Beyond the federal STC scheme, every Australian state and territory runs its own energy efficiency incentive programs. These range from generous upfront rebates to interest-free loans to certificate-based discount schemes. Knowing what's available in your state can save you thousands on home energy upgrades. Here's a detailed breakdown for every jurisdiction.
Victoria — The Most Generous State
Victoria consistently offers the broadest and most valuable range of energy efficiency rebates in Australia.
Victorian Energy Upgrades (VEU) Scheme
The VEU scheme (formerly VEET) is Victoria's flagship energy efficiency program. It creates Victorian Energy Efficiency Certificates (VEECs) when accredited providers install energy-efficient products in homes. The certificates are sold to energy retailers, and the value is passed back to homeowners as point-of-sale discounts. Key rebates include:
- Gas ducted heating replacement: Up to $5,530 towards replacing gas ducted heating with a reverse cycle air conditioning system.
- Space heating upgrades: Significant discounts on efficient split systems and reverse cycle units.
- LED lighting: Free or heavily subsidised LED downlight replacements.
- Draught sealing: Subsidised professional draught proofing for doors, windows, and gaps.
- Insulation: Discounts on ceiling and underfloor insulation.
- Hot water: Discounts on heat pump hot water systems (stacks with STCs).
Solar Victoria Programs
- Battery rebate: Up to $1,400 off home battery installations.
- Hot water rebate: Up to $1,000 off heat pump or solar hot water systems.
New South Wales
Energy Savings Scheme (ESS)
The ESS is NSW's primary energy efficiency incentive program, operating since 2009. Accredited Certificate Providers (ACPs) create Energy Savings Certificates (ESCs) when they deliver energy-saving activities. Homeowners receive the benefit as point-of-sale discounts on qualifying products including:
- Heat pump hot water systems
- High-efficiency air conditioners
- LED lighting upgrades
- Pool pump replacements
- Refrigerator and freezer upgrades
Peak Demand Reduction Scheme (PDRS)
Launched in 2022, the PDRS complements the ESS by specifically targeting reductions in peak electricity demand. It provides additional incentives for appliances that reduce consumption during peak periods, including efficient air conditioners and smart hot water controllers. Discounts vary by product and provider.
Queensland
Battery Booster Program
Queensland's Battery Booster provides grants of up to $4,000 for eligible households installing home battery systems. The program targets owner-occupiers and has income eligibility criteria. Priority is given to households in regional areas and those on concession cards.
Interest-Free Loans
The Queensland government offers interest-free loans of up to $10,000 for energy efficiency upgrades including solar panels, batteries, hot water systems, and insulation. Loans are repaid over 7 years with no interest charges, making them an accessible way to fund upgrades without large upfront costs.
Climate Smart Initiative
Queensland's Climate Smart program provides energy assessments and targeted rebates for households, with a focus on low-income and vulnerable communities. The program helps identify the most impactful upgrades for each household and connects them with available incentives.
South Australia
Retailer Energy Productivity Scheme (REPS)
SA's REPS requires electricity retailers to help households and businesses improve energy productivity. Retailers offer subsidised or free energy-efficient products and services to meet their obligations, including:
- LED lighting upgrades
- Standby power controllers
- Draught proofing
- Efficient showerheads
- Priority access programs for concession holders
Home Battery Scheme
SA's Home Battery Scheme provides subsidies of up to $2,000 for home battery installations. South Australia has the highest per-capita battery uptake in the country, driven by high electricity prices and strong solar adoption.
ACT
Sustainable Household Scheme
The ACT's Sustainable Household Scheme is arguably the most flexible program in Australia. It offers interest-free loans of up to $15,000, repayable over up to 10 years, covering an extraordinarily wide range of upgrades:
- Rooftop solar panels
- Battery storage systems
- Heat pump hot water systems
- Reverse cycle heating and cooling
- Electric vehicle charging infrastructure
- Ceiling insulation and draught proofing
- Induction cooktops
- Electric vehicles (added in recent expansion)
Access to Electric
This program specifically supports low-income households in the ACT to transition away from gas. It provides additional subsidies and support beyond the Sustainable Household Scheme for eligible concession card holders.
Western Australia
Distributed Energy Buyback Scheme (DEBS)
While not a rebate per se, WA's DEBS provides time-varying feed-in tariffs for solar exports. The scheme pays higher rates during peak demand periods (typically 3pm–9pm) and lower rates at other times, incentivising battery storage and smart energy management.
Household Energy Efficiency Scheme (HEES)
HEES provides targeted energy efficiency support for concession card holders in WA, including free home energy assessments, subsidised draught proofing, and efficient appliance upgrades.
Tasmania
Energy Saver Loans
Tasmania offers low-interest loans of up to $10,000 for energy efficiency improvements. The program covers solar panels, batteries, heat pump hot water, ceiling insulation, and efficient heating. With Tasmania's cooler climate, heating efficiency upgrades are particularly valuable here.
How to Access These Schemes
Accessing these schemes varies by state:
- Certificate-based schemes (VEU, ESS, REPS): Contact an accredited provider in your state. They handle the paperwork and apply the discount at point of sale. You don't need to apply separately.
- Rebate programs (Solar Victoria, Battery Booster): Apply online through the relevant state government portal before purchasing or installing. You typically need pre-approval.
- Loan schemes (ACT SHS, TAS Energy Saver): Apply through the administering body, get approved, then select an approved supplier from their panel.
Use our Rebate Finder tool to see which specific programs you're eligible for based on your state, property type, and planned upgrades.