The Australian Government's Energy Efficient Homes Package is a $4 billion package to improve the energy rating of Australian homes - cutting their energy waste, making them more comfortable and helping home owners save up to 40 per cent on their electricity bills.

 

Under this program the Australian Government is offering:

• Free ceiling insulation worth up to $1,600 to all Australian home owner-occupiers of currently uninsulated homes; or
• Help for renters, with a rebate for landlords up to $1,000 on the costs of insulating their rental properties.

The insulation programs are not means-tested (no income limits).

Insulation is the simplest, most effective and cheapest way to make your house more energy efficient and keep it cooler in summer and warmer in winter. The Government estimates that up to 40 per cent of Australian homes are not insulated.

The program commences 1st July 2009, however as an interim arrangement, owner-occupiers who do not currently have ceiling insulation and who self-organise its installation between the date of the announcement of this package on 3 February 2009 and 30 June 2009, will be able to seek reimbursements of their costs up to a maximum amount of $1,600. Keep your receipts and apply for reimbursement once systems are operational.