Sustainable Household Scheme
You might be able to get a loan to improve your home's energy efficiency. Reduce your environmental impact with energy efficient product upgrades. Eligible homeowners can borrow up to $15,000. You have up to 10 years to repay it*. There's zero interest, and no upfront costs or fees.
*Terms and Conditions apply.
About the program
This scheme provides zero-interest loans to help with the costs of energy-efficient upgrades.
Brighte is our partner and loan provider for the scheme.
If you're eligible, you can get a loan from $2,000 to $15,000. You can repay the loan over up to 10 years.
How it works
If you're eligible, you can get a loan from $2,000 to $15,000 to buy energy-efficient products. These include:
- rooftop solar panels
- household battery storage systems
- electric heating and cooling systems
- hot water heat pumps (HWHP) and evacuated tube solar hot water systems
- electric stove tops
- electric vehicles
- electric vehicle charging infrastructure
- ceiling insulation
- installation costs for these products.
Over the life of the scheme, you can install one product or a bundle of products from the list of eligible products. Together, these can be valued at up to $15,000.
You may borrow more than $15,000 depending on your loan application credit check. The loan provider may charge interest on funds borrowed above the limit.
Your repayments will begin when you either:
- install the product or system and it is operational
- buy the electric vehicle.
You can apply for a loan under this scheme and a subsidy under another program, such as the Home Energy Support Program.
Visit Make your next choice electric website to create your transition plan, see what some of the top-rated electric appliances are and learn how much you could save annually on your bill.
Buyers Guides
- Electric heating and cooling systems
- Hot water heat pumps (HWHP)
- Evacuated tube solar hot water systems
- Electric stove tops
- Electric cars
- Zero emission motorbikes
- Electric vehicle charging infrastructure
- Rooftop solar panels [PDF 2.5 MB]
- Household battery storage systems [PDF 2.1 MB]
- Ceiling insulation
Who can take part
Households
It's open to residents of the ACT who either own a home or hold a current driving licence (when applying for a loan for an electric vehicle).
You must meet the scheme's eligibility criteria (outlined in the Scheme Guidelines) and Brighte's lending criteria. This includes attending a free one-hour live workshop. These workshops will help you with your energy efficiency choices. You have the option of attending a workshop online or in person.
Eligibility
To check if you're eligible, and for more information read:
For more information about the scheme, read:
Rebates for concession card holders
If you have an eligible concession card, you may be able to apply for up to $5,000 in rebates through the Home Energy Support Program . Rebates can cover up to half the cost of energy efficiency upgrades including ceiling insulation, solar panels and switching from gas to efficient electric appliances. You can combine the rebate with a zero-interest loan of up to $10,000 through the Sustainable Household Scheme to reduce upfront costs.
Community Groups
Eligible groups can get a loan from $2,000 to $15,000 to buy energy-efficient products.
A group must meet the Scheme's eligibility criteria and Brighte's lending criteria. This includes attending a free one hour live workshop or participating in the Sustainable Business Program. You have the option of attending a workshop online or in person. These resources will help you with your energy efficiency choices.
Important: Before applying for a loan, you will need to check if you need to obtain relevant approvals. Check the FAQs for more details.
Eligibility
To check if your group is eligible and to learn more, read:
For more information about the scheme, read:
Apply now as a Community Group
Cost
There are no establishment fees or account-keeping costs.
You can repay the loan early with no penalty fee. But if you fall behind in your loan repayments, the loan provider may charge a fee.
You must meet standard credit criteria for the loan. This includes a good credit history and the ability to repay the loan without hardship.
If you can't repay the loan, the loan provider will have hardship support to help you.
The loan provider must follow the responsible lending practices in the National Consumer Protection Credit Act 2009.
To assist with reducing the loan size, Pensioner Concession Card, Department of Veterans’ Affairs Gold Card and Health Care Card holders may also be eligible for rebates on rooftop solar installation and other energy efficient products as part of the Home Energy Support program. Eligible households who are approved for one or more Home Energy Support rebates can also receive up to $10,000 in a zero-interest loan.
This means that the total support available from the ACT Government is $15,000 per eligible household, either through $15,000 in zero-interest loans only or through $10,000 in zero-interest loans and $5,000 in rebates.
Why it's important
The ACT is committed to net zero emissions by 2045. You can help us get there by installing and using energy efficient products.
The Sustainable Household Scheme Dashboard tracks Canberran’s investments in sustainable upgrades across the territory. View the dashboard to see what products have been installed and where.
Contact us
Sustainable Household Scheme
Email SHS@act.gov.au
Phone 13 22 81
Acknowledgement of Country
We acknowledge the Ngunnawal people as traditional custodians of the ACT and recognise any other people or families with connection to the lands of the ACT and region. We acknowledge and respect their continuing culture and the contribution they make to the life of this city and this region.