The Queensland government has announced a new $22 million Smart Energy Savers program offering rebates for a range of energy efficient appliances for the state’s residents to reduce emissions.
The rebate is expected to cover upgrades to washing machines, fridges, dryers, dishwashers, air conditioners, and hot water systems with an estimated 40,000 households are expected to benefit from the scheme.
As the Palaszczuk government pushes to ease cost-of-living pressures, eligible low-income households can claim up $1000 to upgrade their appliances from 2 stars efficiency-rating to 4 stars or above. This rebate is separate from the already existing electricity bill rebates of $550 for seniors and $1072 for concession-card holders.
While low-income households will be able to claim the most on appliances, all Queenslanders will be eligible to access the cost-of-living supplement on the selected appliances.
The change is expected to save individual Queensland households hundreds to thousands of dollars a year and reduce Queensland’s CO2 emissions by thousands of tonnes each year.
“We’re proud to support Queenslanders with this additional cost of living relief package,” said Queensland premier, Annastacia Palaszczuk. “This includes the biggest electricity bill support package in the nation which comes on top of these rebates.”
Here’s how the rebates work.
| APPLIANCE | STANDARD INCOME | LOW INCOME |
| Washing Machines | $300 | $550 |
| Dish Washers | $300 | $550 |
| Dryers | $300 | $550 |
| Refrigerators | $350 | $600 |
| Air conditioners | $400 | $650 |
| Solar and heat pump hot water systems | $800 | $1,000 |