Increasing energy efficiency in Tasmania will help drive down power bills, increase investment, support Tasmanian jobs and better protect the environment.
That’s why the Government is setting up the $10 million Tasmanian Energy Efficiency Loan Scheme to help Tasmanians realise the benefits of energy efficiency and to support jobs.
The Scheme will be focussed on households and small businesses, loans will be for up to five years and will be completely interest free.
The Government is developing a list of approved energy efficient products that will be eligible under the Scheme, such as heat pumps, double glazing and efficient wood heaters. The Scheme will also cover both solar hot water systems and solar PV.
The Scheme will be in addition to the highly successful energy efficiency no interest loan program delivered by Aurora Energy in partnership with NILS through its YES initiative. That program, which is designed to assist vulnerable households accessing energy efficiency products will also continue to be offered.
The Government is determined to make this Scheme a winner and that’s why we are committed to consulting with business and community in finalising the Scheme, including businesses such as Tas Energy Savers, which I visited today. The Scheme has also been supported by Sustainable Living Tasmania, the TCCI, the Small Business Council of Tasmania, the Property Council and the Tasmanian Renewable Energy Alliance.
This Scheme will deliver real benefits to Tasmanians, it’s good for the environment and it will support and create jobs right around the State.