What is the SA Retailer Energy Productivity Scheme (REPS)?

REPS is a South Australian Government initiative designed to help households and businesses improve energy efficiency. Under REPS, eligible consumers can receive incentives and rebates when upgrading to more energy-efficient hot water systems, air conditioning and appliances, or by connecting their solar batteries or EV chargers to a Virtual Power Plant.

How does REPS work?

REPS, the Retailer Energy Productivity Scheme, helps households and small businesses save energy and lower costs by encouraging upgrades to more efficient products.

Here’s how it works behind the scenes:

1. You complete an eligible upgrade
   This might include installing air conditioning or hot water systems, applying for an appliance rebate, or connecting a battery or EV charger to a Virtual Power Plant.
2. Certificates are created from that upgrade
   Each eligible upgrade can create energy certificates, which represent the energy savings from your upgrade.
3. MAC Trade Services manages the certificate process
   We check your upgrade meets REPS rules, collect required documents and photos, and create the certificates linked to your upgrade.
4. Obliged retailers buy the certificates
   Energy retailers in South Australia are required by the government to buy certificates each year to meet their REPS obligations.
5. The value is passed on to you as a rebate or discount
   The money from selling certificates helps fund the rebate or discount you receive, either as an upfront saving or a rebate after you apply.

You don’t need to deal with certificates at all. MAC Trade Services handles the entire process for you.

Who administers REPS?

The Essential Services Commission of South Australia (ESCOSA) administers REPS. The Minister for Energy and Mining sets the rules and requirements for the scheme.

How do I access the scheme?

It depends on what you’re getting installed or connected.

For air conditioning and hot water systems, MAC Trade Services and our participating partners will include any applicable scheme incentives as part of your quote.

For appliance rebates or for connecting solar batteries or EV chargers to a Virtual Power Plant, you simply need to complete the online application form at www.mactradeservices.com.au.

Not sure which option applies to you? Call MAC Trade Services on 1300 430 917 or email customerservice@mactradeservices.com.au.

Is MAC Trade Services an accredited REPS provider?

Yes. MAC Trade Services is a REPS Accredited Provider. This means we meet strict compliance standards set by ESCOSA and are authorised to deliver eligible installations and upgrades under the scheme.

Will I need to sign any agreements or terms and conditions?

Yes. To participate in REPS activities, you’ll need to agree to terms and conditions that allow MAC Trade Services to claim the REPS credits on your behalf. Our team will walk you through this process before any work begins.

Am I eligible for REPS?

You may be able to get a rebate through REPS if you’re in South Australia and:

• you’re upgrading an older or inefficient appliance or system, or
• you’re applying for a rebate, such as an appliance cashback or connecting a solar battery or EV charger to a Virtual Power Plant.

In most cases, the same REPS upgrade can’t be claimed twice at the same address.

To check, fill in our online enquiry form. Our team will confirm whether you qualify and explain the next steps.

What is a Priority Group Household?

A Priority Group Household is one where someone in the household holds one of the following:

• Pension Concession Card
• Health Care Card, including low-income
• TPI or War Widows Gold Repatriation Health Card
• Gold Repatriation Health Card (EDA)
• Is actively participating in a retailer hardship, energy concession program, or payment plan
• Is receiving the South Australian Government Energy Concession
• Has been referred by a registered member of the South Australian Financial Counsellors Association (SAFCA)
• Rents a property for $500 per week or less

Priority Group Households may be eligible for higher rebates, up to 30% more.

Can businesses access REPS?

Yes. REPS is available to both households and small businesses in South Australia.

To qualify, your business must be classed as a Small Energy Consuming Customer, meaning it uses less than 160MWh of electricity per year at the site where the upgrade is happening.

Eligible business upgrades can include:

• air conditioning
• hot water systems
• appliance rebates
• connecting solar batteries or EV chargers to a Virtual Power Plant

Can I receive a rebate if I’ve already had this work done before?

Usually no. Most REPS activities can only be claimed once at a property.

The main exception is Virtual Power Plants. If you’re connecting your solar battery to a VPP, you may be able to receive a rebate again when you renew your VPP contract after three years.

What energy efficiency activities are available under REPS?

Available activities include:

• installing or upgrading to energy-efficient split system air conditioners
• installing or upgrading to energy-efficient hot water systems
• applying for rebates when upgrading to energy-efficient fridges, freezers, or dryers
• applying for rebates on electric vehicle chargers
• applying for rebates when connecting to an approved Virtual Power Plant

Which locations do you service?

For upgrades that need an installer, such as air conditioning or hot water systems, our installers primarily work in the Adelaide metropolitan area and within approximately 1 to 1.5 hours travel from the CBD.

If you live further away, you may be placed on a waitlist. When an installer is scheduled to attend your area, they’ll contact you to arrange a suitable day and time. Additional travel costs may apply.

For rebate-only activities, such as appliance rebates or connecting a solar battery or EV charger to a Virtual Power Plant, location doesn’t matter. You can apply from anywhere in South Australia.

Do you service rural or country areas?

Yes. For installer-based upgrades outside metropolitan Adelaide, you’ll be added to a waitlist. Additional travel charges may apply.

Rebate-only activities are available statewide and completed online.

How long is the wait for an appointment?

Wait times vary depending on demand. Air conditioning installations may take longer during peak periods.

For current wait times, contact the customer service team on 1300 430 917 or email customerservice@mactradeservices.com.au.

What do I do if I have a problem with a REPS installation?

If something doesn’t seem right after your installation, get in touch with us.

Call 1300 430 917 or email customerservice@mactradeservices.com.au, and provide the installation date and address. Our team will assess the issue and arrange repair or replacement if required.

Do I pay upfront for the installation, or is the rebate deducted first?

In most cases, MAC Trade Services applies the REPS incentive as an upfront discount. This means you pay the reduced amount from the start. The exact payment process will be explained when you receive your quote.

Are there any fees or charges I should be aware of?

REPS rebates help reduce the cost of eligible upgrades, but they usually don’t cover the full price.

The amount you pay depends on:

• the type of upgrade or rebate you’re applying for
• the product selected
• whether you are a Priority Group customer

For installer-based upgrades, additional costs may apply if installations are more complex, electrical upgrades are required, or the property is in a regional or remote area. We’ll always explain any costs upfront.