OLD fridges and televisions that drain low-income households and strain the environment are in the state government’s cross-hairs.
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It has made $4 million available in the budget for eligible homes to buy more energy efficient models that would otherwise be out of financial reach.
“Replacing an inefficient fridge will save a household up to $200 a year on its energy bill, while replacing an inefficient TV will save up to $125 a year,” Parliamentary Secretary for the Hunter Scot MacDonald said.
“This program will help 20,000 low income households lower their living costs.”
The 40 and 50 per cent discounts are part of the Home Energy Action program.
Eligible applicants must be a NSW resident, and hold either a valid Pensioner Concession Card, Health Care Card or Low Income Health Care Card from Centrelink or a Gold Card from Veterans’ Affairs.
The fridge being replaced must be six years or older and the TV being replaced must be a plasma or cathode ray tube (CRT) model.
Environment Minister Mark Speakman said the scheme could also reduce about 11,500 tonnes of carbon emissions every year, which was like taking more than 2,800 cars off the road, if 20,000 households each used the subsidy to replace one appliance.
“This scheme is designed to reduce the high upfront costs for low income households to replace inefficient fridges and TVs,” Mr Speakman said.
“The scheme is expected to save enough electricity to power more than 1,800 average NSW households a year.”
The state government is also working with leading community service organisations namely Anglicare, Baptist Care, Kempsey Neighbourhood Centre, Kildonan Uniting Care, Metro Assist, Northern Rivers Community Gateway and Good Shepherd Microfinance to ensure their energy hardship clients can easily access the offer, particularly those most in need across regional and remote NSW.
The offer is available until the $4 million program budget is exhausted.
