The ACT Government is helping cut the cost of living and carbon emissions through the Sustainable Household Scheme, which has now saved Canberrans more than $100 million on household bills.
Minister for Finance Rachel Stephen-Smith said that more than $276 million in loans have been settled since the start of the scheme in 2021, averaging out to one in every eight homes across Canberra taking out a loan.
"Through installation and upgrades of energy efficient products, scheme loans have supported more than $100 million in cumulative household bill savings from reduced energy bills and savings on fuel when purchasing an EV," Minister Stephen-Smith said.
Since 1 July 2025, with the introduction of the Commonwealth's complementary Cheaper Home Batteries program, there has been an increase in demand for battery systems.
Battery systems have accounted for more than half of all loan applications this financial year (53%), up from 10% prior to 1 July 2025. Over the life of the scheme, 63MWh of battery storage has been delivered, which is enough to fully charge 170 Transport Canberra electric buses.
"The Sustainable Household Scheme has been embraced by Canberrans. Loan demand remains steady and these milestones clearly demonstrate that our community is committed to embracing renewable energy and tackling climate change by switching from gas to electric appliances," Minister Stephen-Smith said.
Through the scheme, eligible Canberrans can get a low interest loan of between $2000 and $15,000 to improve their home's energy efficiency and reduce their carbon footprint.
Over the life of the scheme, households can install one or several energy-efficient electric products, including battery storage systems, electric heating and cooling systems, hot water heat pumps and evacuated tube solar hot water systems, electric stove tops, electric vehicle charging infrastructure and ceiling insulation.
"The scheme can also be used to support purchasing an electric vehicle – including second-hand vehicles – which is something even more Canberrans may be considering given current fuel prices," Minister Stephen-Smith said.
As a world leader on climate action, the ACT is committed to achieving net zero emissions by 2045 and helping the community to adapt to a changing climate.
