Households across New South Wales will be able to access new financial support to install energy-efficient upgrades under a $557 million program designed to ease pressure on power bills and encourage wider uptake of cleaner home technology.
The Home Energy Saver program, introduced by the Minns Labor Government, opens from today and offers eligible households zero-interest loans of up to $15,000 to help cover the cost of improvements such as rooftop solar, household batteries, insulation, reverse-cycle air conditioning, switchboard upgrades, ceiling fans and draught sealing.
The loans are available to households with a combined taxable income of up to $210,000 and can be repaid over a ten-year period, reducing the need for large upfront payments that have previously prevented many families from making energy-saving changes. The government expects more than 32,000 households to take up the loan offer.
Targeted rebates of up to $4,000 will also be introduced later in 2026 for households earning up to $80,000 a year or for eligible concession card holders. These payments are designed to further reduce the upfront cost of installing efficient appliances and home upgrades, with funding also set aside for renters where landlords agree to the improvements.
For example, a household with a combined income of $200,000 could install a $10,000 solar and battery system and repay the cost over time through an interest-free arrangement, rather than paying the full amount upfront.
Energy-efficient upgrades have become increasingly common across the state, with more than half of NSW homes now equipped with rooftop solar and around 13,000 home batteries being installed each month. However, upfront costs continue to be a barrier for many households, particularly those on lower or middle incomes.
Premier Chris Minns said the program is intended to offer practical help with household costs while supporting broader energy system changes.
“We know energy bills are putting pressure on families right now, and while this won’t solve every cost-of-living challenge people are facing, it’s practical help that can make a real difference,” he said.
“For many households, the upfront cost of these upgrades has simply been too high. We’re stepping in to help where we can, so more families can access technology that lowers their bills and makes their homes more comfortable.”
Minister for Climate Change and Energy Penny Sharpe said the initiative aims to make home efficiency upgrades more accessible across different income groups.
“For too many households, energy-saving upgrades have felt like something other people can afford. This is about changing that and giving more families a fair opportunity to access the kinds of improvements that make their homes more comfortable, more efficient and better to live in,” she said.
“Every household that upgrades to more efficient technology is playing a part in NSW’s energy future. Making these technologies more accessible helps more households enjoy a cooler home in summer, a warmer home in winter, and smaller power bills every month.”
Industry groups have welcomed the program. Smart Energy Council chief executive David McElrea said the initiative would help households take control of their energy costs and speed up uptake of home energy technology.
“This program is a massive win for households looking to take control of their energy bills,” he said.
“Helping lower-income earners and renters to overcome the cost barrier to modernising their homes with smart solar, batteries, efficient cooling and heating is the fastest way to permanently drive down household expenses while building a more resilient grid.”
Information on eligibility and applications is available via the NSW Government website at NSW Home Energy Saver program information.
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