Australian Government Directory of Services for Older People 2012-2013
Environmental programs and rebates
Table of contents
Clean Energy Future Household Assistance Package
Through the Clean Energy Future Household Assistance Package, the Government will ensure that those Australians who need help the most—particularly pensioners and low and middle income households—will get assistance for the carbon price’s impact on the cost of living.Households will receive assistance in two ways:
- increases in pensions, allowances and family payments
- income tax cuts on top of these increases.
About a Clean Energy Future
The Australian Government has a comprehensive plan to move to a clean energy future. This includes:- introducing a carbon price
- promoting innovation and investment in renewable energy
- encouraging energy efficiency
- creating opportunities in the land sector to cut pollution.
- assist households with price impacts by cutting taxes and increasing payments
- support jobs and competitiveness
- build our new clean energy future.
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Renewable Energy Target—Solar Credits
The Renewable Energy Target (RET) scheme encourages the deployment of large and small-scale renewable energy technologies such as wind farms, solar, geothermal and hydroelectric power, as well as rooftop solar panels and solar water heaters.The RET scheme is designed to deliver on the Government’s commitment to ensure that the equivalent of at least 20 per cent of Australia’s electricity comes from renewable sources by 2020. This means that in 10 years’ time the amount of electricity coming from sources like solar, wind and geothermal will be about equal to Australia’s current household electricity use.
The RET includes incentives to help Australian households, businesses and community groups ‘do their bit’ on climate change. The RET supports the deployment of renewable energy systems, including small-scale rooftop solar panels and solar water heaters, using a mechanism of ‘tradeable’ renewable energy certificates (RECs).
Solar Credits is an RET mechanism which boosts support to households, businesses and community groups that install roof top solar panels, mini-wind and micro-hydro systems by multiplying the number of RECs able to be created for eligible installations.
Website: Department of Climate Change and Energy Efficiency at www.climatechange.gov.au
Postal: Department of Climate Change and Energy Efficiency
GPO Box 854
Canberra ACT 2601
Small-scale Renewable Energy Scheme
The Government is continuing to support households to install climate-friendly hot water systems through the Small-scale Renewable Energy Scheme. Under this scheme, solar and heat pump hot water systems are assigned a number of Small-scale Technology Certificates (STCs). Retailers usually offer an upfront discount on systems in exchange for the STCs.Website: Department of Climate Change and Energy Efficiency at www.climatechange.gov.au
Postal: Department of Climate Change and Energy Efficiency
GPO Box 854
Canberra ACT 2601
State or territory rebates
You may also be eligible for state rebates. Contact your state or territory government for information on rebates in your area.Solar Hot Water Rebate
The Solar Hot Water Rebate scheme, which was called the Renewable Energy Bonus Scheme (REBS) was discontinued as at 30 June 2012.Top of page