply.
You can save money on the purchase and installation of several energy-efficient activities and equipment upgrades.
You will reduce your emissions to the equivalent of one-tonne of CO2! You will also experience lower energy costs on a continuous basis and reduce electricity consumption.
Image: Shell Energy
How to apply for VEU
To apply for VEU, you must meet the eligibility check and explain the energy-efficiency activity you wish to pursue.
You need an accredited provider such as Ecosaver! Ecosaver will conduct an energy assessment of your building and explore your options with you.
Once you have agreed on the actions taken, a fast installation will commence.
Once completed, Ecosaver will create VEECs for you which verify your energy savings. Sell your VEECs to energy retailers as they are obliged to purchase them, offsetting your installation costs.
Image: Victoria
2. Energy Saving Scheme (ESS)
The Energy Saving Scheme is a financial incentive available in New South Wales from the NSW government. It requires electricity retailers to provide incentives to reduce energy consumption.
NSW households and small business save energy by supporting a range of energy efficient upgrades.
The Energy Savings Scheme helps the electricity retailer to meet their own goals and targets.
Typical examples of the scheme include upgrades to equipment and appliances, improving hot water appliances, draught proofing, and reducing lighting costs.
How to apply for ESS
To apply for ESS, you must meet the eligibility check to participate and each ESS rule. This predominantly applies to large businesses and substantial users of energy.
Eligible participants must become an ESS Accredited Certificate Provider after submitting the relevant documents and complying with ESS guidelines.
You can then register your energy-efficiency projects with the administrator of the ESS, documenting information such as baseline energy consumption.
Energy Saving Certificates (ESC) are then created by accredited certificate providers such as Ecosaver once projects have been measured and verified.
Each certificate represents one MWh of energy savings.
Your certificates can be sold to energy retailers, creating financial incentives for your business.
Choose Ecosaver today to handle your ESS participation! Contact enquiries@ecosaver.com now!
How to apply for ESS
To apply for ESS, you must meet the eligibility check to participate and each ESS rule. This predominantly applies to large businesses and substantial users of energy.
Eligible participants must become an ESS Accredited Certificate Provider after submitting the relevant documents and complying with ESS guidelines.
You can then register your energy-efficiency projects with the administrator of the ESS, documenting information such as baseline energy consumption.
Energy Saving Certificates (ESC) are then created by accredited certificate providers such as Ecosaver once projects have been measured and verified.
Each certificate represents one MWh of energy savings.
Your certificates can be sold to energy retailers, creating financial incentives for your business.
Choose Ecosaver today to handle your ESS participation! Contact enquiries@ecosaver.com now!
3. Retailer Energy Productivity Scheme (REPS)
Available inside South Australia, the Retailer Energy Productivity Scheme supports households and businesses to reduce energy costs.
Your home or business can access home energy efficiency retrofits and reduce your energy consumption.
Retailers have to meet their own target to roll-out sufficient activities under REPS.
Any REPS third-party contractor will provide you with necessary information about the energy-saving activities you can enjoy.
South Australian residents can additionally access the Emissions Reduction Fund to earn carbon credit units. Ask Ecosaver today for more information on the EMF!
How to apply for the REPS
Check that you are eligible to apply for the REPS and assess the energy-efficient activities or installations you require.
Contact Ecosaver about the Retailer Energy Productivity Scheme now! Our experts will advise you on the installation and any relevant costs and take care of installation for you.
Once installation is complete, measure the energy-savings achieved!
4. Energy Efficiency Improvement Scheme (EEIS)
The Energy Efficiency Improvement Scheme operates across ACT and provides rebates for households and businesses who install energy-efficient upgrades.
The Energy Efficiency Improvement Scheme benefits the household and business directly and contributes to the overall energy-saving targets of ACT.
How to apply for the EEIS
If you are a household in ACT, you could be eligible for the EEIS.
Contact Ecosaver as an Accredited Certificate Provider (ACP) who will complete the EEIS process with you.
Measure the energy saved as a result of your energy-saving activities. You will receive certificates which you can sell to energy retailers to offset the cost of installation.
Talk to an expert at Ecosaver now for more information on the EEIS!
5. EcoBiz
The EcoBiz energy saving program aims to target businesses in Queensland to cut their energy, waste and water bills.
The scheme requires the business to report on the energy efficient and cost saving opportunities at their disposal. You will receive the help and advice to make changes to your business.
How to apply for EcoBiz
When applying for EcoBiz, you must meet the eligibility check to participate. Typically, you will need a business that is located in Queensland.
Register your participation, a regional expert will complete an energy assessment and create a report. The report will detail the opportunities available to your business.
As a result of EcoBiz participation, the food service On The Wallaby has experienced 100% energy reduction!
Equally impressive, the business Seabean Tapas Bar and Restaurant has experienced a 30% waste reduction whilst participating with EcoBiz!
6. Tasmanian Energy Efficiency Loan Scheme (TEELS)
TEELS is a government-funded initiative that is delivering nation-leading results. The scheme contributes financially to the installation of energy-efficient appliances.
Brighte Capital is the confirmed finance partner and program provider.
Households and businesses in Tasmania can both benefit, borrowing up to $10,000 from the Tasmanian Energy Efficiency Loan Scheme.
How to apply for the TEELS
Small businesses and households in Tasmania may be eligible to apply for the TEELS. On the scheme, you may access a loan to finance energy-saving upgrades to your building to a value of $10,000.
You will need to contact an approved provider and meet their requirements. Once approved, complete the energy-saving installations such as solar panel or heat pump installation.
The loan is paid back in repayments over time but you should experience lower energy usage and energy costs immediately.
Why choose Ecosaver?
Ecosaver will choose the most effective energy-saving scheme for you and your circumstances.
Stop wading through volumes of information and let Ecosaver help you today!
Talk to an Ecosaver expert now or complete the online form for a FREE Audit & Quote!
