Queensland Energy Efficient Appliance Rebate Ends Soon

Image: Queensland Government

Queenslanders have less than two weeks to purchase an energy efficient appliance eligible for a State Government rebate. 40,000 Queensland households have so far received a rebate, with another 10,000 applications currently being processed.

Originally announced late last year, with applications accepted since February, the scheme provides households  up to $300 back on new 4-star energy rated fridges, washing machines or air-conditioners purchased before midnight on June 3.

The online application form must be submitted within 30 days of the date of purchase, so for those who buy an appliance on the final day, applications will close at midnight on 3 July 2018. According to the Government, rebates are being processed within 20 days, assuming all required information is provided.

As well as non-solar households, updating appliances can also be beneficial for to those with solar power systems, especially households with small solar panel arrays.

Old fridges in particular are notorious for being energy suckers – a $250 rebate is available for 4-star energy rated refrigerators or fridge/freezers.

If you’re looking for some helpful tips on purchasing a new refrigerator, SQ’s Ronald offers some fridge-buying advice (just take the rebate amount into account when considering Ronald’s figures).

The scheme hasn’t just been beneficial to consumers in helping them save money, but also for Queensland’s appliance retailers that are enjoying increased sales activity.

“Retailers have seen a rapid increase in demand for energy efficient appliances since the rebate opened in January,” said Assistant State Development Minister Julieanne Gilbert.

Minister Gilbert said in regional areas of the state, Mackay and Toowoomba had been the biggest buyers of eligible appliances.

Energy Minister Dr Anthony Lynham (pictured above) said 28 per cent of the rebates paid to date had gone to Queenslanders with concession cards.

“Every month since this started, 10,000 Queenslanders have pocketed the rebate, but all good things come to an end,” he said.

Further details about the rebate can be viewed here.

The scheme is part of the Queensland Government’s Affordable Energy Plan. Another element of the Plan to begin rolling out recently was a $50 electricity bill credit to 1.9 million Queensland households. A further $50 credit will be issued next year. 

$50 is hardly enough to get  really excited about, but still better than the proverbial eye-poking with a sharp stick – and will provide a little relief to households where every dollar counts.