According to the Victoria government, about 36% of commercial building energy is used for water heating that serves space heating and hot water. That number rises to 40% in colder regions. In response, New South Wales and Victoria each introduced compelling rebate programmes for commercial organisations. The hot water system rebate programmes for businesses help combat increasing environmental concerns, supporting an urgent need for sustainable business practices.
How do the programs work?
The two rebate schemes help businesses transition from traditional electric hot water systems to energy-efficient heat pump water heating systems. Thanks to the rebates, business owners can upgrade their systems at no cost, saving thousands of dollars.
Celebrated for their efficiency, heat pumps use ambient air and warmth from the surrounding ground to heat water. These water heating systems significantly reduce the amount of electricity required. Installing an energy-efficient commercial heat pump hot water system can drastically reduce your business’ water heating bill by up to 60%.
The benefits don’t end there. Since heat pumps require less maintenance than traditional systems, they require fewer service calls, which extends their lifespan and improves overall cost efficiency. Each initiative, fully funded by the respective state governments, reflects a commitment to reduce carbon emissions and reduce businesses’ operational costs.
Under the NSW Energy Savings Scheme, the state’s commercial rebate programme helps businesses upgrade their existing electric hot water systems to heat pump technology. The programme covers all associated costs, encouraging businesses to embrace more sustainable heating practices.
Business owners who are interested in the programme can apply through Efficient Energy Group or the list of accredited providers that are part of the ESS. Providers handle all aspects of the upgrade, everything from the initial assessment to the complete installation of the new system. The professionals even properly dispose of old equipment.
Similar to the NSW scheme, the Victorian Energy Upgrades programme helps businesses replace outdated electric hot water systems with advanced heat pump models. The initiative in Victoria helps businesses reduce high energy costs. It also contributes to the state’s environmental targets by reducing energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions.
Eligibility for the Victoria rebate is determined through a straightforward process, managed by VEU-accredited providers. The selected professionals make sure the installation complies with all programme requirements. Accredited providers then offer end-to-end service, managing the entire upgrade process, from the initial energy efficiency assessment to the installation and deployment of the new system. The best part? It’s free of charge to the business.
Participating in the hot water system rebate programmes in New South Wales and Victoria provides multiple advantages, benefiting individual business owners, the broader community, and the fragile environment.
The following benefits are key to support sustainability goals and enhance residents’ quality of life:
- Environmental Benefits: Rebate programme participants reduce carbon emissions and decrease their reliance on non-renewable energy sources. When they adopt more efficient water heating systems like heat pumps, businesses help preserve natural resources and protect the environment.
- Economic Benefits: When they deploy higher-efficiency heat pump systems, business owners enjoy substantial cost savings on energy bills over time. The rebates also eliminate the upfront costs of installation, so sustainable technology is accessible and financially viable.
- Community and Societal Benefits: When business owners participate in energy upgrade rebate programmes, they support state and national sustainability goals. The collective effort promotes a shift towards more sustainable living practices across the region.
A straightforward process guides participants in the hot water system rebate programmes in New South Wales and Victoria. To take part, residents must first verify their eligibility. The chosen hot water systems must be covered under the respective state’s rebate programme.
Businesses in New South Wales can review eligibility details and programme specifics at the Energy Saver section of the NSW government’s website. Once there, they can access up-to-date information about the ESS and various other rebate schemes.
Victorian residents can access detailed information about the VEU programme on the Victorian Energy Saver website. Both platforms provide comprehensive guides on eligible systems and the terms of participation.
Once participants confirm their eligibility, they should contact a certified installer or a covered provider—professionals authorised to process the rebate applications on behalf of business owners. The rebate is then applied directly at the point of sale. This simplifies the process, and it ensures most participants have no upfront costs. Both sites also list participating providers, making it easy to find a certified professional nearby.