On 19 February 2010 the Government announced that a new household Renewable Energy Bonus Scheme will assist households to save money on power bills and reduce their carbon emissions.

This new Scheme will replace the Home Insulation Program and the Solar Hot Water Rebate Program both of which are discontinued as of close of business 19 February 2010.

From 20 February 2010, the rebate on solar hot water systems is reduced from $1,600 to $1,000 and the rebate on heat pump systems is reduced from $1,000 to $600.

Transitional Arrangements until 19 March 2010

Transitional arrangements have been put in place for people who paid for or ordered their hot water systems prior to 20 February 2010.

Eligible solar or heat pump hot water systems purchased or installed prior to 20 February 2010 may be eligible for a $1,600 rebate for solar hot water or $1,000 for heat pumps, if proof of purchase or installation prior to 20 February 2010 is included with the application.

Applicants who ordered or made partial payment for their solar or heat pump hot water systems but had not had their system installed prior to 20 February 2010, must include written evidence of their order with their rebate application. A receipt for a deposit or a copy of their supplier’s order form is required. A quote is not sufficient evidence of an order.

In all cases final decisions regarding rebate eligibility will be made by the Government.

Arrangements after 20 March 2010

IMPORTANT: All applications received from 20 March 2010 will be assessed for $1,000 for solar hot water and $600 for heat pump hot water systems, regardless of installation date.

Interim program guidelines and application forms for the Renewable Energy Bonus Scheme and the previous Solar Hot Water Rebate will be available shortly.

Further information is available on phone 1800 808 571.

• Media release - 19 February 2010