Incentives for Electrifying Your Home
Electrifying your home can cost less upfront thanks to state and territory government rebates, discounts and incentives. These help with upgrading to efficient electric heating, hot water, cooking, solar panels, and more. Many incentives work alongside federal programs like STCs (Small-Scale Technology Certificates) to reduce installation costs.
Below is a snapshot of what’s available across Australia.
Victoria
Victoria has some of the most comprehensive support for home electrification:
Victorian Energy Upgrades (VEU) program
- Upfront discounts on efficient electric appliances:
- Heat pump hot water
- Reverse-cycle air conditioner (heating & cooling)
- Induction cooktops
- Discounts range from modest amounts for smaller upgrades to thousands of dollars for big replacements like heating systems. See the VEU website for more information.
Solar Victoria Rebates
- Rebates for heat pump hot water systems
- Rebates and loans for solar panels (including rental homes in some cases)
Because incentives often come as discounts provided by accredited providers, installers will provide a supply & installation quote net of rebates, meaning a lower upfront cost.
Strict eligbility criteria applies, see the Solar Victoria website for more information.
Why this matters: Victoria’s combined programs make it cheaper to electrify space heating, hot water, cooking, solar and other appliances — all in one place.
VIC Solar Homes Program Revised Eligibility
For the Victorian Solar Homes Program, the primary eligibility change is a reduced household income cap. Starting 1 July 2026, the combined household taxable income limit has dropped from $210,000 to $150,000 per year.
This updated threshold applies to both owner-occupiers and rental properties (where the renters’ income is assessed).
What the Changes Mean
- Rebate Values Remain Unchanged: Eligible households can still receive up to $1,400 for solar panel (PV) systems, along with the option for an equivalent 4-year interest-free loan. Hot water upgrades offer up to $1,000 (or $1,400 for eligible Australian-made systems).
- Income Limit Drop: If your household earns between $150,000 and $210,000, you will be excluded from accessing the Solar Victoria rebates.
- Property Criteria: Homes must still be valued at under $3 million and must not have previously received a solar panel or battery rebate under the Solar Homes Program.
To secure a rebate under the current $210,000 income eligibility cap, applications must be submitted in full by 5 pm on Tuesday 30 June 2026.
Mandatory Cyber Security Protections
To protect consumer data and secure the electrical grid, Solar Victoria has implemented new cyber security standards for all eligible smart energy devices.
- All connected products must align with stricter national cyber security rules.
- These updates ensure that remotely managed energy devices in your home remain secure against potential network vulnerabilities
See the Solar Victoria website for more information.
Rebate incentive program terms & conditions are subject to change without notice.
New South Wales
NSW supports electrification with rebates and discounts tied to energy-saving upgrades:
Energy Savings Scheme (ESS)
- Discounts applied at installation (not cash paid later)
- Helps reduce the upfront cost of high-efficiency systems like heat pump hot water and efficient electric appliances through approved installers.
See the ESS website for more information.
Household Energy Upgrade Incentives
- Discount amounts vary but can materially reduce costs when upgrading systems.
How it works: NSW’s incentives appear as an upfront discount on your quote. Be sure you choose an approved accredited installer to access these savings.
NSW Home Energy Saver Program
The NSW Government’s $557 million Home Energy Saver program is helping households electrify sooner, with zero‑interest finance and upfront discounts to make energy upgrades more affordable.
By removing upfront cost barriers, more families can invest in efficient, electric technologies that reduce energy bills and improve home comfort year-round.
What you can access
- Zero-interest loans up to $15,000 to fund energy upgrades, repaid over up to 10 years
- Available to households earning up to $210,000 combined income
- Discounts up to $4,000 for lower-income households (launching later in 2026)
- Eligible for homeowners, landlords and renters (with landlord approval)
- Covers a wide range of upgrades, including:
- Heat pump & Solar hot water systems
- Rooftop solar and home batteries
- Reverse-cycle air conditioning
- Heat pump hot water systems
- Insulation and draught-proofing
- Switchboard upgrades and ceiling fans
Why it matters
- Spread the cost of upgrades instead of paying upfront
- Start reducing energy bills from day one
- Improve comfort — cooler in summer, warmer in winter
- Accelerate the switch from gas to efficient electric solutions
See the NSW Climate and Energy Action website for more information.
Rebate incentive program terms & conditions are subject to change without notice.
Australian Capital Territory
The ACT offers strong electrification support, especially for households with concession cards:
Home Energy Support Program
- Rebates and support for replacing gas systems with efficient electric appliances and for installing solar PV
- Concession card holders can receive notable rebates on heat pumps and reverse-cycle air conditioning.
See the Climate Choice website for more information. Ensure your quote is from an accredited supplier.
Rebate incentive program terms & conditions are subject to change without notice.
South Australia
SA encourages energy upgrades through:
Retailer Energy Productivity Scheme (REPS)
- Energy retailers offer incentives, discounts, or products that reduce energy use and emissions (including heat pumps and efficient appliances).
See the Government of SA website for more information.
City of Adelaide Sustainability Incentives
Local rebates for sustainable upgrades, including hot water and solar systems (Adelaide residents only). See the City of Adelaide website for more information.
Rebate incentive program terms & conditions are subject to change without notice.
Federal & Other
The Federal Goverment offers several incentives to offset the cost of electrification upgrades:
- STCs (Small-Scale Technology Certificates) help with solar PV, and heat pump & solar hot water systems.
- The Federal Government’s Cheaper Home Batteries Program
- Virtual Power Plant (VPP) programs each have their own eligibility rules—covering factors like location, system size, equipment, retailer, or customer type. Some are widely available, while others are limited to specific regions or groups.
Rebate incentive program terms & conditions are subject to change without notice.
How Incentives Typically Work
Federal + State can stack
Many households can combine:
- Federal STCs on solar and heat pumps
- State rebates or discounts
This makes electrification significantly cheaper.
Accredited installers matter
Some programs don’t pay you directly — instead, the installer reduces your quote by the rebate amount. Always confirm with your installer they are approved under the relevant scheme.
Quick Tips Before You Apply
Check eligibility
Rebates depend on where you live, the appliance you’re replacing, what you’re replacing it with and sometimes your electricity provider.
Ask for detailed quotes
Make sure rebates are itemised so you see the savings. Ensure the installer is licensed for all trades undertaken.
Don’t fall for scams
Always check information through official sites — Do not rely cold callers, unsolicited ads or 3rd party websites selling you a solution.