Queenslanders to save on appliance upgrades under new rebate

Great news for Queenslanders!

The government’s latest Smart Energy Saver program offers Australians the chance to save money on electrical appliances bought after September 4.

With a total budget of $44 million, Queensland households will be eligible to receive up to $1000 in rebates when upgrading older appliances with ones that hold a four or more star energy rating.

The rebate is an initiative under the Queensland Energy and Jobs Plan to help Queenslanders save on their energy bills and reduce carbon emissions and covers a variety of household appliances, including washing machines, refrigerators, dryers, dishwashers, air conditioners, and hot water systems.

What does this mean for older Australians?

For older Australians, the Smart Energy Saver program is being offered in addition to the electricity bill rebates of $550 and $1072 already in place for senior and concession card holders.

Aussies who fall under the low-income threshold will be eligible for higher rebate amounts. This includes:

• people who can provide a Notice of Assessment showing a taxable income under $66,667 for 2022-23 financial year;
• those who can declare they have lodged a Return Not Necessary with the ATO;
• those receiving a Government pension or benefit; and
• self-funded retirees.

As reported by the ABC, Alan Pears, from the School of Global, Urban and Social Studies at RMIT said the upgrading from two to four-star appliances can be “quite a big saving” in the long run.

“A washing machine that’s 1.5 stars would cost you about $1,600 [to run over 10 years] instead of about $470 for a 4-star appliance. So, over 10 years, you’d be about $1,200 ahead,” he said.

“The reality is, if your existing appliance is halfway through its life, then you would have to buy a new one at some point anyway.

“So, you’re paying a higher price until you replace your appliance.”

To qualify for this rebate program, applicants must meet the following criteria:

• Applicants must be a minimum of 18 years old and reside in Queensland. Commercial properties are not eligible for this rebate.
• Applications must be submitted within 30 days of purchasing and installing the appliance. Be sure to retain your purchase receipts as proof of acquisition.
• Submit your receipt as soon as you can, and be sure to verify the program’s current status with your retailer, as the program ends as soon as the funds run out.
• All rebate applications will be processed through the Queensland Rural and Industry Development Authority portal, with an assessment period of up to three weeks.

Each household is eligible to receive a single rebate, and the initiative will remain accessible until the program’s funding has been exhausted.

For more information, visit the Queensland Government website or phone 137-468.