What is the Energy Efficiency Improvement Scheme?

The Energy Efficiency Improvement Scheme (EEIS) is a government program designed to reduce energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions by encouraging the uptake of energy-efficient products and services.

Under the scheme, authorised contractors deliver energy-saving upgrades such as efficient hot water systems, heating and cooling systems, or appliance rebates to homes and businesses. In return, they generate energy savings, which are sold to electricity retailers who are required to meet annual energy savings targets.

The scheme helps:

• Lower energy bills for households and businesses
• Increase ways priority households reduce use and energy costs
• Reduce overall energy demand and emissions

Who administers the scheme?

The City and Environment Directorate (CED) is responsible for monitoring and determining whether electricity retailers are meeting their obligations under the scheme.

What is a priority household?

Priority household means a residential premises in which one person who lives at the premises:

1. is a recipient of an ACT Government energy concession;
2. holds an Australian Government pensioner concession card or health care card;
3. holds a Department of Veterans Affairs pensioner concession card, TPI gold repatriation health care card, war widows repatriation health care card, or gold repatriation health care card;
4. holders of a Commonwealth seniors health card;
5. holders of an Australian Government low income health care card;
6. recipient of an Australian Government disability support pension;
7. people accessing an energy retailer’s financial hardship program (however described);
8. people referred to a NERL retailer by a referring organisation for access to eligible activities carried out by the retailer;
9. people living in a priority dwelling;
10. is actively participating in an energy retailer’s payment plan (offered and applied as per section 50 of the National Energy Retail Law (ACT)); or
11. has a residential tenancy agreement with the landlord of the premises and the rent for the premises is $660 or less per week (residential premises with partial tenancy are not eligible for Priority Household).

By being a priority household, you may be eligible for additional discounts under the Scheme.

How does the application process work?

1. We’ll check your details: If we need any more information, you’ll hear from us.
2. We’ll confirm once your application is approved: You’ll get an email letting you know it’s all good to go.
3. We’ll transfer your rebate: Once approved, your rebate will be paid to your nominated bank account. This can take up to 60 days from the approval date.

Who is eligible to apply for an appliance rebate?

Eligible activities apply to residential and business premises located in the ACT, where the appliance is purchased from an authorised seller.

What is an authorised seller?

An authorised seller is a retailer that has an arrangement with an authorised contractor for activities involving the purchase of an approved appliance. Only approved appliances purchased from an authorised seller will be accepted, as these retailers have completed the required training and met all obligations set out under the EEIS legislation.

Is authorised installation required to complete the activity?

No. For all appliance retail activities, the activity is considered complete at the point of sale. Installation by an authorised installer is not required. The approved product however must be purchased from an authorised seller.

Is MAC an authorised contractor?

An authorised contractor is a business approved by an energy retailer to deliver eligible energy-saving upgrades or services. This means the contractor meets strict compliance standards under EEIS legislation and is authorised to carry out eligible installations and upgrades within the scheme. MAC Trade Services is an authorised contractor under the EEIS.

Are second-hand, refurbished, or demo appliances eligible?

No. Only new appliances approved by MAC and that meet scheme requirements are eligible.

What types of refrigerators or freezers are eligible?

New refrigerators or freezers that meet energy efficiency, volume, and performance requirements under AS/NZS 4474.

What products are excluded from this activity?

The following are not eligible:

• Wine storage appliances
• Appliances with compartments exclusively for wine or beverage storage
• Cooled storage cabinets that fall outside the Determination

What types of dryers are eligible?

Eligible products include:

• Stand-alone electric heat pump clothes dryers
• Combination washer-dryers that use heat pump drying technology

Are vented or condenser dryers eligible?

No. Only dryers using heat pump technology qualify under this activity.

What minimum energy ratings apply?

• Stand-alone dryers: minimum 7 stars
• Combination washer-dryers: minimum 6.5 stars

Ratings must be determined using AS/NZS 2442 testing standards.

What televisions are eligible under this activity?

Eligible televisions must:

• Be energy-labelled under AS/NZS 62087
• Have a minimum energy rating of 7 stars

Are monitors, displays, or commercial screens eligible?

No. Only products that meet the regulatory definition of a television are eligible.