LED bulbs use 75% less energy than incandescent bulbs — DOE
    Turning off lights when leaving saves $30-50/year per household — ENERGY STAR
    Standby power ('vampire load') can account for 5-10% of home energy use — DOE
    ENERGY STAR certified TVs use 25% less energy than standard models
    Programmable thermostats can save about 10% on heating/cooling — DOE
    Sealing air leaks can save 10-20% on heating and cooling costs — ENERGY STAR
    Heat pumps can reduce heating energy use by 50% vs. electric resistance — DOE
    Ceiling fans allow you to raise AC settings 4°F with no comfort loss — DOE
    Heating water accounts for about 18% of home energy use — DOE
    Low-flow showerheads save 2,700 gallons/year for a family of four — EPA
    Washing clothes in cold water can save $60+/year on water heating — ENERGY STAR
    Fixing a leaky faucet can save 3,000+ gallons/year — EPA
    ENERGY STAR refrigerators use 9% less energy than standard models
    Clean refrigerator coils annually for optimal efficiency — DOE
    Air-drying dishes instead of heat-dry saves 15-50% on dishwasher energy — DOE
    Proper attic insulation can cut heating/cooling costs by 15% — ENERGY STAR
    Windows can account for 25-30% of home heating/cooling energy use — DOE
    Window film can reduce solar heat gain by up to 70% — DOE
    Average US home solar system offsets 3-4 tons of CO₂ annually — EPA
    Solar panel costs have dropped 70%+ over the past decade — SEIA
    EVs cost about 60% less to fuel than gas vehicles — DOE
    Proper tire inflation improves gas mileage by 0.6% on average — DOE
    The average US household spends $2,000+/year on energy — EIA
    ENERGY STAR products have saved Americans $500 billion on energy bills
    LED bulbs use 75% less energy than incandescent bulbs — DOE
    Turning off lights when leaving saves $30-50/year per household — ENERGY STAR
    Standby power ('vampire load') can account for 5-10% of home energy use — DOE
    ENERGY STAR certified TVs use 25% less energy than standard models
    Programmable thermostats can save about 10% on heating/cooling — DOE
    Sealing air leaks can save 10-20% on heating and cooling costs — ENERGY STAR
    Heat pumps can reduce heating energy use by 50% vs. electric resistance — DOE
    Ceiling fans allow you to raise AC settings 4°F with no comfort loss — DOE
    Heating water accounts for about 18% of home energy use — DOE
    Low-flow showerheads save 2,700 gallons/year for a family of four — EPA
    Washing clothes in cold water can save $60+/year on water heating — ENERGY STAR
    Fixing a leaky faucet can save 3,000+ gallons/year — EPA
    ENERGY STAR refrigerators use 9% less energy than standard models
    Clean refrigerator coils annually for optimal efficiency — DOE
    Air-drying dishes instead of heat-dry saves 15-50% on dishwasher energy — DOE
    Proper attic insulation can cut heating/cooling costs by 15% — ENERGY STAR
    Windows can account for 25-30% of home heating/cooling energy use — DOE
    Window film can reduce solar heat gain by up to 70% — DOE
    Average US home solar system offsets 3-4 tons of CO₂ annually — EPA
    Solar panel costs have dropped 70%+ over the past decade — SEIA
    EVs cost about 60% less to fuel than gas vehicles — DOE
    Proper tire inflation improves gas mileage by 0.6% on average — DOE
    The average US household spends $2,000+/year on energy — EIA
    ENERGY STAR products have saved Americans $500 billion on energy bills
    LED bulbs use 75% less energy than incandescent bulbs — DOE
    Turning off lights when leaving saves $30-50/year per household — ENERGY STAR
    Standby power ('vampire load') can account for 5-10% of home energy use — DOE
    ENERGY STAR certified TVs use 25% less energy than standard models
    Programmable thermostats can save about 10% on heating/cooling — DOE
    Sealing air leaks can save 10-20% on heating and cooling costs — ENERGY STAR
    Heat pumps can reduce heating energy use by 50% vs. electric resistance — DOE
    Ceiling fans allow you to raise AC settings 4°F with no comfort loss — DOE
    Heating water accounts for about 18% of home energy use — DOE
    Low-flow showerheads save 2,700 gallons/year for a family of four — EPA
    Washing clothes in cold water can save $60+/year on water heating — ENERGY STAR
    Fixing a leaky faucet can save 3,000+ gallons/year — EPA
    ENERGY STAR refrigerators use 9% less energy than standard models
    Clean refrigerator coils annually for optimal efficiency — DOE
    Air-drying dishes instead of heat-dry saves 15-50% on dishwasher energy — DOE
    Proper attic insulation can cut heating/cooling costs by 15% — ENERGY STAR
    Windows can account for 25-30% of home heating/cooling energy use — DOE
    Window film can reduce solar heat gain by up to 70% — DOE
    Average US home solar system offsets 3-4 tons of CO₂ annually — EPA
    Solar panel costs have dropped 70%+ over the past decade — SEIA
    EVs cost about 60% less to fuel than gas vehicles — DOE
    Proper tire inflation improves gas mileage by 0.6% on average — DOE
    The average US household spends $2,000+/year on energy — EIA
    ENERGY STAR products have saved Americans $500 billion on energy bills
    Active
    Australia
    General

    NSW Energy Savings Scheme (ESS) (Australia)

    New South Wales financial incentives encouraging households to install energy-efficient appliances and lighting.

    Available Amount

    Varies ($50 - $1,000+)

    Start Date

    July 1, 2009

    End Date

    December 31, 2050

    Eligibility

    New South Wales homeowners and tenants using approved installers under the scheme.

    Eligible Upgrades & Scope

    Heat pump hot waterAir conditioning upgradesLED lighting upgrades

    Policy Context & Overview

    Short Answer: The ESS provides financial incentives to install energy-efficient products, creating Energy Savings Certificates (ESCs) to offset equipment and installation costs.

    The Energy Savings Scheme (ESS) is a New South Wales (NSW) Government initiative designed to reduce electricity consumption across the state. Administered by the Independent Pricing and Regulatory Tribunal (IPART), the scheme incentivizes households to upgrade old, energy-intensive equipment to modern, high-efficiency models. By creating tradeable Energy Savings Certificates (ESCs) for every megawatt-hour of electricity saved, the scheme reduces the upfront purchase barriers for home efficiency upgrades.

    Support Categories & Estimated Rebates

    Under the ESS, accredited certificate providers offer subsidized upgrades. Typical residential discounts include:

    • Heat Pump Water Heaters: Replaces greenhouse-intensive electric resistive hot water systems. Homeowners typically receive a $500 to $1,200 discount.
    • Air Conditioning Upgrades: Transitioning to high-efficiency split system air conditioners. Rebates range from $300 to $900 based on cooling capacity.
    • Commercial to Residential: Small home businesses can claim commercial-grade LED upgrades and refrigeration upgrades.

    Eligibility Requirements

    • Location: The property must be located in New South Wales.
    • Product Standards: All installed heat pumps, lighting, and air conditioners must be approved by IPART for use under the ESS.
    • Accreditation Gate: Only Accredited Certificate Providers (ACPs) are authorized to implement these activities and create the tradeable ESCs.

    Step-by-Step Application Guide

    1. Find an ACP: Search the IPART portal for accredited providers operating in your region.
    2. Schedule Assessment: The ACP evaluates your existing appliances (e.g., verifying the presence of an old electric hot water tank).
    3. Installation: Qualified contractors complete the swap and remove the old unit.
    4. Complete Paperwork: Sign the ESC nomination form to transfer the carbon credit rights to the ACP.
    5. Pay Net Cost: Pay the discounted invoice amount.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    • Q: Can I combine this with federal solar incentives?
      • A: Yes. You can claim NSW ESS rebates for a heat pump water heater while also claiming federal SRES STC discounts on the same installation.
    • Q: What happens to the old appliance?
      • A: Under the rules of the scheme, the old appliance must be safely decommissioned and recycled by the installer to prevent it from being reconnected elsewhere.

    Ready to Apply?

    Visit the official program website to check your eligibility, find application forms, and get the most up-to-date information.

    Visit Official Program Site

    Other Programs You May Qualify For

    Active

    Small-scale Renewable Energy Scheme (SRES) (Australia)

    Federal incentive creating Small-scale Technology Certificates (STCs) that act as an upfront discount on solar and heat pumps.

    Up to $3,000 - $4,500 (Point-of-sale discount)

    Active

    Victorian Energy Upgrades (VEU) Program (Australia)

    State government initiative providing discounts on energy-saving products for Victorian homes and businesses.

    Varies ($100 - $1,500+)