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ACT Energy Consumer Policy Consortium media release,
Tuesday 19 December 2017.
Solar rebates for low income homes welcomed
Eligibility: The program is available to home owner occupiers who are in possession of an Australian Government Pensioner Concession Card
A consortium of business, conservation and community groups has welcomed the launch of a new program to assist low income households install solar panels today by the ACT Government.
According to the ACT Government, the program will help Canberrans living in low income households significantly reduce their energy by offering participants a rebate of up to 60% on costs for the supply and installation of a rooftop solar photovoltaic system with estimated savings of $300 to $900 a year. The subsidy will also cover upgrades for a switchboard and smart meter if required. Participants will have access to an interest free loan to pay back the remaining installation costs over a three year period.
Not many people I think would be eligible but for those that are, I think its not a bad set up - I could be wrong. I just did a copy & paste. Hopefully some will benefit.
Asset tests are still something that needs to be considered as well and have changed drastically from 2016 - 2017. Please see the link below as it shows you how much you can own in assets before government allowances become effected.
E.g - Single homeowners part pension assets must be less than (in 2016) - $793,750 (in 2017)$542,500
https://www.catholicsuper.com.au/retirement/centrelink-aged-…
Members of the ACT Energy Consumers Policy Consortium have today welcomed the announcement.
According to Carmel Franklin, Director of Care Financial Counselling, “Low income households need support to adapt to more extreme weather events and to reduce their energy costs. Without this assistance we see growing hardship associated with bill shock and poor health caused by inadequate temperature control in cold winters and hot summers.”
The Canberra Business Chambers, Ron Thompson, also welcomed the announcement stating that, “Reducing household budget pressures from energy bills leaves money for other essential items and builds capacity to spend money in the local economy.”
The Conservation Council’s Larry O’Loughlin noted that, “The ACT Climate Change Council has recommended the ACT Government accelerate the transition to zero net emissions from 2050 back to 2045. Measures like this announced today are needed to ensure we reach this earlier target date.”
Edwina Robinson, Executive Director of SEE-Change, said that, “Government investment in reducing carbon footprint is both urgent and supported by the community.”
Welcoming the focus on low income households, Susan Helyar, Director of the ACT Council of Social Service, said that, “Middle and higher income households in Canberra have been provided with significant subsidies to invest in solar panels. It is vital that lower income households are given better access to this technology and infrastructure.”
More information about the program can be found here:
https://www.actsmart.act.gov.au/what-can-i-do/homes/Actsmart…
Whereas in NSW, let's give rebates to people who can afford their electricity bills.