Energy savings for NSW households: loans and discounts to help families lower their bills
Media Release /Wednesday, 17 June 2026
Eligible households will now be able to access zero-interest loans of up to $15,000 to install energy-saving and cost-cutting upgrades such as rooftop solar, household batteries, insulation, reverse-cycle air conditioning, switchboard upgrades, ceiling fans and draught-proofing.
From today, the Minns Labor Government’s $557 million Home Energy Saver program is available to help NSW families lower their power bills by making energy-saving upgrades more affordable.
Many NSW households are already saving money through rooftop solar, home batteries and efficient appliances – with just over half of all houses in the state equipped with solar and 13,000 new batteries being installed each month.
While energy-efficient upgrades reduce costs in the long run, the upfront costs have locked many people out, and this program will make upgrades significantly more affordable.
In addition to loans, the program will provide discounts of up to $4,000 to eligible families looking to upgrade with energy-saving measures.
The Home Energy Saver program includes:
Zero-interest loans available from today to households with a combined taxable income of up to $210,000. This will allow eligible households to pay off up to $15,000 in upgrades over ten years rather than upfront. This is expected to benefit more than 32,000 households. This is a $480 million commitment.
Targeted discounts of up to $4,000 will be available later in 2026 to households with a combined annual income of up to $80,000, or eligible concession card holders. This is a $77 million commitment.
For example, if your household earns $200,000 and you want to purchase a solar and home battery system for $10,000, you can apply for a loan and pay it off over ten years.
Eligible households wanting to apply for a discount and a zero-interest loan on a single upgrade are advised to apply for the discount first, then seek a loan to cover the remaining amount.
Discounts will also be available to renters, to make upgrades with their landlord’s permission.
Households will enjoy benefits such as lowering their monthly power bills and making their homes more comfortable year-round, cooler through summer hat and warmer through winter.
For information and to apply, visit www.energy.nsw.gov.au/home-
Premier Chris Minns said:
“We know energy bills are putting pressure on families right now, and while this won’t solve every cost-of-living challenge people are facing, it’s practical help that can make a real difference.
“For many households, the upfront cost of these upgrades has simply been too high. We’re stepping in to help where we can, so more families can access technology that lowers their bills and makes their homes more comfortable.
“We’re doing what we can to help families now, while making sure NSW has a more reliable and secure energy system for the future.”
Minister for Climate Change and Energy, Penny Sharpe said:
“For too many households, energy-saving upgrades have felt like something other people can afford. This is about changing that and giving more families a fair opportunity to access the kinds of improvements that make their homes more comfortable, more efficient and better to live in.
“Every household that upgrades to more efficient technology is playing a part in NSW’s energy future. Making these technologies more accessible helps more households enjoy a cooler home in summer, a warmer home in winter, and smaller power bills every month.”
Smart Energy Council CEO, David McElrea said:
“This program is a massive win for households looking to take control of their energy bills.
“Helping lower-income earners and renters to overcome the cost barrier to modernising their homes with smart solar, batteries, efficient cooling and heating is the fastest way to permanently drive down household expenses while building a more resilient grid.”
