Rebate program aims to reduce community carbon emissions
Shellharbour City Council is trialling a Sustainability Rebates Program to help residential property owners move towards using cleaner energy at home.
The program aims to encourage households to switch from gas and low efficiency appliances to energy efficient appliances powered by solar energy.
From Friday 3 November 2023, eligible applicants can apply for multiple rebates for one or more of the specified sustainable products.
The rebates will help lower the cost of installing solar, heat pump water heaters, induction cooktops, electric vehicle chargers and home batteries.
Funded by Council’s Small Environmental Projects Fund, the program supports the organisation’s aim of reaching net zero community emissions by 2050.
Approximately 48% of Shellharbour’s community emissions come from electricity consumption, with on-road transport contributing 30%.
More than 9900 households in Shellharbour City have already installed solar panels.
Mayor Chris Homer said the rebate program would encourage homeowners to take the next step.
“Going electric is better for your hip pocket and better for the environment. When it comes to cooktops there are also significant health benefits,” Mayor Homer said.
According to the National Asthma Council, recent scientific studies have found “that around 12 per cent of childhood asthma in Australia can be attributed to the use of gas stoves for cooking”.
Council adopted its Zero Emissions Shellharbour Strategy 2022-2050 last year. The strategy aims to reach net zero Council operational emissions by 2035, and net zero community emissions by 2050.
“These targets cannot be achieved by Council alone, so we want to support our community switch to cleaner, cheaper and more efficient appliances as we transition to an all-electric future,” Mayor Homer said.
Resources are available on Council’s website to help homeowners make the switch.
Council is also encouraging residents not yet ready to create their own ‘Go Electric Plan’ to help them prioritise actions towards their all-electric home.
To apply for a rebate visit Council’s Small Environemental Projects Fund.
